Page 43

CHAPTER 43

YOU OWE ME A WISH, MR. QUARTERBACK

XANDER

February

“How do you feel?” Garcia stops beside me. We’re shoulder to shoulder, watching people fill the Sharks’ stadium in Miami.

“Good. Ready to get that trophy.”

“I thought you got your trophy when Isabella agreed to be with you.”

“Bella isn’t my trophy.” I turn to face him, arms crossed. “I’m not with her because of how she looks. She’s my person.”

“Wow.” Carter whistles, joining us. “Sounds to me like you’re ready for the big step.” He gives me a hard slap on the back before he puts me in a headlock and runs his knuckles over my hair. “Are you going to steal the show and propose to your girlfriend?”

“Steal the show? Nah.” I laugh and push him away. “Happiness loves silence. Do you remember Logan Jones from the Beavers?”

Carter huffs a laugh. “How could anyone forget? The guy helped his team win three Super Bowls. He’s a fucking legend. Why?”

“He proposed to his girlfriend after that first win, but no one knew until months later. He did it in the middle of the empty stadium so the moment could be just between the two of them.”

“So…are you planning to propose to Isabella or not? You lost me.” Garcia frowns. “Meg loves grand gestures. She wouldn’t mind if I proposed for everyone to see.”

“Bella is the total opposite. And no, I don’t have plans to propose.” The thought flashed in my head when I saw her reaction to Tom getting on one knee for Ben. It’d be the most logical continuation of our love, but it’s too soon.

“Like, never?” Garcia scratches his jaw.

I groan. “Just not now. This whole thing with Miller…”

The fucker didn’t pay for any of his wrongdoings. He didn’t pay for drugging Stacey. He didn’t pay for all the abuse he inflicted on Bella. Even now, in “rehab,” he’s posting Stories about his everyday life on Instagram. He kept his place on the team because management didn’t want backlash, and with Isaiah Gibson helping us get here today, they’re happy. I was so fucking tempted to tell them the truth about Miller. My words could easily be his undoing, but he outplayed me with the help of his agent and PR company, and I was forced to stay quiet.

Garcia’s face pales. “Sorry, man. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“Thanks.”

“You okay?” Carter asks in a quiet voice.

“I’m fine.” I give him a half smile. Somehow, this guy has become my best friend.

After everything with Miller went down, Carter has been by my side. He and Garcia are the only people on the team who know the real reason behind Jake’s rehab stint, and they hate him just as much as I do.

“That’s good to know.” He nods.

I nod back, my insides warming. I cherish all the relationships I have on this team, but with Carter? It’s the kind of friendship I’ve longed to have for years.

“Should we go?” Garcia asks. “We have a Super Bowl to win.”

“Hell yeah, we do!”

The three of us head to the locker room. It’s time for the big game.

* * *

Our center, TJ Harris, stands in front of me. I flex my hands. A powerful energy courses through my body. The roar of the stadium is deafening, but in this moment I can hear everything. Every breath. Every shift of weight from the defense.

TJ snaps the ball and I catch it, drop back three steps. The line collapses around me; everyone is moving. One of Atlanta’s linebackers breaks through, coming way too fucking fast.

I spin left, barely missing the outstretched arms reaching for my jersey. The clock is running out. I scan the field, the tingling in my fingers intensifying. And finally I see him—our wide receiver. Isaiah Gibson is cutting toward the end zone. Ten yards, five…

Fuck, it’s now or never .

I stop, set my feet firmly, inhale harshly, and throw. The ball slices the air like a knife. Everything around me slows down; the stadium goes silent. I watch as Isaiah leaps up and fucking catches the ball.

Expelling the breath I’ve been holding, I see the ref throw his hands in the air.

Touchdown.

That means…we win. We fucking win! We earned it. The whole team was in sync. Final score: 31 to 20.

I’m buzzing with adrenaline and excitement. Fuck . My very first Super Bowl.

