Shakedown (Gridiron Book 1), page 4
“Would I know you’re coming or would it be a surprise? Perhaps one that included donuts?”
“It would be a surprise, and there would definitely be donuts.”
“I’d be wearing shorts, a T-shirt, and my hair wouldn’t be brushed.”
“Perfect.”
“You’re weird. I’ve seen some pictures of you with some very glamorous gals, and I imagine they’re a lot more interesting than a woman who doesn’t always dress properly.”
“That’s where you’re wrong because I happen to like a woman who looks like herself and smells like soap. I don’t like all the makeup some gals wear because it makes me think I’m not seeing the real person.” He ran his hands through her hair and whispered in her ear, “I love your soft hair, the freckles across your nose, and the way you smell.” Turning his head so they were breathing the same air, he slowly lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers and knew instantly she was the person he’d been waiting for.
Excitement strummed through his veins, and there was no doubt that it was the most perfect last first kiss of his life.
Slowly releasing her mouth, he opened his eyes and saw a smile on her lips.
Opening her eyes, she sighed. “That’s the type of kiss that could change a girl’s mind about a lot of things.”
Laughing, he took her hand and leaned his head against hers. “I can’t wait to give you a thousand more.”
She ran her hand down his face and closed her eyes. “I might like that, Jack.”
“I’ll do everything I can to make sure you do.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Hustle and heart set us apart.
Ana leaned against the doorway of her home office and found herself smiling as she watched Jack wipe off the desk he’d just assembled. “Looks amazing.”
Turning, he held out his hand and sat in the desk chair. “Come and see if everything is where you want it.”
“Move your heinie then, so I can sit down.”
Pulling her into his lap, he grinned. “Plenty of room for both of us.”
“Hardly,” she replied as he moved the chair closer to the desk.
He kissed her cheek and winked. “Nothing better than having your soft curves pressed against me, so I think it’s perfect.”
“I guess it’s not so bad.” Cupping his face, she kissed him lightly and then ran her hands over the keyboard of her computer. “Thank you so much for assembling everything. It would’ve taken me forever.”
“Happy to,” he replied as he skimmed his hand along her back. “I love putting stuff together.”
Heat skittered across her skin as his fingers moved slowly and she couldn’t remember a time when she had wanted someone more.
The air hummed around them as hunger, want, and need battled for top billing.
“Ana?”
“Yes…”
“Are you okay?”
Nodding, she closed her eyes. “Of course.”
Sliding his finger along her jaw, he turned her head gently. “Open your eyes and tell me what’s going on.”
Unsealing one, she smiled. “Nothing is going on.”
“Open them both and quit lying.”
Doing as he asked, she let out a huff. “Fine, but promise you won’t laugh.”
“I promise.”
“I like you a lot more than I thought possible and sitting in your lap and feeling your touch makes me think you’re going to be all kinds of trouble.” Seeing his mouth lift up at the corners, she pressed her fingers against his lips. “Do not give me that cocky grin.”
He bit her finger and then kissed it. “For your information, it’s a relieved grin.” Pulling her against his chest, he put his mouth against her ear. “I’m nuts for you and hearing that you’re starting to fall for me is the best damn news in the world.”
“Are you sure you want to involve yourself with a science geek?”
“Is that how you still see yourself?”
Moving her eyes to her computer, she shrugged. “Of course. No matter how much I change on the outside, I still see myself as the shy girl with the big brain and awkward personality. I sometimes think we never grow out of our high-school identities, no matter how hard we try.”
“I think you’re right and often wonder why people get so excited when they meet me since I still think of myself as the big clumsy kid who struggled to read.”
“And yet you’re a famous football player, and I’m a doctor.”
“But in this room, with no one else around, those other identities still exist.”
“For the record, I would’ve liked you in high school, but probably never would’ve approached you since you would’ve been way above my pay-grade.”
“I absolutely would’ve had a major crush on you back then, but never would’ve dared to talk to you since you were so smart.”
“The jock and the geek, the ultimate odd couple.”
“Who fit perfectly together,” he replied as he tipped her back and lowered his mouth, capturing her lips.
“Yes,” she mumbled as his mouth met hers and pinwheels of light exploded against her closed eyes. The kiss reminded her of the feeling she got when she was at the top of a roller coaster and knew falling under his spell was inevitable. Never wanting it to end, she dug her hands into his T-shirt and kissed him back.
Until the doorbell rang and the timer went off in the kitchen.
“Damn!”
Lifting her mouth away, she groaned. “I couldn’t agree more.” Pushing herself up, she stood. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Everything.”
“Always.”
The doorbell went off again, and she gave him a quick kiss. “To be continued.”
“Damn right,” he replied.
Moving out of the room, she realized her brain was quiet and couldn’t remember the last time it had happened. Her body buzzed with desire, and her hormones cha cha’d, but her mind was blessedly quiet.
A rare occurrence to be sure.
Swinging the front door open, she smiled and watched Ronnie give her a slow once-over. “What?”
“Jack Ellis was smooching you, and you liked it.”
