Passion on the Pitch: A Contemporary Sports Romance Read online

  Since the flight didn’t leave until ten at night, they had a chance for a few more Bombay brambles before Jess started to doze off. Aedan gently laid her head down on the booth/sofa and went off to take a call. The next thing she knew; Jess was being gently awoken by Aedan when it was time to board.

  “Next time, I’ll be sure to schedule us a massage,” Aedan said as they walked to the gate.

  “They had massages and you didn’t tell me?!”

  “I figured it was a sure way to make sure you would let me buy your ticket next time.” Liking how he was talking about them traveling together in the future, Jess let the ‘buy her ticket’ comment slide. She didn’t want him to think she was with him for the things he bought her, not that she didn’t appreciate the travel experience so far. Jess was too tired to get into that now, so she let him lead her through the boarding gate and into their seats.

  If the lounge hadn’t been enough, the second glass of champagne was really making her happy that she’d agreed to the upgrade, as were the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Champagne and chocolate chip cookies didn’t exactly go together, but at thirty-five thousand feet, who was she to complain, even at nearly 11 p.m.?

  “I take it that you’re enjoying being up here?” Aedan looked over at her with a self-satisfied grin.

  “Yeah, it’s pretty awesome.” Jess spent the first twenty minutes in her giant seat/suite playing with all of the buttons. “I didn't even know flying could be like this. Even business class on domestic flights is nothing like this when I fly for work or get upgraded.”

  “See, being with me does have some advantages.” He nudged her and handed her another glass of champagne.

  “It certainly does.” Sipping from the flute Jess thought about what would happen once they landed. “What’s the plan once we arrive?”

  “It should be fairly low-key. Training doesn’t start for another week, so most people are making their way back. Steven will get us in the car and take us to my apartment.”

  “That’s it, that easy?”

  “Pretty much, immigration, get the bags, get in the car, head home.” Jess eyed him skeptically, but if that was what Aedan said would happen, she believed him.

  They spent the rest of the flight watching some movies on the kickass screens that rivaled Jess’s TV at home. The noise-canceling headphones were a bonus.

  Although it was late, Jess was a bit too wired to actually fall asleep, even with the lie-flat seats. She didn’t know when she would get to do this again, so Jess was determined to enjoy every single minute of the trip, and that did not include sleeping.

  Pulling her headphones away from her head as she was searching for the next movie, Aedan leaned over the middle console between their seats. “Too bad we aren’t on one of the airlines with the joinable seats that turn into a bed. We could have had some real mile-high fun.”

  “They have that? The seats turn into a bed?”

  “Yes, they sure do. Piqued your interest?”

  “Maybe.”

  “I knew it would, you saucy woman. I told you, stick with me and there will be surprises like that all the time.”

  “So much temptation. You’ll have to remind me of all of this when we’re not at thirty-five thousand feet after seven drinks.”

  “I’ll be sure to remind you, don’t you worry,” Aedan said with a raised eyebrow. “Anything in particular you want to see in London?”

  “Just regular tourist stuff. Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, London Eye … is any of that going to be too tough to pull off? If it will make things too crazy, I can always go by myself. I don’t mind wandering. And I know you’ll be training and stuff.” He placed his fingers against her lips.

  “I would love to show you around and take you to see everything you want to see. It won’t be an issue. We might have to do some things incognito or go through the back entrances, but you will absolutely get to see everything, and I can’t wait to be your guide.”

  More than a little tipsy, Jess bounced in her seat while leaning over to give Aedan a quick peck, a peck that quickly turned into a much deeper and more passionate kiss. Jess pulled him toward her by his shirt and Aedan pulled her to him by the nape of her neck. If it weren’t for the throat clearing of the flight attendant asking for their breakfast order, things could have quickly gotten out of hand. They spent the rest of the flight holding hands, feeding each other fresh fruit with crème and pancakes, and sharing their headphones to watch the newly released blockbuster. Flying up front rocked!

  They gathered their things once the plane landed and disembarked. Things were fairly normal until they made it through immigration and baggage claim. Coming out of the arrivals exit doors past customs was like looking directly into the sun. There were so many flashes that Jess swore that she would be blind for at least a week.

  26

  “Aedan, Aedan, does Kate know you’ve brought a new girlfriend home?”

  “Aedan, how was America?”

  “Is this going to cause problems for you this season and championship?”

  “Aedan, who’s the new girl?”

  Shit! What the hell were all of these photographers doing here? Between the shouting and the camera flashes, this was the complete opposite of keeping a low profile. Aedan knew that sometimes people were mobbed like this at the airport, but he had never had it happen without the press being warned ahead of time. Usually it was like this when the team travelled together, but what the hell were they all doing here now?

  Grabbing a hold of Jess’s hand, Aedan pulled her through the throngs of photographers and other passengers. He relaxed some when he spotted the hulking mass that was Steven barreling his way through the crowd. Checking on Jess, he gave her a reassuring smile and pulled her close as Steven finally made it to them. It looked like he brought some company. Two other security guys helped them make their way out of the overrun airport.