Tonight, all those journalists who said I’m nothing but a pretty face are eating crow.

“We fucking won!” Carter barrels into me, knocking me over and yelling in my ear like a banshee. “Walker, we won!”

I laugh and push at him, but he doesn’t budge. A moment later, I’m in the middle of a mob of red and white, the whole team chanting.

When I’m finally on my feet, Coach is soaking wet from head to toe, shaking his head but grinning. More and more people have joined us on the field, but I’m only looking for her. I desperately want to take her in my arms and kiss her lips for all these people to see. I want to show the world she means everything to me.

“Alex!” My sister runs toward me, our parents and Ryan on her heels, smiling from ear to ear. She leaps into my arms, hugging me tightly and blabbering about how proud of me she is.

“Oh my God, Alex! I was biting my nails the entire game!”

“Why?” I laugh, my head lolling back. “Did you doubt me?”

“No. These stupid pregnancy hormones make me extra anxious, especially about you.” I put her on her feet, and she instantly palms my face, tears streaming down her cheeks. “You’ve been through so much shit the last few weeks, so I’m just…I’m so, so happy you won. You won the Super Bowl!”

“Audrey,” I murmur. “You’re a mess.”

“I know,” she sobs as she steps away, still smiling.

Ryan claps me on the back. “You were incredible.” He moves away and wraps his arm around Audrey’s waist.

My dad is next, pulling me in for a tight hug. “You were great. Probably need to work on your spiral a bit, but?—”

“Greg!” Mom yelps, swatting Dad on his shoulder. “Leave him alone.”

I rake a hand through my sweat-soaked hair. “Mom, if Dad didn’t give me shit, I’d think his body had been taken over by aliens.”

“I’m so happy for you,” she says, pushing her way between us. “And so proud.” She kisses my cheek before stepping back.

I try to keep up with what they’re saying, but my mind is elsewhere. The only person I want to see is Bella, and she isn’t here.

“You’re coming to our house tonight for a little party…” Audrey says as I survey the field.

Bella is somewhere here too. Did she get lost in the crowd? I glance over my shoulder, seeing Marco with our teammates, and it eases some of the tension. Meg isn’t here either.

“…and it will be incredible!”

“I don’t think Alex is listening,” Ryan laughs, pulling my sister to his side.

That catches my attention.

Her face falls, and her eyes go hard. “Do you have more important priorities than celebrating with your family?”

“Sorry, Audrey. Just…have you seen Bella?” I look from one family member to another.

“Sorry, man. Bella didn’t sit with us.” Ryan gives me an apologetic smile.

“Did she even come to the game?” Audrey asks, arms crossed over her chest.

I frown. What the hell is wrong with her?

“Bella is here with her best friend, her cousin, and his fiancé. They chose to sit in the stands,” I grit out. Then I focus on my parents. “See you later, guys. I need to get back to the team. We’re gonna take pictures in a few.”

“Of course.” Mom smiles and takes Dad’s hand. “See you later.”

“See you.” Ryan turns and drags my sister away, trailing after my parents.

They’re still within earshot when Audrey says, “She’s the reason Alex has been through the wringer, and she couldn’t be bothered to show up and support him? I’m telling you, she’s no better than her ex.”

Clenching my jaw, I focus on my breathing. Audrey’s words boil my blood. I’ll talk to her later, make sure she understands that I won’t put up with her speaking about Bella like that. It’s cruel, and incredibly far from the truth. My sister should know better.

I’ve almost made it to where the team is gathered when the sound of Bella’s voice makes me stop in my tracks. I whirl around and barely have time to throw my arms out before she’s launched herself at me. She hugs my neck, peppering my sweaty face with light kisses. I slide my hands down to her butt, keeping her close.

This right here is just as significant as the moment we won.

My heart beats out of my chest, and my throat is tight with emotion. I’ve never gotten high in my life, but I can imagine it feels something like this, like I can do absolutely anything. I’m unstoppable, invincible, immune to anything bad when she’s with me.