“I sure did and hope he does it again real soon.”
“Sweet lord of hormones, what is happening?”
“Magic kissing powers, that’s what.” Closing the door, she took the bag from Ronnie. “But to be sure, I’m going to have to do some serious research.” Throwing her best friend a wink, she turned and walked into the kitchen and knew a lot more than kissing was going to happen as soon as they could manage it. After all, she was known for being a relentless researcher and now was not the time to slack. Especially with big beautiful Jack Ellis as the subject.
***
Jack stood in the hallway and smiled to himself as he listened to Ana describe his magic kissing powers and knew his game plan was working. Throwing up a silent fist pump, he walked down the hall and saw Ronnie standing in the foyer with her arms crossed. “Hey there.”
Spinning around, she threw him a glare. “So, you’re really doing this?”
“Absolutely, I told you I wanted her and I’m not backing down until we’re together.”
“And how long do you plan on being together?”
“I think fifty or sixty years should do it.”
Rubbing her hand over her arm, she closed her eyes. “Are you sure, Jack?”
“Of course. I’ve never felt this way about anyone, and I’m going to go after her the same way that I go after my career.”
“Holy mother of football, I’m not sure about this.”
“It’s not for you to be sure about since it’s between Ana and me.” Crossing his arms, he gave Ronnie the same glare he shared with the offensive linemen each week.
“You listen to me, Jack Ellis. I don’t care how big, strong, and rich you are. She’s one of my best friends, and I’ll take you down if you so much as hurt one of her feelings.”
“I’m not going to hurt her and want a real chance of making something real.”
Nodding, she moved her hair off her shoulders. “Fine, but don’t make me regret this. Do you remember that bowl of voodoo dolls on my desk?”
“Of course, since they sit smack dab in the middle.”
“Well, just remember I can have your face on one of them in less than an hour if you misbehave.”
“Understood.”
Nodding, she spun on her heel and walked toward the kitchen, and he let out a little laugh because he knew she wasn’t kidding. No one was more loyal, and he appreciated the hell out of that fact since it was one of the reasons he chose her to manage his finances. That and her massive brain, Masters in accounting from Stanford, and JD from Tulane.
The doorbell rang again, and he stepped over and opened the door. “Come on in.”
Alex crossed his arms and frowned. “What the hell are you doing in my friend’s house, Jack?”
“Guess you haven’t heard that Ana and I are dating.”
He let out a huge laugh and stepped in. “No, really, what are you doing here?”
“Ana and I are together.”
“No shit?”
Standing at his full height, he crossed his arms. “Why the fuck is it so surprising?”
Alex mimicked his stance and raised an eyebrow. “Because she doesn’t typically date players.”
“I’m assuming you’re referring to me being a football player and not a man whore.”
“If the shoe fits, man.”
Taking a step forward, he let out a breath. “Are we going to have a problem?”
“Not unless you do something stupid.”
“I can say the same thing for you.”
Alex took a step forward and grinned. “She’s one of the most important people in my life and has been since we were seventeen and both showed up at Stanford. Her heart is soft, and she’s had it trampled too many times. I don’t want her to fall for you and then be dropped. If you’re looking for a flavor of the week, then move on because I will hurt you if she gets her heart broken.”
“Understood.” Dropping his arms, he let out a long breath. “She’s got me twisted up and turned upside down and, honestly, it’s me who’s going to come out of this broken if we don’t make this thing last.”
Alex nodded and then shoved his hands in his pockets. “Good luck then, because love ain’t easy.”
“Tell me about it,” he replied as the doorbell rang.
“I’ll let you get that since you’re auditioning for the man of the house role.”
Flipping Alex off, he laughed as he watched the man saunter into the kitchen. He opened the door and was greeted with the sight of Ella and Clark. “Hi guys, come on in. Ana and Ronnie are in the kitchen.”
Ella swept into the house, gave him a short nod, and left him and Clark standing in the hallway. “I’m afraid to ask how things are going.”
“Don’t be,” he replied as he looked around. “She’s just in a snit because I won’t sleep with her until she agrees to a date.”
“Who the hell are you and what have you done with my friend?”
“The damn woman is so freaking infuriating, and I’m not giving anything up until she agrees to put me on the permanent roster.”
Ella walked back in frowning. “Clark, you know there isn’t an opening for a permanent position.” Waving her hands between them, she let out a growl. “It’s a fling thing.”
“No fling, Ella. If you want to sample the goodies, then it has to be more.” Smirking, he took her hand as she narrowed her eyes. “Your mean mugging isn’t that impressive.”
“But my attitude is, and I think it’s terribly inconvenient that this is the moment you’ve decided to play hard to get. Why couldn’t you just be the playboy you’ve always been?”
“Those exploits have been blown out of proportion, and you know it!” Pressing a kiss to her hand, he grinned. “I know you’re going to come around to my way of thinking eventually.” He flipped his long hair over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow. “I’m tired of women wanting me for my body, hair, and money. I’m worth more than that.”
Ella rolled her eyes. “Oh, let me feel sorry for the big, handsome, famous, rich football player. Not!”