  Aedan helped Jess into the black SUV first before he hopped in. Steven closed the door behind them then slid into the front passenger door. The other security guards loaded the luggage and the driver, who had been waiting for their arrival, took off as soon as the boot door was closed. Jess looked a bit shaken from the maelstrom. He took ahold of her hand and laced his fingers through hers.

  “Is it always like that when you land?”

  “No, I’ve never had it like that for me, unless I’m traveling with the team or going somewhere for a big event. That was nothing like it usually is. Had I known it would be a circus I would have warned you.”

  “I guess trial by fire works, too,” she said with a tight smile. Less than two hours in the country and Aedan could tell she was already regretting it.

  “Once we get to my apartment, it will be much easier to relax. We can get showered, slip into some pajamas, order in some food and hang out for the rest of the day.”

  “You sure do know how to turn on the charm offensive.”

  “And if you’re really good, I might cook and bake for you,” he said teasingly. A smile broke out across her face and Aedan knew he would do whatever it took to make sure that smile stayed in place.

  “You’re not playing fair.”

  “I never said I would. You thought I could cook before, wait until I have my arsenal at my disposal. Prepare to be amazed!”

  “You’re definitely cheating now.”

  “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep that smile on your face. I want this to be a good vacation for you.”

  Aedan clasped her hand in his and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

  “As long as we get to be together, it will be a great vacation,” Jess said as she looked into his eyes with so much trust that Aedan’s throat tightened a bit with emotion. Aedan resolved to make this the best vacation she had ever had and spend the time they had together getting to know one another a bit better. This was going to be a vacation for the books one way or another.

  The black SUV pulled up to the front of a mid-rise modern building with an impress
ive glass façade. Steven exited the SUV and opened Jess’ door for her. Aedan popped open his door, grabbed the bags in the back seat, and they headed into the bright, modern lobby.

  Aedan walked past the normal set of elevators to another single elevator. He swiped a keycard on the panel by the door and took Jess’s hand, pulling her into the elevator. Once inside, Aedan pushed the only button there—PH—and the door closed behind them.

  “Steven will bring up the bags a bit later.”

  The doors to the elevator opened and Aedan walked her straight into his apartment. There was a large bank of windows along the far side of the living room across from the elevator. The couches were covered in a green and blue pattern and looked like they were built for comfort over flash.

  “I’ll give you the grand tour milady,” Aedan held out his arm.

  Aedan led her down a hallway to the left, which led to an office, followed by four doors to what Jess imagined were bedrooms. The master bedroom had a closet and bathroom attached that was probably bigger than Jess’s whole apartment. The closet was well organized and sorted by brand.

  Aedan could feel the flush creeping up his neck as she glanced around the closet. “It makes it easier when I have to go to events wearing a specific brand,” he said with a shrug, a bit embarrassed by the sheer volume of clothes in his closet.

  “I think you have more clothes than most department stores.”

  “It’s definitely a bit much. I need to go through it, but they keep sending me products, so it gets hard to cut down the volume.”

  Jess raised an eyebrow at what looked like a thousand pairs of boxer briefs in their boxes, and Aedan held out his hands in a ‘what are you going to do’ fashion. The wall of sneakers was equally impressive. It seemed like he had every sneaker in every color under the sun.

  “Once fans figure out which shoes are my favorite; they take it upon themselves to try to track down the ones I didn’t have for me to add to my collection. Wouldn’t want to let down the fans, right? Especially when a lot of them spend their hard-earned money on these things. I like to think that when they see me wearing them it gives them some happiness.” Jess thought that it was endearing—a little creepy—but mainly endearing.

  Next stop was the bathroom; it had a giant tub with jets in it and a shower that could easily fit three people. It was decorated in a bright, airy, warm way that made Jess want to curl up and stay there all day.

  The next bedroom wasn’t a bedroom at all, but was kind of a mini gym. There was a treadmill, and a few free weights and resistance machines. There was also a small soaking tub; Aedan explained it was an ice bath. Finally, there was a massage table.

  The other two rooms were indeed guest rooms, which Aedan said were where his mom and brother or aunt and cousins stayed when they came to visit. They walked back through an office area into the living room, where Jess was finally able to take in the kitchen.

  Taking up the whole right side of the living area was the open plan kitchen. The gas range and oven combo looked big enough to fit a teenager inside and the fridge looked like it could hold a whole cow. Every gadget imaginable was out on the counter. There were some she recognized, like a stand mixer and a waffle iron, and a boatload of others that she couldn’t even begin to imagine what they did. Aedan hadn’t been kidding about his love of cooking. Her kitchen must have felt like he was using a microwave on a boat compared to everything he had here.

  “You were not embellishing one bit about loving to cook, were you?” Jess said as she walked into the kitchen and ran her fingers over a few of the appliances.

  “Not at all; it combines my love of food with my love of gadgets. Truth be told, I could probably make due with half of the stuff I have in here, you don’t need a Kitchen Aid and a sausage maker and a pasta machine, but it’s one of my indulgences.”

  “I can’t wait for you to indulge me all trip long,” Jess said with a chuckle.