She’s my light, my personal sunshine. She’s my partner in crime, my seductive mistress, my sensitive girl. Bella makes me feel complete.

“I was worried you bailed on me,” I whisper in her ear.

She pulls back abruptly, her sapphire eyes raking over my face, a worry line between her brows. “Never,” she murmurs. “Meg and I got a little lost trying to find our way onto the field. She’s with Marco now.”

“Where are Tom and Ben?”

She rolls her eyes then leans in close. “Tom, apparently, has never had sex in a public place, and he wants to change that today.”

I throw my head back and guffaw. “No way.”

“Yes way.” She nods. “You owe me a wish, Mr. Quarterback, remember?”

“What will it be?” I set her on her feet and clasp her hands. Like every time we’re together, the rest of the world disappears.

“I’ll tell you when it’s just us.” She brings her mouth to mine and slips her tongue between my lips.

Fuck . Controlling myself around my girl has proven to be impossible.

“Hey, lovebirds.” Carter’s booming voice brings us back to reality. “It’s time for pictures, and we need our star quarterback.”

I bring Bella’s hands to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “Will you be okay?”

“Of course.” She grins. “See you later.”

“We’re headed to Audrey’s, I guess. She planned a small get-together.”

“Oh.” Bella worries her lip, brows pinched. “Okay, I’ll find Ben and Tom and say bye.”

“Why don’t they come with us?”

“Ben made a reservation at some fancy restaurant he’s been dying to try.” She takes a step back. “Go. I’ll figure everything out. Don’t worry.”

“Love you,” I murmur.

Her lips stretch into a gorgeous smile. “Love you too.”

* * *

The next hour passes in a blur. Picture after picture. Interview after interview. At the end of it all, I’m stumbling around in a daze, so much so that I genuinely wonder why the field isn’t green. Good thing I keep my question to myself, because once I blink away my dizziness, I realize it’s confetti.

“You know what I’m the most excited about?” Garcia asks as I pass him on my way out of the stadium. He has his arm wrapped around Meg. “Super Bowl rings!”

I snort, though I’m excited for that too.

“I can get behind that,” I say as we fist-bump. “See you guys.”

The moment Bella comes into view—sitting in the car we rented—all my tiredness disappears. She’s here, waiting for me. My girl… The concentrated look on her face is my addiction.

“Hey, you.” I climb into the car, catching sight of the book in her hands. It’s filled with colorful tabs, as if she’s found something interesting on every page. “Sorry you had to wait so long. Hope you weren’t too bored.”

“Nah, I had my book boyfriend to keep me entertained.” She twists at the waist and sets the book in the backseat. “Ready?”

“Book boyfriend?” I eye her, fighting the urge to pick up the book and flip through it.

“Jealous?” She waggles her brows. “Actually, I was reading about the history of American interior design.” She pulls her seat belt across her torso and clicks it into place. “Thank you for picking this car instead of the fancy one your agent insisted on.”

“Your love for simple things amazes me. You could have it all, yet you’re always so content with the understated. It’s one of my favorite things about you.”

“I hope so. For a second, I thought you were judging me,” she remarks.

“Never.” I put my palm on her thigh. “You’re remarkable.”

* * *

During the hourlong drive to Audrey’s place, Bella asked a million questions about what it was like on the field.

“Were Tom and Ben okay without us?” I ask as we walk hand in hand to Audrey’s front door.

“I’m pretty sure they were grateful to have a break from us.”

“Ouch. I thought they loved me.” I bring a hand to my heart and wince.

Bella smacks my forearm. “They do, but they don’t love all the attention you attract.”

I turn the knob and guide Bella into the house with my hand on the small of her back. Instantly, I’m blinded, disoriented by the dozens of people chanting my name and clapping.

What the hell? So much for a small gathering.

Bella curls in on herself, her hold on my fingers tightening as a quiet “Oh” escapes her.

“I didn’t know she invited so many people,” I mutter, squeezing her hand.

