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  I unlocked the door and set everything down on the coffee table.

  “Em,” I called out as I walked through the small apartment and into her room. My face fell as I looked around, seeing everything that made this her space gone. Emma moved out while I was in Oakland, taking advantage of the empty apartment. I felt disappointment surge through me as I leaned against the wall.

  Greg was going to fucking kill me for this. I had to go screw everything up and make her leave and it was going to affect everything.

  I walked back into the living room and felt my stomach growl as the smell of the food filled the room. I hadn’t eaten a lot on the road and that weakened me with the game and exercise, so I dropped down to eat as I thought about my next approach.

  I assumed she was staying with Bella. I had dropped Nick off there a few times and didn’t know the apartment number, but he could tell me. If she wasn’t going to come to me, I’d go to her. I needed to talk to Emma and make things right. I’d initially chosen Greg over her to do the right thing, but being without her was too much to take. I needed Emma in my arms and my life. I realized that Greg was just going to have to accept that.

  I sent Nick a text to ask what Bella’s apartment number was and broke down what was going on. I didn’t think that he’d agree with my plan to get her back with his earlier advice, but Nick admitted that he’d never seen me care about a woman the way I cared about Emma. Maybe it was worth a shot to make it work with her and let Greg adjust. Nick teased me that I hadn’t slept with any women since she moved here, and I admitted that he was right. That urge was gone. I just wanted Emma in my bed.

  I knew that she might be at the other apartment studying, and went to her favorite local Thai place. I ordered a variety of food for her and Bella, tipping them heavily when I asked the driver to take over the wine and chocolate for me along with the food. I didn’t want to take it over since I wasn’t sure how she was feeling right now but this would get my point across. The young guy agreed, smiling as he took the bag that I offered him. The girls behind the counter were giggling as I turned to leave, hoping that this worked. I missed her and needed to have Emma in my life.

  I found a note from Emma on the counter later that night. It was a thank you for helping her out. It sounded like it had been written by a casual friend who I put up for a few nights. This wasn’t what she would have said to me before I ended things with her and I read the words over and over. I’d already written her a note, apologizing for what I’d done. I said that I missed her and needed to talk to her. That envelope was in the same bag as the wine and chocolates and I hoped she contacted me.

  I’d always lived for football. Always. Girls were just a bonus and there were plenty who came along with the sport. I’d sleep with them, usually just the once, and move on. I was always looking forward to the upcoming game and my future.

  A few of them claimed to have fallen for me, but I didn’t believe them. I also didn’t care because nothing was going to get in the way of my goals.

  I thought I met my goals when the Trojans signed me. I struck gold with the deal, still being close to my family and friends back home. They could come and see me play every so often and even if I wasn’t a starter, I was still part of the team. I made it. I just wanted more now and had new goals.

  I returned home and watched some ESPN as I listened for my phone. I swore that I’d never be this guy. Girls didn’t matter like football did and it was easy for me to see that before now.

  Emma shifted my whole world the moment she moved in. Once I gave into my feelings and attraction and kissed her, it was all over. I knew that I didn’t want any other woman from that point on and I was going to win her back.

  I woke up in the morning on the couch. The phone had been quiet all night, and I rubbed my eyes. I was due at the gym and stood on shaky legs, feeling the muscles pull in my back from the way I slept.

  “Fuck,” I muttered as I went back to change into some workout clothes. I needed to see the trainer and get my back worked on before this turned into a week or more of pain. I headed out of the apartment and drove to the gym where I met up with the guys, downing some water in the car before I walked inside.

  Nick looked at me curiously as I walked in. I shook my head and he gave me an understanding look. I tried, and I wasn’t done yet, not by a long shot. We worked out, talking casually through the room before I headed back to the trainer to get her to work on my sore muscle. Being a player got me certain perks and Tabatha smiled as I tapped on her door.

  “Hey, you. Great game this last weekend. What can I do for you?”

  “I slept on my back wrong last night. I’ll buy you a coffee if you check it out for me.” I winked playfully as Tab hurried over, telling me to get on the table.

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  I felt her pushing on the spot I described, letting out a grunt as she pushed down slightly. “You slept horrible. Do you have a couch of nails or something?”

  “My couch is fine. It’s just not meant to sleep on, but I fell asleep watching something,” I defended myself and she laughed and started to rub my back. It felt great, and I closed my eyes as she eased the stiff muscle for me, thinking about Emma.

  There was a time when I flirted with Tab. She was pretty with dark eyes and hair. Now I wasn’t even tempted, and I reminded myself I was both stupid and cursed. There was a good chance that I’d never get Emma back.

  I left feeling much better and headed out to my car. I noticed that some of the guys were chatting by the cars and I paused as Joe’s voice carried over to me.

  “They don’t have a two-bedroom place yet, but they are having a party this coming weekend. It’s after the game. I’m going to be there and tap that ass since she seems to be single.”

  Joe grinned at someone before his eyes flicked over to me, nodding his head.

  “How did it go with Tabatha?”

  “She was checking something for me. What’s this about a party?” I asked as Nick walked over to us.

