Scoring the Player Read online

  “Thanks for being a gentleman. I really enjoyed our time together, too,” I whisper before I lower myself back down and open my door, sliding in before he can pull me back out and kiss me.

  Brian holds on to my door for a few seconds. “Text me when you get home, so I know you made it safely.” He then closes my door, and raps his knuckles on the roof of my car twice before taking a step back.

  “I will. Have a good night,” I call out my window as I pull out of Scott’s driveway.

  I make it home about ten minutes later, and head straight toward my bedroom. Our short nap this morning, and then again this afternoon, didn’t fully make up for the missed night’s sleep. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I change into some sleep shorts and a tank, and crawl into my bed. I’m immediately hit with Brian’s smell. It’s imbedded in my pillows and sheets, and I almost feel like he’s here again, with his arms wrapped around me.

  I pull the sheets up to my face and take a deep breath, suddenly aware of just how much he has ingrained himself in my life already. I have never felt so close to someone I’ve known for such a short amount of time. He impressed me so much, and proved that he isn’t as much of a player as his public image makes him out to be. Never in a million years, would I have thought he would lie in a bed with me all night, and not try and push me into sex with him. Not only did he do that, but he made sure I knew he would stop at any moment I wasn’t comfortable with what was going on.

  Kinley: Hey, made it home safe and sound. Good night.

  Brian: Good night, sweetheart. Will I get to see you again before I leave this week?

  Kinley: I’m not sure, I go back to work tomorrow night. I have to get laundry done, as well as go grocery shopping tomorrow, before I take a nap in the afternoon, so I can make it through my first night back. Then once I’m on nights, I usually sleep most of the day.

  Brian: No pressure, but I would love to see you again if possible. I don’t care if it’s just at your place as you do laundry and get ready for your work week. I just want to see you before I leave.

  Kinley: I’ll text you tomorrow and we can see what’s going on.

  Brian: Sounds good, sleep tight.

  The next morning, I get up early to make up my grocery list and head to the store, so I can get that out of the way. I usually like to take a nap by one, so I need a head start on the day. After I get home from the store, I start my laundry and pick up a bit around my condo. I’m just finishing up in my kitchen when I hear a knock at the door.

  Opening it, I find a sexy as sin Brian, leaning against the doorframe.

  “Hey,” he says with a smirk. “You didn’t text me this morning. Kinda thought you forgot about me.”

  “Sorry!” I cringe. “I got up early and got a jump-start on my day, and haven’t really stopped. I meant to text you, but didn’t want to wake you up.” I step back and open the door all the way, so he can come in. “I’ve been just cleaning and doing laundry since I got home from the store this morning.”

  “You have been busy,” he muses.

  “Would you like something to drink? I just finished up as you knocked, so I’m done cleaning for the day.”

  “I’m good for now. Can I take you out for lunch?”

  I look at the clock to see that it’s only a quarter to twelve. Plenty of time for an impromptu lunch date.

  “As long as we are back by around one-ish. I need to grab a few hours’ nap before work tonight.”

  “Don’t think that will be a problem at all. Where would you like to go?”

  “Mmmm…do you like Mexican?” I ask him.

  “I like just about anything. You lead the way.”

  I grab my purse and keys, and we head out the door. He borrowed Scott's extra truck, and offers to drive us. The Mexican restaurant we are going to isn’t very far away, and is easy to direct him to.

  After we are seated, and our drink order is taken, Brian starts to look over the menu, while I just put mine on the edge of the table. I have been coming here for years, and already know what I want to order.

  “Already know what you’re having?” he teases me.

  “Yep, I always order the same thing.”

  He chuckles at me and goes back to looking over his menu. “What do you get?” he asks, as one of the employees drops off a basket of chips and salsa, as well as our drinks, on the table.

  “I get the tacos carne asada.”

  “That sounds good. I think I’ll have the same.”