“It’s okay.” Bella gives me a small smile and closes the door.

It’s not okay. Audrey should’ve warned me the party would be so big. She always does this, and I get wanting to celebrate, but I specifically told her I wanted something small.

* * *

When I finally close the door of the guest room at three a.m., I’m exhausted yet still a bit hyped. I tried to confront Audrey, but Mom intervened, insisting that my emotions were heightened after the game and reminding me that my sister did it because she’s excited for me.

So, I let it go. But if it happens again, I won’t let anyone shut me up. I don’t need my big sister’s protection, and I’m over her meddling. I haven’t been a little boy for years, but she has a hard time accepting it.

“I’m beat.” Bella drags herself to the bed and slumps onto it. “Today was too much.”

“You’re right.” I plop down beside her.

“What were you and Audrey talking about? She looked hurt.”

Thankfully, Bella didn’t hear our conversation. She had run to the restroom, and by the time she returned, our talk was over, though my sister continued huffing, complaining I ruined her mood.

“I just told her a small gathering means a small gathering. Blindsiding us like that wasn’t okay. I didn’t need a party, and I didn’t want to see all those people. Hell, I barely know most of them.” I yawn loudly. “I had so many plans for tonight…for you and me.”

“We have all the time in the world, Xander,” she murmurs, turning onto her belly. Her eyes are sleepy, and a soft smile plays on her lips. She inches closer, kissing me slowly before she leans away. “Sometimes, these little moments mean more than big gestures.”

“I know,” I chuckle, my eyes growing heavy. “I don’t think I have the energy to get up and wash my face, let alone take my clothes off.”

“I feel the same way.”

I haul Bella to my chest and bury my face in her hair. Yes, my plans to make love to her are ruined, but falling asleep with her in my arms feels just as good.

* * *

Bella stirs in her sleep, her pretty ass rubbing over my groin and instantly making me hard. Within seconds, she rolls over, tangling her legs with mine.

“I want you.” Her hot breath fans over my face.

My lips tremble as a smile forms. “I want you too.”

With one warm hand, she pops the button on my jeans and lowers the zipper. When she palms my cock, tingles dart up my spine. For a moment, she moves her hand, jerking me off with her hand down my jeans. Then, once I’m completely at her mercy, she pulls my jeans and my briefs down, freeing me.

The second she takes my dick inside her warm mouth, I’m a mess. I rake my fingers through her hair, relishing the softness as she swirls her tongue around my crown. An erotic moan escapes her lips, making my balls tighten. She works me over, taking me deep before swirling her tongue over my head again and again as stars flicker across my vision. She’s not just giving me a blow job, she’s making love to my dick, and I’m in fucking heaven.

“Bella,” I moan. “Please, don’t stop, baby.”

She deepthroats me in earnest, squeezing my balls. I want to last, but my restraint is so thin already. I’m in her possession, whimpering and rolling my hips, fucking her throat while fisting her hair as if it’s the anchor keeping me on this Earth, keeping me sane.

I come hard and intense, my whole body stiffening as I let out a guttural groan. Bella doesn’t stop. She strokes my shaft, sucking my head and licking my cock clean. This girl… There’s no escape from my feelings for her. Every day, I fall more in love.

She’s in my blood, in the air I breathe.

She’s everywhere.

The curtains are closed, but from the natural light coming in around them, I’d guess it’s early morning.

Bella sits up, staring down at me with a smile on her lips. Her hair is disheveled, but she looks happy, so damn happy, it makes my heart flutter.

“Bella, I thought we had this talk.” I sit up in bed as well.

“What talk?” She gives me an innocent smile.

“I don’t like to be the only one getting attention.” I reach over, ready to yank her to my chest, but before I can she hops off the bed and looks at me with a naughty glint shimmering in her eyes. She takes off her dress using slow, calculated movements, and when it falls to the floor, she’s in nothing but red lingerie.

