Page 24 of Hard Count

“Anywhere you wanted.”

A humorless laugh leaves my mouth. I drop my head against hers and cage her against the counter. She has no idea how many places I would love to leave a trail of kisseson her body. I press her tighter against the counter, making her gasp when she feels how easily she turns me on. “But just not in the bathroom,” I whisper.

“For the first time, no, not in the bathroom.” She places one hand on my chest and the other toys with my necklace dangling in between us.

"Should we go somewhere else then?” I tease. I enjoy watching her skin heat. I wonder what else I could say or do to make her flush.

“Nash,” she gasps and slaps my chest. “Not until you tell me what’s wrong.”

Sighing, I pull away from her. I can’t talk to her about football with my hard dick wedged between her thighs. “How do I push past this fear I have of fucking everything up?”

“What’s the worst thing that happens if you get an interception?”

“They go up six or seven points.”

“And even that is a maybe. When you played in high school, what were you thinking about when you were on the field?”

“I had nothing to lose then. I was already signed to play at Newhouse.”

“They could have taken it back. You didn’t get here by default. You’re here because you’re the best. My dad could have picked one of the other backup quarterbacks when Matt got hurt but he didn’t. He picked you.” She pokes me in the chest. I grab her hand and intertwine our fingers.

“Get out of your head, stop tapping your thigh when you’re throwing long passes, and trust your instincts.”

“Are you coming to the game?” She hasn’t attended one yet this season. I don’t blame her. After everything that went down with me and her dad, I’m sure it's the last place she wanted to be. But I want her there. I think Ineedher there.

“I don’t have tickets.”

“Your dad can get you tickets,” I say. Her head drops and she bites on her lip. She doesn’t want to ask. Damn him for putting this fear of rejection in her head. I tip her chin. “I’ll get you tickets.”

“One for Frankie too?”

“One for Frankie too,” I agree. Hopefully Eli won’t mind her being at the game.

“Then I’ll be there. But you have to promise me something.”

“What’s that?”

“Play like the man I know you are. Play like Nash Pierce. The man whoearnedthe right to lead this team. You carry all this pressure on your shoulders but you’re strong enough to handle it.”

“How do you know?” I ask, wrapping my arms around her.

“Because I’ve seen you do it. I know what you’re capable of remember.” She grins at me.

“I really want to kiss you right now.”

She leans forward and kisses the corner of my mouth. I close my eyes and savor the feel of her lips against my skin. It’s a small taste but confirms everything I’ve been feeling.

Drew is my girl.

9

DREW

GAME DAY WEEK THREE

I haven’t been able to get my knee to stop bouncing since halftime started. If Frankie didn’t currently have me loaded with snacks, I’d probably be on my feet pacing. I wish I could get away with sneaking into the locker room and checking on Nash.

He’s been laser focused on every play. When he does hesitate or miss a pass, he shakes it off and gets right back to work. My notes were thorough but they only had two days of practice to prepare for this game.