Sensual Games (Novak Springs #3) (8 page)

Colt wasn’t having a good day. In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he had a day even remotely first-rate. The quarterback coach had been working him hard ever since Paxton Kerry had been injured in the game against the Broncos. He understood the man was trying to prepare him to take over as the starting quarterback, but he was exhausted. All he wanted to do was crawl in bed and sleep for a week. First he needed to find the energy to walk to his car and drive home—an impossible feat looking at the exit from the bench inside the locker room. Colt sighed and pushed himself to his feet.

“What are you still doing here?”

Colt turned to see Paxton Kerry entering the locker room. Sweat was dripping down the sides of his face, his coffee-brown hair plastered to his head.

Colt shrugged. “Bob wanted to go over a few things with me.”

He didn’t want to go into it. Colt had no desire to rub in that he was the starting quarterback while Paxton was benched. The injury had to suck donkey balls.

Paxton laughed. “Bob saying let’s go over a few things is like saying get ready to run a marathon without training for it. How are you surviving?”

“Shouldn’t that be what I’m asking you?”

“Maybe—I don’t want you to pity me. I’m fine.” Paxton grinned. “I get to work with that gorgeous physical trainer we have every day. I’d say that’s almost worth the injury alone.”

Colt gritted his teeth and stopped short of punching Paxton in the face. It wasn’t his fault Emma broke up with him. No, he knew where the blame firmly landed for that blunder.

“Yeah. How is Emma treating you?”

“Great. She knows so much. We’ve been working for a couple of weeks now, and I’m already starting to feel some improvement.” Paxton did some slow movements of his shoulder. “If all goes well I should be able to play again.”

“Good.” Colt nodded. “I’d hate to see you on the sidelines too long. You’re too good of a player to not be able to play again.”

Colt meant the words. He wouldn’t wish a debilitating injury on anyone. Paxton was one of the best players he’d ever seen play the game. If he could get past the injury and play again, good for him—if he hit on Emma he might have to hurt him though.

“Thanks. I would have thought you’d wish me to be gone for good. This is your chance to show them what you got.”

“True enough,” Colt agreed. “I’d rather win the chance on my own merit though. It kind of loses some validity when you only have it because someone else was unlucky enough to get injured.”

“Yeah, I can see your point,” Paxton agreed. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to hit the shower. I’m taking Emma to dinner tonight, and I don’t want to be a sweaty beast sitting across from her.”

Colt’s mouth flew open as Paxton’s words managed to sink into his overworked brain. A silent scream filled his head. This couldn’t be happening. Emma was not about to start dating Paxton Kerry. He’d murder him.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Colt reminded himself to calm down. It might not be a date. It could be they were going out as friends. Paxton didn’t really seem like Emma’s type.

“Really?” Colt asked. “I didn’t know you and Emma had gotten so close.”

“Yeah, it’s amazing what can happen when you’re bonding over physical therapy.” Paxton nodded. “She’s a slave driver.”

Yeah, Emma’s stubbornness tended to drive him insane from time to time. He could see how it might work in her favor when dealing with irritable football players.

“So you’ve, um, become friends?”

Paxton pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it in into his locker. “Yeah, I suppose that’s one way of looking at it.”

One way? What other way did Paxton see Emma? “I’m not following you.”

“We’re friends now, but you never know where that could lead.” Paxton tossed his sweats into the locker and pulled out his shower supplies. “I’m not saying we’ll be more than that, but she’s awesome. I’d like to get to know her better.”

Nope, Colt definitely needed to murder him. “So where are you two going to dinner?”

He needed information. Another surprise date, one where he’d drag Alison to—he needed to crash Paxton and Emma’s dinner. He hoped his best friend was up to it. Alison still didn’t know that Emma still believed they were dating. He hadn’t found the time to let her know. Colt was well aware he should have mentioned it. Alison had been his fake girlfriend for almost two months now. Emma always seemed to be surrounded by other people, and the time never seemed right.

“I don’t know,” Paxton said. “Do you have any suggestions?”