  “It seems that Emma is staying with Bella. They’re having some people over,” he said.

  I realized nobody knew that we’d once shared an apartment. Since I wanted to avoid her being the subject of any gossip, I sure as fuck wasn’t going to mention that now. I felt something feral inside as I looked at Joe, hating the idea of any of these guys at Bella’s place.

  “You’re friends with her from back when, right? Didn’t she tell you about it?”

  I shook my head, hating the satisfaction that passed across his face. I stood still as Joe went to his sport car and headed to the mansion that he bought recently.

  “Jackson?”

  I looked at Nick as the others headed to their cars.

  “He’s just trying to get a rise out of you. They are having people over, but it’s no biggie. I think it was Bella’s idea.”

  “Fuck that,” I muttered as I walked to my car. I drove to Bella’s apartment and parked, then I saw that Emma’s car was parked there. I wanted to throw her over my shoulder like a caveman and take her back to my apartment, keeping her there for the rest of my life. I’d seen Joe at the bar with women and there was something creepy about him. I’d never seen anything illegal or even dangerous so far, but I didn’t want Emma alone with him.

  I got out of my car and walked to her door, knocking hard as I tried to breathe evenly. I was losing it here.

  I looked down at the floor as the door opened. I blinked and saw Emma staring up at me.

  “Jackson?” she said in a confused voice, seemingly surprised that I was here.

  “Emma,” I said softly, taking her in slowly as I stepped up to her. She looked beautiful but tired, and I sensed that she’d been crying. All the words that I wanted to say to her left my mind as I pushed my way inside and cupped her face.

  “Emma,” I kicked the door closed, barely listening as I claimed her mouth with mine. It was hot and rough but felt like everything to me. She moaned against me as I kissed her
over and over, tasting her sweet lips. She hesitated before sliding her arms around my neck and pulling herself up against me, her tongue meeting mine as I deepened the kiss.

  “Are you alone?” I asked. She nodded against me, her skin hot. I kissed her again, moving us to a couch and pulling her down over me. Emma slipped her jean-clad thighs over mine. I was hard as fuck and she rocked against me as we kissed, our tongues dancing furiously together.

  CHAPTER 19

  EMMA

  Jackson was everywhere the moment that he pushed his way into the apartment. His lips were claiming mine and his hands were on my body as I lost myself to him. I didn’t know what provoked this, but he felt so good and I gave into him. I wanted to push him away and tell him no, but instead I reached my arms around his neck and pulled myself closer.

  Logic set in as he brought me to the couch, pulling me over his lap. This was Bella’s place and we couldn’t do it here. There was no way that I was going to her room, and I tried to speak as Jackson kept kissing me, his hands cupping my ass as he moved against me.

  Oh, God. I’d been so lonely since leaving the apartment and I pressed down for more of him. His fingers dug painfully into me as he rocked up while I pressed down. His tongue moved easily into my mouth, teasing me, and making me want him more than I wanted to do the right thing. His hand slipped into my jeans and I breathed in to give him more room. I tried to think when Bella was going to be home and he pressed right against my clit.

  “Jackson,” I moaned as he did it again, bringing me closer to a release.

  I relaxed against him, trying to calm myself, inhaling his scent as I recognized I was in love with him. I couldn’t say it, but I was.

  “I love watching you,” he said as he pulled away and continued to thrust against me. I came as he gripped me, feeling myself soaring as it pulsed through me. “Beautiful.”

  “Bella is going to be home. Soon. This is her place and I can’t have sex with you here. It’s a small apartment,” I said weakly as I closed my eyes.

  “When is the two-bedroom happening?” he asked.

  “Where did you hear that?” I sighed, realizing that Bella wanted to have a party more than I did.

  He pulled me against him and started to stroke my hair. “The guys. You’re having a party here?”

  “Bella is. This place is clearly tiny, and it won’t be a big thing. She just wants to have some friends over is all,” I said as he kissed my hair.

  “I don’t want you around the guys,” Jackson said.

  I jerked my head up.

  “You sound just like Greg. It’s just a few people over, Jackson. That’s something people do every day.”

  I stared at him and he frowned.

  We both looked away to the door opening. Bella walked in and raised an eyebrow, closing the door and setting her backpack on the small bistro table.

  “This is interesting,” she said as she looked at us for a moment. I pushed myself up and stretched as he watched me, feeling my nipples through the shirt.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked.

  “I wanted to talk to Em,” Jackson said. “You’re having a party after the game?”

  “Yeah. I thought it would be fun to have some people over. It’s going to be small. Were you planning to show up?” Bella asked while she gave me a curious look.

  “Hell, yes. Someone needs to keep an eye on you girls with that kind of crowd.” Jackson narrowed his eyes. “The guys aren’t all good, Bella. I know that you think they are, but you have to be careful.”

  “Okay. We will,” she said as Jackson looked around the small place. There was so much more than I wanted to say and do, but the moment was gone. He stood up and headed to the door.

  “What time does the party get started?”

  “Ten,” I said.

  He nodded and stared at me. I knew that he would be here.

  “I’ll see you at the stadium.”

