Keeper (Alpha Athletes 2)

“Glad to see you’re on the team and that lawsuit blew over. That’s all I wanted to say.”

“Thanks.”

If it hadn’t been for Aspen, none of it would have vanished. I would have continued to spin out of control. I was a different man five days ago.

“I guess we better get out of here. Big day tomorrow.”

I followed him into the tunnel. We emerged into the sunlight to the rows of reporters. The heat wave was supposed to break tomorrow. I’d be glad to wear the suit without sweating.

“What do you think about facing Germany tomorrow?”

“Who on the team are you worried about the most?”

Taylor looked at me and smiled. “Do want to take that one?”

I shrugged and answered the crowd. “We aren’t worried about any one player. Germany has a strong team. We’ll focus on what we do best.”

“What about you, Lach? Do you think they’ll get any by you?”

“I don’t see that happening.”

Taylor slung an arm around my shoulder. “We’re confident we have the best keeper in the world.”

It was nice to hear, but I didn’t need him to stroke my ego. But I took notes. Taylor Dirks was popular with the fans and possibly more popular with the press. He gave them time. He smiled. He always complimented his mates. He gave them sound bites like that one.

I looked over the crowd and spotted Aspen leaning against a car. She was scrolling through her phone, but glanced up and smiled.

It hit me out of nowhere, but I felt something twinge beneath my ribs when I

locked eyes on her. Fuck.

What in the hell was happening?

I saw her standing there and all I could think about was walking over there and taking her in my arms. I wanted to kiss the hell out of her in front of all the reporters.

It was a moment I couldn’t explain or describe. I didn’t know if it was her hair or the way she absently smiled at me, but there was something in her eyes that hooked me. I almost stumbled with the realization.

No other woman made me react like this. No other woman lasted more than a day.

Taylor answered another question, but it was just background noise. I stepped around them, making my way to the most beautiful woman in Rio.

“Hi.”

“I can tell it’s going well. You are finally trending for something other than a scandal.” She smiled. “You look good with the press.” I could tell it made her happy.

I couldn’t help it. I snaked my arms around her waist, drawing her to me. “I look good with you,” I growled before planting a hungry kiss on her mouth.

She moaned a little before making some space between us. She looked up, trying to read my eyes.

“Sometimes I don’t know about you, Lachlan.”

“What do you mean?”

She looked at the pavement. “It’s nothing.”

I tilted her chin upward. “Tell me.”

“It’s just—sometimes I think this is all real.” She lowered her eyes. “You make it seem so real. Sometimes I forget.”