Play Maker (Bitsberg Knights Duet)

But I liked it. Ross had dug up some hidden confidence that I didn’t even know existed. The stress and drama over what to wear in the time between his phone call and him arriving in front of my parent’s house was all but gone. As soon as we were together, all of my insecurities melted away. It probably had a lot to do with the fact that his eyes wandered like a hungry tiger, just enough to let me know he liked what he saw without being creepy.

Even as we rode the elevator, silently knowing there was only one reason we were going to his condo, I was filled with nothing but anticipation and desire. Not terror at the thought of Ross seeing my every flaw and imperfection.

In college, I missed out on real enjoyment and pleasure of the moment because I was lost in my own head. I was determined to not repeat those mistakes with Ross. And something in his eyes told me he’d effortlessly steal away all my thoughts and clear my mind.

The elevator dinged as it came to a smooth stop and the doors slid open. “After you,” Ross said, smiling as he ushered me out with a hand at the small of my back. God, he was such a gentleman. It was sweet and deliciously sexy. “I’m this way.”

He directed me to his condo, number 2732, and unlocked the front door with an electric key fob, almost like a hotel room door. A green light blinked, and we stepped inside. Soft lights automatically activated once we walked in, and Ross placed his key fob in a glass bowl that sat in the center of a small table. He took my coat while I glanced around the place. It was fairly small, with an open layout that allowed me to see the kitchen, dining, and living room all from the entryway that was walled off by a low pony wall.

“Well? What do you think?” Ross asked, hanging my coat on a peg on the wall before removing his own and hanging it beside mine.

“Not your typical bachelor pad,” I said, craning around to flash him a teasing smile. “I don’t see a single pizza box or beer can. So, you’re miles ahead of most guys I’ve ever met that lived alone.”

Ross chuckled. “You’ve clearly been dating the wrong guys.”

I nodded. Truer words had never been spoken. What little experience I did have, was mostly bad and left me wishing I’d just stayed single. “What about you?” I asked, tracing my fingers around the curve of the glass bowl that held his keys. “What kind of girls have you been seeing?”

Ross stepped behind me and wrapped his hands around my waist, his thumbs caressing my hips. “None that compare to your beautiful heart and brilliant mind. And definitely none that made me feel…” He dropped his lips to my neck and pressed into me, his hardness evident. “…like this.”

I sucked in a silent breath at the rush of heat that flooded me at feeling his cock pressed against my ass. Shivers raced up and down my body as his lips grazed my neck, kissing and teasing me. He rolled his hips, and I dropped my head back against his chest. “You’re trouble. You know that?”

He chuckled, his breath warm against my skin. “I could say the same thing. I’m supposed to be studying the playbook. Living, eating, breathing football. But all I can live and breathe right now is you, sexy lady.”

Damn it, he knew just what to say to make my toes curl. Thank God for these damn boots!

He released me, only long enough to spin me around and gather me against his chest. I melted into him, neither of us saying a word for a moment. When he pulled back, he lifted my chin and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. “I’m glad you’re here, Shelby. Thanks for giving me another chance.”

“You didn’t do anything to need another chance, Ross. We’re still on chance number one as far as I’m concerned.”

His eyebrow rose into a smoldering look that made my lady parts tingle and when he stroked his thumb across my cheek and said, “Then, that’s very good news,” I almost lost it. My knees buckled, and I silently prayed I could hold myself up. I’d never had a man make me feel as wanted and sexy as Ross did.

Never.

Not ever.

And I found that I liked—no—loved it.

He kissed me again, lingering a few seconds before he let me go. “You want anything to drink?” he asked, starting for the kitchen. “I’ve got water, tea, coffee. A couple of hard ciders—don’t tell Coach.”

I laughed at his expression as he made his way to the fridge. “Cider sounds good. I’ll take one of those off your hands. Keep you out of trouble.”