Colt looked up at him with surprise. “You didn’t make any specific plans?”

“Well no—we just decided we’re hungry.”

This could work for him. Maybe if he invited them to join him and Alison it wouldn’t look like he was honing in on Emma’s date. It would only be a problem if Alison refused to go. Maybe he’d fail to mention to her they’d be seeing Emma and Paxton. Alison acted a little weird when Paxton was around. Maybe she didn’t like him. Colt stopped to wonder, only briefly, how it was going between them since Tori had assigned Alison as Paxton’s working agent.

“Well, if you don’t mind joining me and Alison, we are going to eat at this little café we like. The food’s pretty good, and the service is excellent.”

“Alison?” Paxton asked, startled. “You two dating?”

“We’re more friends than anything.”

“Ah got you,” Paxton replied. “Sure give me the address. We’ll meet you there.”

Colt didn’t want to think about what Paxton actually got. Did he think Colt enjoyed a little more than friendship with Alison? He hoped not. He and Ali truly were only friends—something he was going to explain to Emma. He needed to quit putting that off. He wanted her back, and he wasn’t going to get her if she believed he was taken. Emma didn’t step on another woman’s toes.

“Great. I’ll see you in a while then.” Colt nodded. “I have to go pick up Alison.”

“Thanks man.” Paxton wandered off to the shower, not once giving Colt a second glance.

Damn it.
Now he had to make sure Alison was willing to meet him for dinner. Hell, wasn’t it a few minutes ago all he wanted to do was drive home and sleep for a week? Now he was scrambling to go out and prevent Paxton Kerry from hitting on the woman he loved.

Colt walked out of the locker room and pulled his phone out of his pocket. He scrolled through his contacts and tapped on Alison’s name. It rang three times before she answered.

“Hello.”

Alison’s voice was groggy. He had probably woke her up. He’d feel guilty about it later. “Hey Ali.”

“Colt? What do you need?”

“I absolutely need you to have dinner with me tonight, please say you will.”

He crossed his fingers and prayed she’d say yes. She just had to. Alison could usually be counted on to save him from total destruction. If she said no, he’d have to sit there and explain to Paxton why he was alone. He dreaded the possibility.

“Really? I don’t know—”

“Come on, Ali. I need the company.”

“I’m so tired though. Tori’s been working me crazy this past week. I don’t know what’s gotten into her. Ever since Wes proposed, she’s been this crazy bundle of nonstop energy.”

Wes proposed? Good for him. Tori was a great woman, and he was lucky to have her. At least he hadn’t screwed things up the way Colt had with Emma. Wes might hate Colt, but Colt didn’t wish him any ill will. Wes had been great when he visited Novak Springs. Well, most of the time when he visited. The last time he’d been out at the ranch he threatened to kick Colt’s ass. He hadn’t been out there since.

“Well good for her. I haven’t talked to her since I saw her with Paxton in the café several weeks ago.”

“Don’t remind me,” Alison muttered.

“What?”

That didn’t sound good. It sounded like Alison had no desire to see Paxton any time soon. Colt would conveniently forget to mention the quarterback and Emma were joining them.

“Paxton is a pain in the ass. He’s been grumpy as hell ever since he was injured. The publicity is enough to keep me hopping for days. What can and cannot be said. The press has been hounding us for answers if he is going to play again or not. He doesn’t want to say one way or the other.” He could hear Alison sigh. “I get it. This is his career, and I feel bad for him, but I also want to strangle him daily.”

“You talk to him every day?” Wow, Tori hadn’t even done that with him when he went through his own crisis.

“God yes. He calls me at all hours of the day. I told you he’s driving me insane. At least I don’t see him every day. If I did, I might strangle him.”

“I’m sorry he seems to be making your life difficult.” What else could he say? He was about to make her life equally complex. She’d probably be warring with herself who to strangle first.

“Not your fault,” Alison paused and sighed. “You know what? Dinner sounds great. I’m glad you called.”

“I’m so glad you said that. I miss my best friend. We haven’t seen enough of each other lately.”