  Jackson knew from Nick that I was still working and probably vowed to get me alone here at the party. I needed to talk to him. He left, and I thought about the upcoming party. I would talk to him then, maybe even go back to his place where we could be alone. My body was still throbbing from the intimate moment on the couch.

  “What was that all about?” Bella asked as she plopped down on the couch after looking around. “You didn’t do it right here, did you?”

  “No,” I assured her.

  She laughed and looked curiously at me.

  “He came over to talk, I guess. I don’t know. He was all over me as soon as he walked through the door.” I ran a hand through my messy hair and sighed. “I guess he’s flipping out about the party. Do you know why?”

  “No. It’s just some of the team who’s coming over. He works with them, right? He should be fine with it.” Bella shrugged.

  I looked at the door, longing for him to walk back in.

  Jackson left me alone for the remainder of the week, but I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

  I got myself off every night since coming for him on the couch and dreamed about him at night. I prayed that Bella didn’t wake up and come out to the front room. I was a hot mess.

  Saturday came, and Bella got us both ready for the game in the tiny bathroom. She smiled as she powdered my face and complimented me on my tolerance for make-up now. I let Bella do whatever she wanted, enjoying the looks that she managed to come up with.

  “So, are you nervous about tonight?” Bella asked, and I shrugged.

  “I just don’t know why Jackson is so stressed about it. I wonder if someone said something about the party. I don’t know how to party. I was the one who never did that stuff in high school or college. Willow was the social one and put up with my being a hermit.”

  “It will be fine. There will be enough people here who you’ll have meet, and I am sure that Jackson will keep a close eye on you. He was acting like a crazy man the other night.” She frowned. “Are you getting back together with him?”

  “We haven’t talked yet. I have no idea. I miss him, Bella. I just don’t know if I should go running right back. There’s a lot to think about.”

  “Yeah, but you guys clearly have a thing. It’s pretty hot,” she said and I smiled at her. “I think that if you think it’s worth a shot, go for it. It might work out.”

  We left for the game in the usual sweats and shirts, hoping for enough time to change before everyone came over. We’d cleaned the place this week top to bottom, and Bella got the alcohol and food after school one day.

  I was still nervous, anxious about the crowd because I wasn’t used to this kind of group. I wasn’t scared of anyone, just nervous about the old shyness kicking in at the worst time. I had my friends back home and knew them well enough that there was no discomfort. They knew me and allowed me the alone time that I needed. It worked out great, but I was a little concerned with these people thinking I was always the bubbly girl who was entertaining the crowd.

  I wasn’t. I was shy and awkward at times. It was Bella who was the fun one.

  I dressed in the locker room and fixed my hair in the mirror. It was loose today and done in wavy curls, and I looked closely at my face for a moment. I never thought too much about my appearance in the past. Now, I just wondered if I was enough for Jackson.

  We took our place in our spot as the cheerleaders started to chant. The team rushed out on the field and everyone screamed. I smiled at Bella. I loved this feeling when everything started to happen, and I turned to look at Jackson as he ran by, laughing with Nick.

  We each shot two shirts into the crowd at the beginning of the game, and I laughed as a girl caught it and waved. We kept running around until the start of the game, returning to watch it just under the rest of the crowd. We took the lead early on despite the other team’s best efforts and I watched as Jackson ran out to play for a bit. He was playing more and more, and I licked my lips as I watched him. He was sexy when he was out there playing football. I could see that he was meant to
do this and wondered what would happen if we did work out and he ended up moving. Depending on how long we’d been together, he might want me to go with him, but I was finishing school. I loved my campus and my life here. I blinked as I pushed the thought away.

  We won, and Bella and I rushed through the showers. We hurried home to change into skirts and T-shirts before guests started arriving. I put a little make-up on as Bella called my name. I might not survive this.

  I walked out into the living room as some of the girls from the team walked in, hugging them as they passed me by. We all got the snacks out and had the guy with the keg set it up in the corner of the kitchen. This place was small, and I missed Jackson’s apartment for a moment.

  Others started arriving, and the music came on. I knew that Bella talked to the neighbors and since it was a weekend, most of them were fine with a small party. We just needed to pull the plug before it got to be too late. Some of the players came in and I looked for Jackson, not seeing him yet.

  Joe walked in with some of the other guys, looking around the small room with a glint in his eyes. He found me and sneered, locking gazes with me as he began to stride across the room. Bella walked up to me and looked over as he came up to both of us.

  “Hello ladies,” Joe greeted us as he let his eyes flick over my body, slowly taking it all in. I resisted the urge to shiver as I stepped away, searching the room for Jackson. Joe asked where the keg was, and Bella told him, watching as the guy walked away.

  “He’s a bit of an asshole. I’m glad that I never hooked up with him, as pretty as he is,” Bella said with a laugh. I tried to relax as the music got louder and voices filled the room.

  I went to the kitchen for one of the drinks and felt someone close the fridge and press me against it. I looked behind, not able to move as I pressed against the steel to push myself back. The person turned me around, and I found myself pressed against the counter, staring at Joe.