  Our server arrives to take our order, then we fall back into idle conversation.

  “Are you getting excited to see your family in just a few days?”

  “I guess. I’m a guy, I don’t tend to get all giddy about seeing people. I’m used to not seeing them, except for short trips or over the summer.”

  “Yeah, but aren’t you excited for your sister’s baby?”

  “Yes, but once again, I’m a guy,” he chuckles.

  Our food arrives quickly, and we dig right in. Our conversation continues to flow over lunch, and once we are finished, Brian takes me back to my place and drops me off.

  “Thanks for hanging out with me today. I’m glad we met while I was here, and hope we stay in touch,” he tells me, after walking me to my door.

  “I’m glad we met as well. Have a safe trip home, and don’t forget to text me that picture once your nephew arrives.” I grin, as I kiss his cheek and head into my condo.

  “Bye, Kinley,” he calls out, just before my door closes.

  Chapter Seven

  Brian

  December

  The past six months have been strange, to put it mildly. Kinley and I have texted back and forth sporadically. I kept my promise and texted her a couple pictures of me holding my new nephew and she, in turn, texted me random pictures of her hiking, or just hanging out.

  Once my season started, Kinley started texting me to wish me good luck before games and what she was impressed with, after. When she missed games due to work, it made me realize just how much I enjoyed her texts; they boosted my confidence.

  Shortly into the season, Scott broke his leg during a game against the Wild. That took him out of the season for a while, but his rehab has been going great, and he is scheduled to return to the ice in the next week or so. Around the time he broke his leg, Becca moved down to Indy for good to be with him full-time, and I know that’s been hard on Kinley. After Becca moved, the number of texts from Kinley increased. She has been having a hard time not having her best friend around, and she’s been leaning on me, even FaceTiming with me lately.

  A couple of weeks ago, Scott told me he intends to propose to Becca on New Year’s Eve, and asked for my help with getting Kinley here for his proposal. He took care of all her travel arrangements, but I’ll be picking her up from the airport and bringing her to the concert where Scott is proposing. To say I’m excited about seeing Kinley again is an understatement. She got into my head and under my skin as soon as I met her, and I haven’t looked at another woman since. I don’t know what exactly it is about her, but she has captivated me in a way I have never been before.

  Brian: Ready for your flight tomorrow?

  Kinley: Yep! I can’t wait to see everyone! Becca has no clue what’s going on!

  Brian: Have you decided if you’ll be staying at my place or theirs?

  Kinley: You’re sure you don’t mind if I stay at yours?

  Brian: I wouldn’t have offered if I minded, sweetheart.

  Kinley: I just figured that was your hormones talking. ; )

  Brian: And I told you before, I have a guest room that you’re welcome to use, unless I can convince you to sleep in my bed. ; )

  Kinley: Just full of jokes, aren’t ya?

  Brian: Definitely not joking about that. You know where I stand. I want you in my arms, in my bed. Doesn’t mean we have to have sex, though I wouldn’t turn it down if you’re offering.

  Kinley: No sex, we can’t go there, Brian, you know that. I don’t want an
ything to make our relationship change. You mean too much to me for me to lose you.

  Brian: Yeah, I know. Just wanted to remind you the offer still stands.

  Kinley: Well, thanks for that, and I think I will stay at your place. I don’t need to be the third wheel right after B & S get engaged. I’ll let them have an empty condo to sex it up without having to worry about being walked in on.

  Brian: Sounds like a plan. I have to head out to the rink, but I’ll see you tomorrow at the airport.

  Kinley: See you tomorrow!

  Kinley’s flight just touched down, according to the arrival board located outside security. We had planned to just meet outside baggage claim, but I need to wrap my arms around her as soon as possible. So here I am, waiting outside of security for her. This trip, especially with her staying with me, is going to leave me with the hugest case of blue balls, and probably have me walking around with a hard-on the entire time she’s here. But if I have to keep my dick in my pants while she’s here, to prove to her that our friendship means more to me than getting her naked, then so be it.