They really hadn’t. Since Colt took the starting position he was either sleeping, working with the quarterback coach, or playing a game. He didn’t have a lot of free time these days. He did miss her. He only hoped she’d forgive him for dragging her along through the muck with him.

“I miss you too. Give me an hour, and I can meet you at our favorite place.”

“You sound tired. Let me pick you up.”

Colt had told Paxton he needed to pick Alison up. It would give credence to his story if he actually did so.

“No, I’d rather drive myself in. I appreciate the offer,” Alison replied. “Besides I know you’re tired too. I’m not the only one that’s been working crazy hours.”

Alison was right. The little communication they’d exchanged involved lots of texts of him saying how exhausted he was every day. She had failed to mention how much she’d been working herself. Colt made a mental promise to be a better friend and check up on her more often. He didn’t need to always be so selfish and demanding from her.

“If you’re sure—I really don’t mind.”

“Yes, I’m positive. I would much rather drive myself over. I’ll see you soon.”

“All right, I won’t push.”

Alison’s laugh floated through his ears. “You never do. Maybe sometimes you should.”

What the hell did that mean? “I’ll let you explain that cryptic comment when I see you.”

“Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.”

“Anyone ever tell you that you can be very irritating?”

“All the time,” Alison replied. “It means I’m doing my job right. Okay, I have to go Colt, or I’ll never get up to meet you.”

“Fine, I will see you in a bit.”

Colt clicked End on his phone and shoved it back into his pocket. Paxton still hadn’t exited the locker room. He probably would be soon, and Colt didn’t want to be caught hanging around. He was already supposed to be gone and picking up Alison. Colt glanced back at the door one last time and shook his head. He hoped he wasn’t making a mistake. He couldn’t stand the idea of Emma dating Paxton Kerry. Emma belonged with him. He needed the opportunity to convince her of that fact. He’d make sure he got it too. Maybe Alison was right. He really should start pushing more often. Being the nice guy wasn’t getting him anywhere.

Emma didn’t know if going out to eat with Paxton Kerry was the best decision she’d ever made. She did believe she deserved to have a night out. She’d been so busy, finding time to date had been impossible. Plus if she were being honest with herself, she didn’t really want to. She wasn’t over Colt, and it wouldn’t be fair to another man if she started something her heart couldn’t be a part of. Paxton only wanted to be friends. Emma seemed to be picking a few of those types up. First Ian and now Paxton Kerry—if she was looking for more it might have given her a complex. It was a good thing all she wanted was friendship from both men. So if Paxton needed someone to hang out with, Emma had no problem accommodating him. She needed to get out from time to time as well.

“Are you ready to go eat?” Paxton ran his hand through his wet hair as he exited the locker room.

“I am.”

“Good. I’m starving.”

“Did you decide where you’d like to go?” Emma asked.

“Yeah, I thought we’d go to this little café. Is that okay?”

Emma didn’t really care where they went. She wanted some food, and if she was lucky enough, good company to go along with it. “Sounds good.”

He smiled. “Well then let’s go. Follow me, my car is in the far lot. Less likely to run into people I don’t feel like talking to back there.”

Emma frowned. She knew Paxton was doing well with his therapy. So far, it looked like he would get back his full range of motion. Which was great news for him—he might be able to play again. The problem was the press wanted more than an “I don’t know” answer from the team. They couldn’t give them what they didn’t have. They all wanted Paxton to be in top playing condition again. Emma didn’t want to bring up a sore subject, so she kept her thoughts to herself. If Paxton wanted to talk about what was bothering him, he’d bring it up himself.

They walked for a few minutes and exited the building at the parking lot. Emma followed behind him until he stopped at a black sports car. He clicked the remote and unlocked the doors.

Emma opened the passenger door and got inside. “Thanks for giving me a ride home tonight. I hope they don’t take too long fixing whatever is wrong with my car. I hate taking cabs every place I need to go. It’s been driving me crazy.”

Paxton nodded and started the engine. “No problem. I don’t mind. How long have you been without wheels?” He put the car in drive and squealed out of the empty parking lot.

