Page 7 of Playing for Keeps
Pulling down my shirt as I walked from the bathroom, my gaze fell to her asleep. I took a few steps to the side of the bed, my head slightly tilted, taking her in for a couple more minutes. The white sheet pulled to the middle of her bare back, her hair along the bed as she hugged the pillow. With her face turned toward me, she looked like an angel. Leaning down, I ran my fingers along the smoothness of her face, along her jaw with a soft inhale. I hadn’t planned to meet anyone at the party, let alone go home with someone. Yet, Hannah, I couldn’t deny. I didn’t know if she wanted to see me again, or if I was her wild night with one of the Jaguar players. Part of me didn’t care, the other didn’t want to know one way or the other.
Placing the note, I had written that morning on her nightstand, I included my number at the bottom with a quick message about how amazing my night with her had been. I gave a final look at her, a short grin pulled at the corner of my lips, realizing I still didn’t know her last name. True one-night stand fashion, I thought as I walked from her room as quickly as I could. I took a brief look around the living area in hopes of seeing a piece of mail, a magazine, or even a picture of some sort that could shed light. The ball was in her court, with us seeingone another again, something I typically didn’t let happen. One night with this woman, and I was in uncharted territory.
Closing the front door softly, I started my stride down the walking path, the sun causing my eyes to squint. I hadn’t even reached the street when I heard my car pulling up; just like a good brother, Easton arrived in time. “Thanks for coming, bro,” I spoke, climbing into the passenger side. Grabbing my sunglasses from the console, I sat my head back and closed my eyes. I needed sleep, though I knew that wouldn’t come anytime soon.
“No worries, I’ve not been to bed yet anyway,” Easton replied.
“Did you at least drive her home?” I asked. My brother remaining silent, I turned to look at him with a chuckle. “I can’t with you, man.”
Easton, with a laugh. “Shit, bro, she didn’t want to leave the suite. I told her to order room service, and maybe I’ll swing back by later. I shook my head with another laugh. My brother had always enjoyed the company of women. I wasn't sure why I assumed he would act differently with this one. “You look like you had a good night.” He continued.
“Yeah,” I replied. “Let’s go, I need to get home.” Closing my eyes, I rested my head back, feeling the cool breeze against my face as we drove away from Hannah’s.
I had planned to drop my brother off at his place, but in true Easton fashion, he requested the hotel instead. I had often wondered why he bothered to own a private residence when he spent most of his time at the Mazzy Hotel. He even had his own suite. I had learned long ago not to ask my brother questions about his personal life choices or make comments. Not that he wasn’t willing to share, frankly, I had stopped wanting to know. I just hoped that whoever the woman of the moment was, he was being safe. As I pulled into the garage, I parked in my regularspot. Greeted by the attendant, he said, "Congratulations on the win." I made a brief response in return. I just wanted to get inside, shower, and perhaps get a little rest.
I stood in the elevator, leaning against the backside, the chime from my phone coming through in unison with my floor. Looking at the device, I grinned, seeing the unknown number but knowing instantly it was Hannah. It was a simple winking emoji. I quickly saved her contact information as I slowly walked down the hall. Never had I wondered what I should say to a woman, not that I was as forward as my brother, but I was never a shy man. Though with her, the second thoughts were strong. I stepped through the door of my penthouse, replying quickly with my winking emoji and a short grin, until I heard Lana’s voice.
“Morning.” My attention lifted to her standing in the distance, arms crossed, with a stare of annoyance.
“Morning,” I replied simply. With a swift walk, I kissed her on the cheek and smiled, though I knew that look she had. Why didn’t you call? Where the hell were you? I honestly believe girls are trained in this look, so it’s perfected when they become women. They all have it down. I didn’t bother to say anything more, arching my brows with a vacant expression.
Making my way into the bedroom, I sat on the edge of the bed, taking my shoes off, trying my best to ignore the fact that she followed me, that she stood in the doorway with her arms still crossed, and that glare that could set a fire. I should have known I would get the third degree when I got home; hell, I couldn’t blame her. She had every right to ask me where I had been all night, even who I was with, even though I hoped she didn’t. What would I tell her? Lana had been around enough, been through plenty with me, to know what to ask and what not. For that, I was thankful.
“Did you have a good night?” And just like that, her question made me give a short and silent chuckle. I placed my shoes to the side of my bed, a nod in confirmation.
“How was Sofia?” I asked, turning my gaze to her.
“She asked about you a couple of times, when you’d be home.” In an instant, I felt guilty that I hadn’t just come home. “Otherwise,” Lana continued with a sigh, her arms lowered to her side, “we had a good night.”
“That’s good. Maybe we can do breakfast after my shower.” Standing, I took off my shirt and tossed it to the ground with a slow stride into the bathroom. Placing my cell phone on the counter, I turned on my Spotify. I undressed to my boxer briefs, kicking my jeans to the corner of the room.
“Should I call medical?” My brows furrowed with Lana’s question as I started the water in the shower.
“What?” She pointed to my back with an arch of her brows. I turned to look in the mirror, seeing the long red marks along my back and on my shoulders.
“Looks like an animal with claws attacked you is all.”
“Perhaps,” I replied, undressing fully and stepping into the shower.
“I started breakfast, since I didn’t know when you’d be home.” She said from the doorway. “It’s in the oven, should be ready when you get out. Sofia should be up by then, but I’ve got to go. Work.”
“Thanks,” I said, poking my head out of the shower.
She smiled. “Always.”
“You know I love you.”
“Mhmm. You better.” She replied with a turn.
“LOVE YOU!” I yelled.
“Love you too, dick.” I grinned, hearing her as she left the room. I knew how lucky I was to have Lana in my life. I doubt I would be able to handle all the things that came at me withouther. She’s kept me sane, grounded. Supported me even when I was unsupportable. I owed her a lot; there was no question about it.
After breakfast, I relaxed on my couch, Sofia next to me as she watched her favorite movie, The Princess Bride. My arm stretched out around her, though my attention wasn’t on the movie. Coach Marshall had given a new playbook that needed to be memorized before the next game, with plays I’d never seen attempted in any league. A few had no defense against them, while others could cause injuries to some of our players. I couldn’t tell if the man was dangerous or a mastermind. Either way, this season would be one nobody would forget.
DING
Placing down the binder, I looked down at my phone.
