Page 72 of The Player's Obsession

I pull the blankets to my chin and fold the sheets over the duvet. I’m no longer self-conscious around him. Sharing our bodies seemed so natural. It’s how I imagined it would be with the right man. The intimacy of making love should bring couples closer together.

He never said what was discussed between him and Melanie outside the bar. He’s held up his end of the charade so well that he’s convinced me that we’re a great couple. Is that why I want him so much? He’s charismatic, but it’s more than that. He is adventuresome and loves to go with the flow. I find both appealing because I’m the opposite. I play it safe by being in control of my life and my surroundings. New experiences easily overwhelm me, but I was on stage tonight singing!

I hope he won’t break my heart. It’s too late to turn back now. He’s attentive, affectionate, and oddly, he understands me. He’s picked up on my family dynamics even though his life is completely different.

It was nice to be with him in bed, to be touched, to feel the warmth of his skin on mine and his hands as they moved deliberately over my body. I was so damn horny I didn’t need foreplay. There was no question in my mind that we would be hooking up. With one bed and the buzz of a wedding, destiny knew our plan before we stepped foot in the hotel.

I lay in the dark, naked. My arms are cold. There must be a draft near the window.

“It’s chilly in here.”

Oliver’s muscular arms envelop me and pull me closer.

“I’ll keep you warm.”

I snuggle into his chest. It would be easy to get caught up in this fantasy. There’s something alluring about a man who is protective and attentive.

“Your friends are nice, I like them.”

“I do, too.”

“What’s this about your family coming into town for your game? You never mentioned it.”

“It’s not a big deal. I’ve never won a Super Bowl ring, and it’s our first playoff game, so it’s a family affair. My brother’s team is finished for the season. It will be great to have him here. We’ll get a box seat with Travis and Darrell. This way, you guys can get to know each other and enjoy the show.”

“You never mentioned your family coming to town when you spoke to your mom.”

“I’m terrible with dates and arranging these things. I can’t be incredible at everything, can I?”

“I thought you were,” I snicker.

“Well, if you’re talking about satisfying your needs between the sheets, I’m your man.”

“I have no complaints about anything.”

“Good, let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow will be exhausting.”

“Good night.”

He kisses the top of my head and holds me tight as I slip into the world of dreams.

* * *

I wakefrom a dream where I’m waited on, and money is no object. I’m living in a large house, but something in my dream is amiss. I don’t like it and wake up.

“Hey, sleepy head. You must’ve been exhausted,” Oliver says from the living room.

“I think your phone is beeping. It’s either a dead battery or someone is trying to reach you.”

“Thanks.” I throw the covers off and drag a blanket to wrap around myself. I never sleep naked. I make my way to my purse and check my phone.

“It’s the girls wanting to know if I can make an early spa treatment. Bookings were limited.”

“Go, put everything on the room card,” he says as I walk past him to the luggage to find my charger. I pull it out and plug it into a wall outlet to charge my phone.

“Coffee?” Oliver asks, standing next to the coffee table. I look at him and realize the table is covered with fresh pastries, cut fruit, dishes covered with metal domes, and a decanter of coffee.

“Oh, wow, yes, please!”

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