  Aedan walked up behind her placing both his hands next to hers on the counter and whispering on her neck, “I can indulge you all you want this trip Ms. Montgomery,” and Jess felt her knees weaken as she felt his hot breath on her neck. The hairs on Jess’s neck raised and her pulse raced. She was becoming liquid in his arms and he had only whispered in her ear.

  “Are you sure, you’re going to be able to satisfy me, as you know I have very discerning tastes?”

  “I have my ways of ensuring that your needs are met to the fullest.” He punctuated each word with a kiss down her neck and placed his hands just below her navel pulling her hips back into his. Jess could feel the steel of his attention against her butt and it made her breath quicken and her heart race even faster.

  Turning around in his arms, Jess placed both of her arms around his neck and pulled him into a kiss. He began working on the button of her jeans and worked it open, quickly sliding the zipper down. Jess began likewise, unbuckling his belt and sliding her hand inside. She took hold of his velvety steel in her palm and gave him a squeeze. Aedan moaned against her mouth and grabbed the sides of her jeans, sliding them down past her hips.

  Pulling his cock out of his jeans, Jess began to rub him against her cotton covered sex until they were both moaning in a frenzy. Breaking the kiss, Aedan crouched down to pull her jeans and panties down to the floor. Aedan was back on her before she could even think of taking them all the way off. He lifted her up onto the counter and placed himself at her opening.

  Rubbing himself against her to get himself coated in her essence, Jess was practically at her peak already with her hips tilting to allow him easier access. Jess whimpered as Aedan seemed to be taking his time with entering her. She looked up at him and saw a gleam in his eye. Pouting, she took matters into her own hands and scooted down, impaling herself onto him in one thrust. The breath whooshed out of her lungs as he filled her at this angle, rubbing the perfect spot to bring her to her peak. His counter was a bit higher than Jess’s in her apartment. He was running against her walls and hitting all of the spots that made her moan in ecstasy, but he held back and kept up his slow languid strokes.

  “Tease,” she managed to moan out.

  “I wouldn’t want you to think that,” Aedan smiled, before cupping her breasts through her shirt and squeezing them, teasing her nipples. Then he began pumping in earnest, sliding in and out of Jess until her legs were shaking. Aedan lifted her shirt and bra at the same time and cupped her breasts. He moved his mouth to her nipples and sucked on them, giving them a nip. That was all that was needed to set Jess off. Her climax was explosive and sharp, causing her to cry out.

  Aedan wasn’t far behind and ground himself into her in a few final, frenzied thrusts. They were both panting as they heard the ding of the elevator door opening. Jess hastily pulled her shirt down and hopped off the counter on shaky legs. Nearly falling over, she had to grab ahold of the counter to steady herself. Aedan steadied her on her feet as he went to pull his pants up. Thankfully, the counter hid the two of them below the waist, but it would be hard not to figure out what exactly the two had been doing.

  Dropping the bags inside the front door, Steven took one look at them and made a hasty retreat into the elevator, managing to get back in before the doors even closed. Jess could feel the blush creeping up her neck and onto her cheeks as she pressed her face into Aedan’s chest.

  “He definitely knows what we were up to, doesn’t he?” Jess groaned out in embarrassment, her cheeks flaming.

  “I mean, maybe not but I’m pretty sure; he’s a pretty perceptive guy, which is part of the reason I hired him,” Aedan chuckled.

  Jess let her head rest on Aedan’s chest, a laugh bubbling up from her throat. “I can never face him again!”

  Thinking back to their kitchen romp and what it entailed, but more importantly what it didn’t, Jess felt the remnants of their impromptu kitchen session creep down her leg. Jess gave Aedan a startled look.

  “We didn’t use anything,” Jess lamented.

  “I know. I’m sorry.
I got caught up in the moment, but I want you to know you have nothing to worry about,” Aedan insisted, as he held Jess’s chin and stared into her eyes.

  “I’ve never had sex without protection, ever. It was something hammered into me from a very young age. I also got tested at a team STI Awareness event about six months ago,” Aedan reassured her.

  Jess let out a relieved breath. “Ok, great. I had a test just last year and haven’t been with anyone but you since then,” a blush crept up her neck and made its way to her cheeks at that admission. “And I’m on birth control, so no worries on that end.”

  “Great, we’ve covered all of the bases. We’ve had that chat. So, does that mean that this can be a regular thing? Just us with nothing between us?”

  “I guess so; if you’re good with it, then I’m good with it.”

  A kiss on the lips sealed the deal, “I’m definitely good with it.”

  They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening resting up and hanging out. Aedan showed her why there wasn’t a TV hanging on any of the walls. A projector dropped down from the ceiling and the shades that covered the windows closed before a giant screen popped down in front of the shades. Jess didn’t even know that they had HD projectors, but apparently, they did.

  Aedan was able to get into the US version of Netflix, so they could continue their current sci-fi series binge. After about four episodes, Jess fell asleep on that big comfy couch before Aedan picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. She was pretty sure she mumbled something about needing to brush her teeth before promptly falling asleep again.

  27