Page 11

TEN

BAILEY

“Are you sure about this?” I ask Jett, smoothing my cocktail dress with my palms as I stare at myself in the full-length mirror. “I’m not part of the team like the other wives and girlfriends. Are you sure they’ll want me at an event like this?”

He abandons where he’s getting dressed in the bathroom, walking over and standing behind me. “You’re with me,” he says, gathering my hair and placing it over one shoulder, dropping his lips to my exposed neck before catching my gaze in the reflection. “You’re a part of my family. That’s what this dinner is for—to show appreciation for everyone who’s had an impact on our lives. That includes you, Bay. Plus, I want to be the guy with the prettiest girl in the room on his arm for a change.”

“Date a lot of hideous women, have you?” I sass, making him pinch my sides. I squeal out a laugh as he wraps his arms around my waist and hauls me into his chest .

“No, smart-ass. But I’ve been on this earth for twenty-five years and I’ve never had my breath sucked from my body like I did in that elevator the other night. You’re perfect and I can’t wait to show you off. Now let me finish getting ready so we can get out of here.” I nod as he pats my ass before returning to the bathroom. Turning back to the mirror, I look at myself with a soft smile, grateful that he was able to ease my nerves.

When he asked me to be his date to tonight’s team dinner, I was reluctant to say yes. I knew it was happening because I was scheduled to do Dia’s make up a few hours ago, but I certainly wasn’t expecting to be invited as a guest. Since the guys will be heading to their own floor tomorrow, where they aren’t permitted to leave at night, this is the last time they’ll have with their families and friends before the big game. I suggested going home because I wasn’t sure how I felt about staying in Jett’s room alone, but he begged me not to. He said he would sleep better knowing we were only separated by an elevator ride. Deep down, I’m glad he wanted me here, because not only has it been easier to get to Dia every day, but I’ve loved waking up next to him.

The last few mornings have given me a taste of what life as a submissive to a Pleasure Dom is like. Not only does he want to fulfill my every need as far as orgasms, but he also enjoys taking care of me. He’s done everything from brushing my hair to fastening the straps on my heels. He makes sure I’ve eaten and drank enough throughout the day, even when he isn’t here, and while it’s definitely going to take some getting used to, it feels good to know that my happiness and well-being are toward the top of his priority list. I have no problem taking care of myself, since I’ve been doing it all my adult life. But sometimes it’s a relief to know that if I don’t want to, someone else can shoulder that weight. I already know I don’t want things between us to end completely after this week is over, but I’m still unsure what it’ll all look like. Will he expect me to move to Boston? Will I want to? I love my job, so I wouldn’t want to give up being an esthetician, but I’m not necessarily attached to the spa. I do love Tampa, though. So I don’t know if I’d ever actually want to leave.

It’s a lot to think about, especially since it’s only been a handful of days for us, so I’m trying not to dwell too much on making such big decisions. We said we were going to enjoy the week and see where it takes us, and that’s what I want to do. I don’t want to let anything ruin the time we have left here. Playing in a Super Bowl is a once in a lifetime opportunity—or twice, for the Boston Blizzard—so we should be soaking this all in. I’ll continue to weigh the pros and cons of getting into a long-distance relationship and moving to another state, since he certainly can’t come to me. But right now, I’m going to push it all aside for Jett.

“Ready, baby?” he asks, adjusting his cufflink as he stands in front of me. The man is flawless in every way, with his hard muscles straining against the fabric of his dress shirt. His pants are definitely tailored to fit him, and I can see every ridge in his legs, even though they aren’t moving. It makes my mouth water, but I try not to let it show as I nod and step toward his outstretched hand, sliding mine into it. He weaves his fingers through mine, squeezing gently and melting away any leftover anxiety from my decision to accept his invitation.

My phone vibrates with a notification, and I see that I’ve been added to a group chat—one that’s been flooding for the last hour. I was so caught up in getting ready and worrying about being accepted that I didn’t even check it.

CHILLY CHASERS GROUP CHAT

Dia:

I added Bailey to the chat. What are you guys wearing?

