Page 17 of Fumble

“I’m not saying I’m going to start paddling the pink canoe right here in public.”

“I thought you were a shy girl. You’re making me hard, and I can’t sport a boner at a sports camp.”

“Not my problem.” His discomfort turns me on. He’s always so sure of himself, so to see him off-kilter is sexy. “You asked a question, and I answered it. You kissed me last night and left me with a lady boner. I had to see to myself more than once before I could sleep.” Scrubbing his hand over the stubble of his jaw, his eyes rake my body, and I can tell he’s conjuring the visual of me getting off. He mumbles under his breath, biting his fist.

“Fuck, I’m an old man. My heart can’t take this level of arousal with no release. You’re going to give me a coronary.”

“Or… I could relieve your frustrations back at the hotel tonight?”

“Faith…” One of the kids comes running over, grabbing Hunter’s hand to pull him back to the game. The lust in his eyes is the ultimate aphrodisiac as he stares over his shoulder, dragged away against his will, and I’m left hanging, again.

The rest of my day goes by in a flurry of activity. It is fun giving free stuff to kids. All around, today has been a great experience for me. Seeing the philanthropic side of sports up close has opened my eyes to the good players can do with their fame.

From what some of the other staff have told me, we can look forward to more days like today—giving back rather than attention mongering. I don’t get the impression that Hunter is obsessed with being in the limelight, but there must be a part of him that enjoys having fans fawn over him wherever he goes. Why would you give up your privacy if you didn’t?

Fame isn’t something I’ve ever craved. In fact, I think it’s the last thing I’d want. I’ve seen how people react to Hunter. He can’t walk down the street without being accosted by fans eager for his autograph or a picture. He takes it in stride and seems genuinely grateful for their support. I’d love to get to know him better and understand why he’s so driven.

When we’re ready to leave, Hunter pulls me aside before I get in the SUV with the other minions. The smell of the outdoors mixed with the remnants of his cologne is enough to render me speechless.

“Faith. I think we need to talk but not here.” He slides something into my hand, wrapping my fingers tight and leaning close to my ear. “Tonight. Eight o’clock.” He disappears like a thief in the night before giving me a chance to respond. A quick glance down, and startling reality dawns.

Hunter Vaughn just gave me the keycard for his hotel suite.

* * *

This is it.

Tonight’s the night.

I’m going to lose the card—trade in my learner’s permit—serve Hunter the cherry pie.

I thought it was going to be harder to convince him, but I guess karma is finally rewarding me for years of restraint.

Once I’m showered, shaved in places I didn’t know I could reach, and dressed for sin, I dial Zoey’s number for a last push to get me out the door.

“He gave me the card to his room and whispered eight o’clock in my ear. It was sexy as hell like something out of a movie.”

“Are you really going through with this plan of yours?”

“Why wouldn’t I? He’s gorgeous, talented, athletic, and he knows his way around a woman’s body.”

“And you don’t love him. You haven’t even been on a date. He’s already told you it could be a problem since he’s close with your dad.”

“You’ve been encouraging me to get over myself and do it for years. Why the sudden change of heart? I called you for support, not to talk me out of it.”

“Sorry, babe. I’m happy for you if this is what you want. I just don’t want you to regret it in the morning. I did. Trust me, I’d take it back if I could, and he was my high school boyfriend, not my dad’s protégée, and he wasn’t twice my age.”

“Are you telling me age would be an issue for you if Hunter Vaughn wanted to fuck you?”

“Heck, no! I’d jump that like white on rice, but I’m not a virgin. He’s a known playboy. I don’t want him chewing you up and spitting you out. Never mind what it would mean for your job?” She’s beginning to sway me. My head knows she’s right, but my body wants him more than my next meal.

“Yeah, he’s a playboy, and all the more reason for him to be the one. It can’t go anywhere. We’re not going to become soulmates. It wouldn’t benefit either of us for anyone to find out. I’m certain he won’t let me leave without at least one mind-blowing orgasm.” I perch on the end of the bed staring at myself in the mirror, strengthening my resolve as the woman reflected back at me isn’t the goofy teenager with no idea what she’s doing. This girl is confident and sexy. This isn’t a one-sided crush, he’s given me all the signs.

“Faith? You still there?”

“I have to go, Zee. I want this. I’ll call you tomorrow. Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck. You’re gorgeous and sexy, and Hunter Vaughn is the lucky one. Make sure he knows that. Love you, babe.”

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