“I don’t know about you, but I could use a shower,” she says, her tongue tracing her bottom lip.

She turns around and strolls to the bathroom door, sensually swaying her hips. Shower? I’d follow her into a bathhouse and beg a wicked witch to turn me into a fucking dragon if it meant I could keep Bella safe. I’d give Calcifer my heart in exchange for powers to help me protect my girl.

I huff a laugh. Damn, every one of my thoughts is anime-related, and I’m not mad about it. Anything that’s important to her is important to me.

With a grunt, I climb off the bed. I strip quickly before I rush to the bathroom. She’s already in the shower, facing the glass. Beneath the steaming spray, she keeps her eyes on me and rubs her clit. Water streams down her neck and over her hard nipples, all the way to her pussy. With her other hand, she cups one breast and squeezes it hard.

She’s going to be the death of me.

While she pleasures herself, I stay rooted to the spot, stroking my dick. When she drops her head back and lets out a moan, my cock jumps.

In two strides, I’m at the shower door, pulling her out until she’s standing on the bath mat. I take her chin between my thumb and index finger, making her look at me. When she’s this close to her release, I can’t just watch from afar. I want to be inside her, right this second.

I press my mouth to hers, my fingers sliding down her throat to her breasts, over her soft belly and down to her pussy. Fuck, her core is hot and wet, and not just from the shower. Groaning, I lift her and guide her legs around my hips. The sensation of her wet skin on mine sends tingles through my whole body.

I yank a towel off the rack. With one hand, I spread it over the marble countertop before setting Bella on top. She leans away, her lips stretching into a seductive smile.

“You owe me a wish, Mr. Quarterback.” She brings a finger to the hollow of my throat and drags it down until she traces the word “Freedom” inked below my right nipple.

“What is it?” Feverish, desperate to sink deep inside her, I inch closer, my hands sliding down her hips and pulling her to me. “Tell me.”

“I better show you.” She pushes me away, hops to her feet, and turns her back to me. The mirror is misty with condensation, so I can’t see her face, but the moment my eyes fix on her ass, I’m salivating.

The diamond peeking back at me can only mean one thing: a butt plug.

“When did you…” I can’t finish the sentence. My thoughts are too scattered.

“I might’ve been up a little longer than you think.” Bella looks over her shoulder, grinning. “And I might’ve been wearing it here and there for the past few days, to get used to it.”

My heart stumbles. And I didn’t notice?

“You were busy preparing for the Super Bowl,” she says, as if reading my mind. “Plus, I’ve been sneaky. I didn’t want you to know until after you won.”

“Sneaky for sure.” I rest a hand on her ass, gently tracing her skin. So soft and warm. I give it a good smack, and she hisses through her teeth. “Damn, baby. My handprint looks perfect on your skin. I’ll never get tired of the view.”

“What about my wish?” She twerks, and I break into a sweat. Just the thought sends me skyrocketing into outer space.

“Baby, we need lube. I don’t think?—”

She laughs heartily. “You think I wouldn’t come prepared?”

I lift my chin in question, eyebrows pulling together.

“Check my toiletry bag.”

Hand trembling, I pull the bag close. There, right on top, is a small bottle of lube. I set it on the counter then take a step back, admiring this gorgeous girl. I won’t lie, I’ve dreamed about fucking her ass, but I didn’t expect her to want it too.

But here we are.

I slide closer and cup her pussy from behind. Bella arches her back in response. “So greedy…” I murmur. I rub her clit until she’s moaning and pressing hard against me. Her panting becomes louder, and I lightly slap her pussy before I pull my hand away.

Bella sags over the counter. “It’s not fair.”

“I don’t want you to come yet.” I pick up the lube and spread it all over my shaft. “Touch yourself, baby,” I order.

With one hand pressed to the marble surface, she sneaks the other between her legs. Once she’s panting again, I ease the plug out almost completely, but then I push it back in. A shuddering moan slips out of her mouth. God, there’s nothing more satisfying than making her feel good. I repeat the motion several times, and when her legs are shaking and she’s practically crying out for relief, I finally pluck it out fully and toss it into the sink.

