A woman he cared a lot about, but still.
Plus, Hamilton drove him crazy. The guy had no filter and loved to give people shit. And more than anything, Nick loved making him uncomfortable. “Aubrey’s pretty special.”
“She’s very special. I care about her a lot,” Nick agreed, shocking Flynn. He knew Nick had a soft spot for Aubrey, but—he cared for her? “Don’t be thinking I’m lusting for your girl, either, because I’m not. I’ve got the best woman, who keeps my bed warm, and I don’t need another.”
“Right,” Flynn said, feeling confused. Maybe the exhaustion was starting to set in, after all.
“I’m just saying, you better treat that Aubrey right. She’s a good girl. A real catch, if you know what I mean. Not just a pretty girl you use to fuck around with for a while before you toss her aside.” Nick sent him a pointed look, his eyes narrowed and mouth firm. “Catch my drift?”
&nb
sp; That was the absolute last thing he thought of Aubrey. “I’m not using her,” he said between gritted teeth, his anger rising at the accusation. And he rarely got angry, especially during a game. He liked to keep everything on an even keel.
“Good. Glad to hear it.”
Flynn unclenched his jaw, glanced around, tried to clear his head. Too late, though. Nick’s words had riled him up. Worse, he could see this thing between him and Aubrey ending, if it was a necessary sacrifice. “Are you threatening me? If Aubrey and I split up, what are you going to do? Kick my ass or something?”
“Maybe.” Nick shrugged. “I don’t know. Depends on if Aubrey wanted me to or not.”
“Who assigned you as her protector?” And wasn’t that his job?
“I did,” Nick said smugly. “She’s like my little sister. I like that girl a lot. She deserves a good guy in her life who will take care of her.”
“I’m definitely up for the challenge,” Flynn said firmly, never once looking away from Nick.
“Good.” Nick clapped him on the back, that infuriating grin plastered on his face again. “I like seeing you riled up. It’s a mood you don’t wear often, and I’m telling you, you should use it to your advantage. Out on the field, with your teammates, against the other team, hell, when you’re talking to the coach. You need more fire in your gut. All that analyzing and worrying will only get you nowhere.”
With those last words, Nick walked away. Leaving Flynn to ponder what he’d said.
And helping him realize that Nick was probably right.
…
“Look, there he is,” Willow practically squealed, grabbing Aubrey’s arm and giving her a shake. “Flynn hasn’t played in so long. Are you excited?”
Aubrey nodded, her smile big, though it felt forced. Not that she wasn’t happy, oh no. She was thrilled that Flynn was out on that field. Quinn may have played the majority of the game, but now that they were in the last half of the fourth quarter, Flynn was running out onto the field.
She wanted to feel confident. She knew Flynn could lead the team to a victory, even if for only a few minutes. But she was nervous.
And excited. And exhilarated. Seeing him move out there, huddling with his teammates for a brief moment before they got into position, a thrill moved through her. This was what he deserved. Actually getting out on a field and leading a team. He was strong enough, motivated enough, and an excellent player. He was probably wasting his time with the Hawks, waiting around for Jared to retire. He still had a few excellent years in him, despite the injury he still dealt with.
But she forgot all about that as she watched Flynn in action. That man out there everyone was cheering on had been in her bed last night. His big body moving over hers, inside of her, his mouth fused with hers, shouting out her name when his orgasm swept over him.
Her skin warmed at her dirty thoughts. She’d especially loved it when she’d given him the blow job earlier in the shower. Licking up every drop of water on his muscular thighs, her fingers curled around the base, her lips wrapped tight around the head of his cock. He’d tasted like heaven, he’d looked like he was in pure, delicious agony, and he’d come so hard, he’d had to brace one hand on the tiled wall of the shower, while he’d curled his other hand into her wet hair.
A shiver moved through her at the memory, and Willow—of course—noticed.
“You’re in love with him,” she said, her expression somber, her eyes wide.
Aubrey shook her head, panic rising within her, downright overwhelming. No, she absolutely was not. She liked him. A lot. But she was being forced to play pretend because her job was at risk. No way could she admit to Willow that Harvey was making her do this for a promotion. What would her friend think of her if she knew the truth? Worse, what would Flynn think of her?
“I am not. We’re just…”
“Having hot sex? I can tell. You’re glowing right now. But I think it’s more than that.” Willow bent her knees to peer straight into Aubrey’s eyes. “Am I right? You’ve fallen in love with Flynn, haven’t you?”
“Um, we’re supposed to be in love, you know?” Aubrey glanced around, making sure no one was paying them any attention. “He’s my boyfriend.”
“For real, hmm?” That knowing tone told Aubrey that Willow saw right through her.