  I watch as people filter out of security, meeting up with their friends and family, just waiting until the beauty that is Kinley appears. I see her before she even notices me. Her natural beauty knocks the breath from my lungs as I take her in. Just as she clears the final security gate, she spots me and her face lights up. She runs toward me, launching herself into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist. I pull her into me and bury my face into her neck, just breathing her in.

  “God, I missed you!” I say into her neck.

  “I missed you, too,” she whispers, as she leans back and rubs her hands up and down my cheeks. “I didn’t realize you were growing this out so much.”

  “After no-shave November, I kind of liked it, so I just kept it. It’s grown on me.” I wink at her.

  “I like it,” Kinley says, running her fingers through it some more.

  “Let’s go find your bag and get out of here.” I smack her ass and as she slides down my body, there is no way she can’t feel the effect she’s having on me. I was hard before she even exited security, and from the moment she jumped into my arms, my dick hardened until it was straining against the zipper of my jeans.

  We collect Kinley’s suitcase and head out to my truck. “Any chance we have time to stop at your place before heading to the arena, so I can freshen up?” she asks, after climbing into my truck.

  I check the time. “As long as you can be quick. We’ll only have about thirty minutes to spare.”

  “I can be quick.” She smirks.

  Before pulling out of my parking spot, I shoot off a quick text to Scott, letting him know Kinley arrived and we will be at the arena at the scheduled time.

  Once we arrive at my condo, I grab Kinley’s bag and we head upstairs. I set her bag in my guest room, and show her where to find extra clean towels before leaving her to freshen up.

  “I’ll be out in just a few,” she calls over her shoulder as I leave the room, closing the door behind me.

  I head out into my living room and turn on NHL network to catch the latest updates. Even with losing Scott for a while, we have kept up in the standings, so far, this season. We still have a lot of the season left, so anything can change at a moment’s notice.

  About fifteen minutes later, Kinley emerges from my guest room, looking so fucking hot. She has on skin-tight jeans that leave nothing to the imagination, and a light purple sweater that hangs off one shoulder. The boots she’s wearing, with a bit of a heel, look damn sexy on her.

  I whistle as she saunters my way, those perfect hips swaying from side to side, which earns a raised eyebrow from her. “Do I look okay?” she asks, as she looks down at what she’s got on.

  “You look great,” I say, as I stand, then lean down so I can whisper directly into her ear. “I lied. You look sexy as fuck, and I’m going to be hard as a fucking rock all night.”

  I watch as the blush creeps up her neck and onto her cheeks. “Behave yourself,” she chides.

  I grab her hand and lace our fingers together, pulling us toward the door. If I don’t get us out of here, I don’t know if I can keep my hands off her much longer.

  “Need anything else before we leave?”

  “I’ve got everything I need. Let’s go!”

  We arrive at the arena for the concert and head toward the backstage area, where the private concert is being held and where Scott is proposing. The plan is for Kinley and I to come in after the private concert starts, so that Becca doesn’t see her before the proposal. I can tell it’s killing Kinley to not rush into the room and swarm Becca, but she also doesn’t want to ruin Scott’s surprise.

  We slip into the room just as Florida Georgia Line starts the first song of their set, and stay back along the wall, where we're out of sight. I can see Becca and Scott up near the front, and since everyone else in the room knows what’s about to happen, they will all move and allow us to move forward when the time comes.

  The band finishes a few songs, and then pauses to say a few words before they sing their final song. As soon as the song ends, I see Scott spin Becca and know it’s go time. The other guys from our team, that are in here with us, start whistling and cat-calling at Scott’s PDA. I nudge Kinley forward as I see Scott drop to his knee.

  As soon as Becca tells Scott yes, the cheers go up in the room. Kinley is screaming her head off, and it’s then that Becca notices her. Becca pulls Kinley in for a hug immediately.