“You can be as mad as you want, but we both know that all the good things in life take a little work,” Clark replied as he let her hand go and turned toward the kitchen. “And I’m a damn good thing.”
Jack watched his friend walk away and turned toward Ella. “If I were you, I’d think about what he’s offering.”
“But it’s not part of my plan.”
“Things like this never are,” Jack replied as Ana called everyone into the kitchen. He took Ella’s hand and led her into the kitchen, knowing that both of their destinies were there.
CHAPTER SIX
Victory requires payment in advance.
Ana walked into Ronnie’s house and admired the Halloween decorations and knew her friend’s worn-down mansion was the perfect place for the party. Only the rooms on the second level had been redecorated, which meant the faded grandeur of the first floor was the perfect backdrop for a haunted evening. Hearing a whistle, she looked up and saw her friend dressed as a Southern grande dame. “I see you’ve taken to dressing like your sweet mother.”
Running her hand down her gold caftan, she nodded. “What do you think?”
She let out a giggle and watched her descended the staircase slowly with a martini glass in hand. “Why…Mrs. DuMond, it’s a pleasure to see you in our fair state of Florida.”
“It’s not my practice to travel so far for such a small social affair, but I felt it was my duty to attend.” Covering her mouth, she started laughing as she hit the landing. “I swear my mama just took over my body.”
“Did you steal the caftan out of her closet?”
“No, I had her maid do it.” She flipped out her hand and flashed her rings. “These, however, are paste jewels since I didn’t dare ask to borrow the real thing.”
“I think your mama would love to see you like this and it might actually give her a false sense of hope that you’ve turned into the proper Southern woman you were raised to be.”
“Like that was ever going to happen,” Ronnie replied as she stepped back and picked up Ana’s hand, twirling her around. “Are you dressed as your date this evening?”
She smoothed her hand over her jersey and winked. “Hello, I’m Jack Ellis, defensive end for the Miami Sharks.” Jutting out her hip, she smiled. “Am I a believable football player?”
“No, and this a sorry attempt at a costume. I know dressing up isn’t your thing, but this is pretty pathetic.”
“No, it’s not, and you’re going to eat your words when Jack is standing next to me dressed in a doctor’s white lab coat. I think switching identities for the evening is brilliant.”
“I suppose it’s okay, but why didn’t you let me get you a costume?”
“Because the last time you got one for me, it was extremely itchy.” She adjusted her jersey and stared down at her feet. “At least I’m comfortable and wearing these cool shoes.” She put out her foot and twisted it around. “These are the ones Jack helped design, and I think they’re fab.”
“They’re running shoes, and you just like them because your feet don’t hurt.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing,” Ronnie replied as she took her hand and led her over to the bar. “Let’s go have a pre-party drink so you can catch me up on what’s happening.”
“Not much has occurred since he’s been out of town, but I will tell you he’s crossed my mind a few hundred times since last Tuesday night.”
Ronnie nodded as she made two martinis. “Just a few hundred?”
“I know; it sounds pathetic when I say it aloud.”
No, it doesn’t,” Ronnie replied before she handed over a martini and then walked around the bar, hoisting herself up on a stool. “It sounds like the beginning of something important, though.”
Ana took a healthy sip and watched Ronnie do the same. “I didn’t think he’d get to me the way he has and I’m surprised as anyone.”
“A good surprise or one that leaves you sleepless?”
“Definitely a good one.”
“I think the man is either going to become the love of your life or he’s going to ruin you for all others. I don’t mean to give you such a dire prediction, but that’s my gut feeling.”
Ana studied her hands. “I have the same feeling and ignoring it does not make it go away. I’ve spoken to him every day, and each conversation is longer and better than the last. We spend hours talking about random things, and I’ve discovered we have a lot in common.”
“Like what?” Ronnie asked.
“Well, we both love crime shows, fried chicken, Cajun music, and swimming. He also falls asleep early, just like I do.”
“Weirdly enough, he may be your perfect match.”
“I know since he might be just as boring as I am.”
“Clearly, a match made in heaven.”
“Don’t mock me,” Ana replied as she heard the front door open. “There you are,” she called out as Ella walked in.
“Please, don’t say anything. I know this costume isn’t great, but it was a last-minute decision, and it shows.”
“Are you supposed to be Medusa before the curse?” Ronnie asked as she got up and walked around the bar.
“I knew you’d get it, but I’m afraid that no one else is going to understand what I’m going for.”
Ana got up and walked around Ella and then nodded. “I think people will get it. Is Clark dressing up as Poseidon?”
“I’m not sure since we had a fight the other day before he left. He wants to date me for real, and I’m not ready to give in.”
Ana and Ronnie asked, “Why?” in unison.
“Because he’ll break my heart. If we date, I’ll get attached, and then he’ll get bored and leave. You can’t mix a football player and me and expect to have good results. He thinks that dating a person with a big brain is all fun and games, but what happens when he figures out that I’m just a big geek with unruly hair and an unnatural affinity for numbers?”