Bella:

Hey, Bailey! I got a white off-the-shoulder dress from Versace. Mav loves it. He says it makes me look like a bride, which is funny because there’s still no ring on my fucking finger.

Mads:

Blaze is making me wear the same dress I wore for my birthday last year. He thinks it’s funny that it used to have a giant cum stain on it and we had to dry clean it within an inch of its life.

Grace:

That’s so gross. I made myself a scoop-neck jumpsuit. Tanner is mad because there’s literally no access to any of the goods. I’m trying to make him wait until the wedding night for some ass. He’s been insufferable.

Mads:

That man will have you gagged and bound by midnight. Mark my words.

Dia:

This

I pull my hand from Jett’s, shooting them a quick reply as butterflies flutter around in my stomach. I can’t believe they’ve welcomed me into their crew the way they have after only four days.

Me:

Hey, girls! I’m wearing a black cocktail dress. It’s super plain, but it was the best I could do with such short notice.

Dia:

I’m sure you look like a proper WAG. Especially with JK on your arm. I drool every time. I don’t even care.

I laugh as another text comes in.

Grace:

Ok but why am I alone in this hallway with Tanner? Hurry up and save me before he starts humping me like a horny dog .

I drop my phone into my clutch, taking Jett’s hand again as he guides me to the door and pulls it open. I watch as the other couples funnel into the hall, joining Tanner and Grace who wait outside the elevator.

“About time,” he mumbles, and I inwardly giggle at how clearly worked up he is. I have a feeling Grace’s plan to hold out won’t last through the night. Not with the way the veins in his neck are popping out from beneath the collar of his shirt.

“Oh my God. You look amazing, Bailey!” Bella says as she and Mav sidle up to us. “I wish I could pull off a look like that with no preparation. It took me a week to decide on this.” Maverick drops his mouth to her ear and whispers something that makes her giggle as her cheeks turn pink. They’re freaking adorable with their size difference. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wonder how they made everything…fit.

“You do look gorgeous, baby,” Jett says, kissing my hand as he reaches forward and presses the button to go down. My heart squeezes at how openly affectionate he is in front of his teammates. The first time he pulled me close in front of Dalton and Dia, it felt weird. But now that I’ve seen the way they’ve welcomed me and how proud he is to have me by his side, it just feels right. Like I was meant to cross paths with them all.

The elevator doors slide open and I’m thankful that it’s empty because it’s a tight fit as we all squeeze in together. Jett pulls me to him, wrapping me in his arms as we descend. I take the quiet moment to snuggle into his chest, listening to the way his heart beats while the rest of the group talks casually amongst themselves. It’s like we’re in our own little world as he drops his lips to the top of my head in a sweet kiss.

Our peaceful bubble is popped entirely too soon as the elevator comes to a stop and opens to reveal that we’ve arrived at the lobby. We head toward the door, where an entire brigade of blacked-out SUVs awaits.

The ride to the venue isn’t long, and we arrive with enough time to get inside before the events of the evening begin. The building is guarded by heavy security, and everyone is required to show their ID before they’re allowed inside, players and coaches included. When I hand mine to the man guarding the door, I half expect him to tell me I’m not on the list and can’t go in. Instead, he just checks it and gives me a once-over before telling me to have a good night.

Jett ushers me into the ballroom with a hand on my lower back, and my eyes go wide as I take it all in. Everything is decorated in Blizzard colors with lavish centerpieces on each table. A small place card sits on every plate, and people dressed to the nines walk around searching for theirs.

“We’re at table four,” he whispers, pointing toward the corner of the room. “I asked to be seated with the rest of the group so you’d be surrounded by people you know. There’s nothing worse than making small talk with strangers while you’re trying to eat.” He winks and the corners of my mouth turn up in a grateful smile. He’s right. I’d love to meet more of his teammates and their families, but this is a lot. I’m sure I’ll get to interact with some of them on Sunday since I’ll be in the WAG’s suite with Dia .

We take our seats and fall into easy conversations with the people I’m now claiming as my new friends. I’m so thankful that fate brought me to Jett, and in turn, to them. Even though we haven’t had much time to get to know each other, I can confidently say that these relationships will last a lot longer than just the week.