  “Oh my God, when did you get here? You knew this was happening, didn’t you?” Becca says to Kinley.

  “I arrived this afternoon. Brian picked me up, and we got here just as they started to sing. Scott didn’t want you to see me before he proposed. He thought you might get suspicious that something was going on if you saw me before. But enough about me…let me see that ring, girl!” Kinley squeals at Becca. “I can’t believe you’re engaged!”

  After the excitement settles down, we all make our way up to the suite, where we’ll be watching the actual concert. With it being New Year’s Eve, I have plans to get my lips on Kinley at midnight.

  Chapter Eight

  Kinley

  Watching Scott propose to Becca was amazing! I’m so excited for them, and grateful that Scott wanted to include me in their big moment. Ever since she moved down here a few months ago, I’ve been a little depressed. Nothing is the same without her, but I know it was the right decision for her. She needed to be down here with Scott all the time, not only because of his accident, but because it’s what they needed for their relationship.

  We make it back to the suite for the concert, and Becca and I make a beeline for the food and bar. I’m starving, as the last time I ate was in the airport during a layover. We both load up our plates, and grab one of the special drinks they have for New Year’s Eve.

  Watching a concert from a suite is a whole new experience for me, and I can’t get over how amazing it all is. All the food and beverages are free! They also have it decorated for the holiday, and have fun party accessories for all of us, as well as a little photo station with props.

  As we head to our seats, Becca introduces me to Bridget Soaps, who I’ve heard a lot about from Becca. She is the wife of one of the other players, and is super nice. She welcomed Becca right in, and has been a great support for her down here.

  After I take my seat and start eating, I can feel someone watching me. I scan the room until my eyes land on Brian. He’s standing over by the bar with Scott and a few other guys, whom I assume are his teammates. Once we make eye contact, he winks at me and tips his beer back. I give him a little smile and go back to my food. Becca is sitting next to me, and she is still so shocked about Scott’s proposal that she’s almost speechless.

  “I can’t believe you kept this from me! How long have you known about it?” she asks between bites.

  “Oh, about six weeks or so.”

  “Six weeks!” she nearly shouts.

  “Yep, Sc
ott called me up and asked if there was any way I could come down. He already had almost everything planned out, and knew that you would want me here. He just said I had to keep it a secret. The hardest part was lying to you about not being able to get the time off.”

  “Well, you sold me on the lie,” Becca says.

  “Sorry, not sorry,” I laugh.

  “I’m not! I loved everything about it!” she exclaims.

  I’m laughing at her and how excited she is when Scott and Brian approach us, and take their seats on either side of us.

  “What has you girls all giddy?” Scott asks, as he slips his arm around Becca’s shoulders, pulling her closer to him so he can drop a kiss on top of her head.

  “Just still excited about everything you pulled off, and that we're freaking engaged! Thank you again for making sure Kinley was here.”

  “You’re welcome, baby,” he says as he kisses her.

  I turn toward Brian, to give Scott and Becca a little privacy, and nudge him with my shoulder, gaining a grin and wink from him. He brings his hand up and squeezes my shoulder, leaving his arm on the back of my chair, his fingertips running lightly along my neck. Goose bumps instantly break out, and of course, he notices, leaning in closer to me.

  “Cold?” he whispers in my ear on a low growl.

  “Not quite,” I breathily reply. He has the blood pumping in my body with just the slightest touch. I have no idea how I’m going to fend him off this trip, if this is how he’s going to play things.

  We sit there, staring each other down, and he continues to wreak havoc on my body. We are interrupted by the dimming of the house lights. The opening band is being introduced, so we turn our attention to the stage and settle in for the concert.

  Everyone in the suite is having a blast. We enjoyed the two opening bands and have been watching Florida Georgia Line now for a few songs. The drinks keep flowing, as does the food. It’s really nice to be able to pop back and grab something, and not have to fight the crowds.