Page 20 of Playing for Keeps
“Distractions to the team are something I won’t tolerate.”
“Yes, coach,” I repeated. He nodded his head with a pat on my shoulder, a move back into the locker room. Exhaling, I looked back down the hall. What was I doing?
CHAPTER 19
HANNAH
“So, tell me, everything.” Marty plopped down onto my bed, her smile larger than I’d ever seen.
“We had a great time,” I replied. There was no chance I was going to tell her everything. I wanted to believe I was still somewhat of a lady.
“Nope, you’re not getting away with that crap answer.” She instantly snapped back. “How was he? Is he big? I bet he’s huge. I know his brother…”
“OH MY GOD NO!” I yelled with a laugh. Cameron and I were basically in a relationship, no matter the type; the last thing I wanted to hear was about his brother’s lovemaking or equipment.
Marty laughed and shrugged. “I mean, they are brothers, so I figured.”
Picking up my pillow, I tossed it at her before sitting down on the end of the bed. “I don’t want to hear about Easton’s, just no.” Moving onto the bed, I crossed my legs in front of me, my thoughts drifting to moments with Cameron. The shower, all night, the morning, the car, the man had stamina that could only be compared to that of a God. Leaving an everlasting presence of his touch even hours after.
“Damn, that good, huh?” Marty’s comment broke my train of thought.
“What?”
“You drifted into this, this state.” She answered, sitting up, hugging my pillow. “Okay, so you’re not going to tell me about the fun stuff, what about everything else?”
“You mean, where do we stand?” Marty nodded. I exhaled. I’ve had complicated relationships before, but none like the one with Cameron. The levels we would have to go to keep everything private, at the very least, would give us a chance to see where we could go. It wasn’t just my father's job that made us want to stay secret. It was the public. His life wouldn’t change, but mine would, drastically. Reporters, pictures, articles, and overnight, it would be about us, not the game or the team. Perhaps that was the real reason my father never wanted me to date a player, who knows.
“Hannah.”
I smiled at her. “We are together, we made the decision this morning.” I paused, hearing the words I just spoke. Grinning widely, I fell to my side and buried my face in a pillow, screaming from excitement. Marty grabbed the pillow; her face lit up with a smile. “I’m dating Cameron Walters.” I couldn’t believe it.
“I’m so happy for you, sis, you deserve this happiness.” His smile flashed in my mind. I did. “So maybe we can make our public reveal together.”
I sat up straight with her statement, my hand over hers. “Are you and Easton?” Marty smiled with a rapid nod.
“He asked last night. At first, I thought it was simple in the throes of passion, but when he said he wanted me to join him at the next game, travel with him as his girlfriend, I knew he was serious.” I was happy for my friend, yet at the same time, jealous. She was able to scream on the rooftops about her relationship.She was able to be seen on his arm without worrying about people catching them kissing.
“That’s wonderful, but Cameron and I can’t…we have to stay secret,” I added softly.
“Coach,” Marty said, nodding in confirmation. “That is so stupid. You’re a grown adult. You can date who you want.”
Though I did agree with her, this wasn’t just some random guy. Cameron was a big part of the team. He was a public figure, and no matter how much we wanted to be out in the open, it wasn’t the right time. With my father being new, trying to prove his skills, how would it look if his only daughter were dating a player? Public appearances were everything to my father, even with the team. There would be no scandals, no drama; if so, there would be consequences. I couldn’t allow Cameron to be punished for simply being with me.
“Maybe someday, but for now, we need to keep it on the down low. I’m sure Cameron is telling his brother the same, so I’m asking no playful jabs when in front of other team members, or hell, anyone. As far as everyone is concerned, Cameron and I don’t know one another more than that he’s the player and I’m the coach's daughter. Got it?” Marty grunted and sighed, standing from the bed, tossing the pillow at me.
“Still think it sucks, but I’ll do whatever you need.” She paused. “Hell, might be fun, exciting, secret love affair and all.” Her smile grew devious. “Sneaking around, grabbing that forbidden kiss, oh yeah, I’m seeing the appeal now. Maybe I should tell Easton we need to try it.” She paused as if thinking, then shook her head. “Nah, we are daring enough, I’m claiming that man.” Laughing, she started toward the door, and my jealousy grew again. I would have loved to claim Cameron, but it was what it was. It would be exciting to go to events on his arm, to let the bunnies know he’s taken.
Eight o’clock couldn’t have come soonenough. Marty and I had worked all day on the house, ensuring everything was perfect before the guys arrived. Marty was making jokes the entire time about how we were going to have two big football players in our house all night, which seemed crazy. How fast it all moved. Cameron and I spent nights together. We had connected in the most passionate ways, and still, the idea of seeing him brought butterflies to my stomach. Marty’s teasing was not helping the nervousness I felt; the question of how he picked me was still a rhythmic one in my mind.
Lighting candles around my room, spraying a little of my perfume on the pillows and blanket, I stepped back in front of my full-length mirror, taking in the outfit I had picked. I had a black skirt with a white tank top, and my hair was straightened. Exhaling, I heard Cameron’s car pulling around the house; a smile moved to the corner of my lips, knowing I would see him in mere seconds. I patted down my shirt, fixing my breasts so they popped just right, giving myself a light laugh when I heard the knock at the back door.
Stepping from my room, I instantly heard Easton’s voice as he greeted Marty. Making my way around the corner, my gaze found Cameron, the butterflies a wild flutter. My breathing picked up, my knees weak, my heart rapid, and he’d not even touched me yet. I started to pray for mercy for how he made me feel and what he ignited in me. For the ability to keep my control as he moved past his brother across the room to me. Without a single word, his palm moved along the nape of my neck, his fingers under my hair, pulling me into him. Our lips collided with a longing unlike any other. He took my breath away, gave me no mercy, and I loved him more for it.
“This mean we aren’t eating?” Easton’s comment made me giggle, Cameron with a lustful look in his eyes as our kiss broke, him licking his lips. He never took his stare from me; I’d neverbeen looked at in such a way. Swallowing, I grew nervous, though I never spoke a single word.
“Let’s go out for dinner,” Marty said to Easton.
“But…”
