Page 128 of Racing Heat

Chapter Forty-Five

~JASE~

Cassie is lying in my bed naked, relaxing before she has to head to the stadium to get ready for the game today. We’re playing the Houston Dash. It’s a very winnable game for us. We just have to make sure we aren’t chasing long ball—something the coaching staff has worked extensively on with the girls. I’ve heard a few snide comments sent Cassie’s way, but she hasn’t mentioned them.

I tap her ass. “Are we going to be riding to the stadium together today?”

She shakes her head. “Nope. It’s bad enough that some of them give me shit for fucking you. I don’t want any issues because we’re showing up together.”

“Is everything going okay with you and girls?”

“Nothing I can’t handle. We knew this might happen. Look what they said to Mac when she was first caught with Danny. I’ll get over it. It’ll be fine until they find something else to focus on.” She says it casually, but I know it bothers her. Cassie is just putting on a brave face for me.

“How has it been with the coaching staff?” she asks me. “Anyone saying anything to you?”

I shake my head. “No, it’s been business as usual. The only remark I’ve heard is when Nate told me that I seem happy. Which, I think he’s right. I’m very happy with you.” I lean over and capture her lips with mine. I want to deepen the kiss so bad, but I know we don’t have time for this right now. She has to get her ass to the stadium, and I shouldn’t be too far behind her.

Cassie pulls back. “Don’t even try it. We are not going for another round.” She grins at me. “The three from last night are still fresh in my mind.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, we wouldn’t want to take away all of your energy before the game.”

She shakes her head. “Oh, you would be doing all the work.”

“I can certainly do that.” I move to pull her in, but she moves out of my reach and gets out of my bed.

“I have to get ready to go.” She begins pulling on her shorts and tank top, which were discarded last night.

“Are you sure you don’t need another shower?” I tease her, wiggling my eyebrows.

“I’m fine. Now stop trying to make me late. If you don’t want people to say shit, then don’t give them a reason to.”

I nod, getting up. Her eyes travel up and down my bare chest and abs as she works to put on her tank top. She screwed up, though, and I start laughing. Her head has gone through both arm holes of her tank.

“Do you need some help?” I tease her.

“It’s not my fault that you’re so damn distracting.” She sticks her tongue out at me.

“You like it.” I blow her a kiss.

“Get dressed,” she says sternly.

I don’t, though. I have some time before I need to leave, because she’s stopping by her apartment first. So, I stay naked and walk over to her, then pull her flush against me.

“I love you and I will see you there. Get your head on right and have a great game.” I lean in and kiss her tenderly. “Today will be just like any other game. You’ve got this.”

“Love you too,” she replies, then she gives me another quick kiss on the lips before leaving me standing there wanting her body yet again.

I arrive at the stadium and see that I’ve beaten her. Grabbing the bouquet of purple roses, I make my way to the girls’ locker room. There doesn’t appear to be anyone else in there, but I knock anyway.

“Male coach entering,” I call out, but no one says anything.

I move quickly over to the locker for player eight and place the roses behind her uniform. It’s all pressed and ready to go, that pretty blue with the yellow accents that she looks so good in. I rush out of the locker room and head to my office to kill some time before I need to be on the pitch.

My office has a nice view of the pitch, so I’ll be sure to see her when she finally heads out there. Her and Mac have their ritual. It keeps them grounded and allows them to settle in. I peek at the window and see there’s no one out there yet. My phone dings in my shorts pocket, and I pick it up. I have a text message.

Cassie:I love the roses. Thank you. That was very sweet of you.

I smile at her message. I’m glad she was happy to see my little gift. I was a little worried that she would hate it or think I was drawing attention to our relationship, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.