Page 53 of Who's Loving You

I’m seconds away from hitching up her leg and sliding between her warm thighs when the sound of the elevator reaching our floor sounds and bursts our bubble.

She pushes me off her, squats down and snatches her purse off the floor. Her legs take her so rapidly out of the elevator you’d think the building was about to come crumbling down. I jog after her, my eyes never leaving her tight ass as it sways from side to side in that tight red skirt.

“Val. Slow down.” I wrap my hand around her arm and tug her to me when I finally catch up with her.

“Don’t touch me,” she bites and yanks herself free. “How dare you do that.” Her eyes spit fire, trying to melt me where I stand.

“Do what? Make you weak in the knees and admit that you want me?”

A loud smack echoes through the lobby and my cheek stings as her hand connects with it. I turn back to look at her and see wide eyes, a pale face and her hand covering her mouth in shock.

“I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have slapped you. Butyoushould never have kissed me like that. Dammit.” She stamps her foot and begins spinning in circles, her head looking for a way out.

Tears fill her eyes but she bats them away with her long lashes, never letting one fall. She rushes out the doors to the parking garage and I pursue right behind, determined to make her face her true feelings.

“What is so bad about it? It’s obvious you wanted thekiss, too. Why are you so against it? Against me.” She stabs and stabs at the button to the garage elevator like it will make it descend faster.

“You are no good for me. You’re a playboy, a cocky athlete, and you’re only after two things in life. Fame and women. I won’t be part of your rotating roster. I don’t need a distraction like you in my life.” The doors open and she jumps in but I slam my hand on them before they can close.

“Wrong. I’m only after one thing…you. And the sooner you admit you want me too, the sooner we can both get what we want.” I pull my hand away and watch her face morph as the doors close slowly, taking her away and leaving her to think about the words she knows are true.

18

VALENTINA

Me: I don’t think I can make it tonight. I’m not feeling so well, and I could really use the rest.

Pain in my ass: Bullshit. You’re fine. Chase said you and Lucy went out for cocktails last night and, according to Lucy, you had a great time.

Me: I’m serious, Nic. I feel horrible.

Pain in my ass: You should feel horrible that you’re going to miss my game. Now go put on that new jersey I sent you and get your sexy ass over to the stadium.

Me: It doesn’t fit.

Pain in my ass: Babe. Why are you lying to me? I know it fits. I ordered it from the same girl and she still had your measurements. Maybe a pair of sexy leather pants withit? Got any?

Me: Yes but I’m not wearing them. I’m not wearing anything.

Pain in my ass: That’s up to you if you want to be naked for the cameras, you won’t hear me complaining. In fact, I can’t wait to memorize every inch of that beautiful body.

Me: Ugh!! That’s not what I meant. You are the biggest pain in my ass.

Pain in my ass: And you are the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Now whether you’re dressed or not, it doesn’t matter. Just be at the stadium. Monty and Killeen will be waiting for you. Plus, it’s the big day. You can’t miss the opener.

Me: I curse the day I met you.

Pain in my ass: I can’t wait to kiss those perfect lips. Wear something sexy.

Me: I’ll wear a straight jacket.

“Third and five on the twenty-two yard line, and the Drillers are looking to end the game here. With forty-eight seconds on the clock, Coach Wagner would like to stop this from going into overtime.”

The sportscasters are giving their commentary along with the play-by-play that echoes from the speakers in the luxury box. The crowd is just as large as the first time in Monty’s sky box and they’re all rowdy and celebratory as the official first game comes to a close. I’m still the only “girlfriend” of a player that is in attendance and Igrow more and more uncomfortable with each passing minute.

Aside from Lucy and a couple gals back home, I don’t have a lot of girl friends. I like to keep my circle small and I’m not one to open myself up to just anyone. So the fewer WAGs, or whatever they like to be referred to as, in attendance is preferable. I don’t want to have to make awkward small talk or accidentally say something that could end badly for Nic and me. So sitting here amongst millionaires that couldn’t give two-shits about me is just fine.

“There’s the snap and Rinaldi drops back, looking for an open receiver. Burbank is en route with Elrod hot on his heels.”