I squirt a generous amount of lube on my fingers then push one inside her. When I find little resistance, I slip in a second one and thrust slowly, ensuring she’s ready for me.

“Xander, it feels so good…”

My chest puffs with smugness in response to her breathy sounds.

“But I want your cock…”

With one hand on the small of her back, I rub my dick over her little ass. With calculated slowness, I withdraw my fingers and push the tip of my cock past that ring of muscle before pulling back out. When she whimpers at the loss, I do it again, over and over, until she’s trembling once more.

This time, I go a little deeper, and a soft cry leaves her mouth.

“You’re doing so good,” I tell her.

It takes all my willpower to hold back my orgasm. Her ass is so fucking tight, welcoming me in perfectly. Eventually, I’m fully seated, and I can’t resist letting out a loud groan of approval.

“Oh my God, I’m so full,” Bella moans, her breathing erratic.

Fingers digging into her hips, I slowly rock against her, taking my time stretching her wide and enjoying our closeness. “You love my cock inside your tight little ass.”

“Yes…” Her words are whispered, but her loud moans echo off the tile. “I love your cock in my pussy…in my mouth…in my ass… Please don’t stop. I’m so close…”

All her sounds combine with the steady stream of water hitting the tile, clouding my mind as I rail into her, taking her deeper and more roughly with each thrust. I wrap her hair around my hand and fist it, pulling her head back.

She releases a long, guttural groan.

Desperate to see her face, I hunch over her and wipe off a section of the mirror. Our eyes lock instantly, hers flooded with just as much desire as I feel.

“Harder, Xander, please,” she begs.

I grip her flesh hard enough to bruise and obey, fucking her harder. The satisfied smile on her lips tells me everything I need to know. She fucking loves this. When I slap her ass, she pulsates around my shaft, squeezing my dick like never before. Her legs tremble, and she grips the edge of the countertop, trying to steady herself.

“God, baby, you’re fucking perfect,” I praise her.

As I pound into her, I keep one hand in her hair and use the other to spank her. Every time I do, her back arches, and I admire how flexible my girl is. There are so many things I’ve yet to discover about her, all the ways she loves to be fucked.

I let go of her hair and wrap my hand around her throat from behind. Her ass contracts, strangling my cock with enough intensity to make my vision blur. I look down at where we’re connected, at my handprints on her fine ass, and it’s enough to send me into fucking oblivion.

“X-Xander, I’m gonna come. Oh, G-God, please make me come!” Bella cries out as her body spasms, her ass tight around my dick.

Her orgasm triggers my release, and I squeeze her throat, controlling her breathing.

“That’s my girl,” I growl. I come then, spilling myself inside her.

When I’ve finally emptied every drop, I gently ease out of her, pulling her with me until her back is flush with my chest. She breathes erratically, her mouth open. As we watch each other in the mirror, all I can think is that I love this woman. I’m so fucking in love with her, it hurts. I can’t imagine my life without her in it. She’s always on my mind.

Planning a trip? What will Bella think about it?

Hanging out with my friends? What if she joins me?

Talking to my parents about my future? Bella is a part of every sentence.

I want her with me twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. She’s the oxygen I’m in desperate need of.

I spin her and snake my arms around her waist, drinking in every detail I love so much—the long eyelashes framing her beautiful sapphire blue eyes, her perfectly shaped brows, her straight nose that’s a little upturned at the end. Her puffy lips and the little birthmark on her right cheek.

I close my eyes and kiss her.

These days, the negative voices in her head bother her far less often than they used to. She’s learning so many things about herself, rebuilding her identity, rediscovering all the things she loves and craves. It’s fascinating to watch her rise like a phoenix from the ashes. It’s the greatest honor to know that she finally believes she deserves to be loved, to be happy.

Bella deserves the world, and I’m determined to give it to her.