“For over a week now. I got back from Novak Springs after Thanksgiving, and it started to sputter and died on the side of the road outside the city limits.” Emma shook her head. “I was spitting mad. It prevented me from getting to look at an apartment I’d hoped to get.”

“You don’t have a place to live?”

“Not my own place. I’ve been staying with Tori.”

“Vitoria Miene?”

“Yeah,” Emma said. “She’s engaged to my brother, Wes. Do you know her?”

“I do. I signed with her agency back in October. So far, it’s been one of the best decisions of my life.”

“Tori is awesome.” Emma smiled. “I’m glad Wes finally proposed to her.”

“Yeah, I haven’t worked with her too much. I’ve been working with Alison primarily.”

Emma got quiet when she heard Alison’s name roll off Paxton’s tongue. She didn’t want to admit it but she hated hearing her name. She liked the woman. Emma adored her to pieces. She hated that Alison now dated Colt. It grated on her nerves. She really needed to get over her hang up. It wasn’t Alison’s fault Emma still loved Colt.

Paxton pulled into a parking lot of quaint little café. It looked picturesque and inviting. Emma loved it immediately.

“Have you eaten here before?” he asked.

“No, I haven’t.” Emma couldn’t wait to see what the inside looked like. The outside was so inviting.

“I did once with Tori. I hadn’t realized it was the same place.”

What was he talking about? “Same place?”

“I was talking to Colt earlier. He mentioned this place. I figured why not try it out.”

“Colt said to come here?”

Paxton shrugged his shoulders. “He suggested I try it.”

Great, this was probably his favorite place to meet Alison. Emma hoped they wouldn’t run into them in the café. She couldn’t very well back out now. Emma was truly stuck and had to see the evening through. Paxton was her ride home. She could call a cab if she got desperate enough.

No time like the present.
Emma turned to Paxton and said, “Let’s go check it out.”

They both exited the car and headed toward the entrance of the café. They entered, and Emma was blown away with the ambiance. It was as quaint and charming as she expected. She was happy with her observation until her eyes landed on Alison and Colt a few feet in front of her. Alison’s head tipped back as she laughed at something Colt had said. Her copper-gold curls tumbled around her shoulders. She looked so damned happy it hurt Emma to look at her.

“Come on, let’s join them,” Paxton said, pulling her hand in his.

What? He didn’t mean to actually join Alison and Colt? Emma had to have heard him wrong. Why would he do this to her? To be fair, Paxton had no idea of her history with Colt. No one on the team did. Shock filled her as he led her over to Alison and Colt’s table. He pulled out a chair for her, and she blindly sat in it. With numbness filling every inch of her soul, she watched him take the seat opposite of her, across the table.

Alison looked over at her, and her mouth hung open with surprise. “Hey, Emma—”

Emma nodded her head like the town idiot. She had no clue what to say or why Paxton pushed her into the situation she now found herself in—hell. Yeah, this had to be Emma’s version of the fiery inferno.

“Paxton.” Colt nodded at him. “You’ve met Alison, right?”

“Yeah, she’s been very helpful.” Paxton nodded. “I’ve been working with her a lot lately.”

Right. That had to be why Paxton dragged Emma over to their table. He must feel a kindred spirit with Alison. She’d been his mediary between him and the press lately. Paxton didn’t sit down with Colt and Alison to punish Emma. He saw a friendly face and latched onto the opportunity.

“What brings you two out tonight?” Alison asked.

“Oh, nothing special…we needed to eat.” Paxton waved his hand. “The food was good when I ate here with you and Tori.”

“Yeah,” Alison picked up her water and took a big gulp. She set it down and stared at something over Colt’s head.

Awkward silence—yeah, Emma was right the first time. This was definitely hell.

“Have you ordered yet?” Emma asked.

“Oh yeah, we did.” Colt nodded. “Do you want me to call the waitress over?”

Wow, this was such a bad idea. She should try to find a way to excuse herself. A cab ride back to Tori’s condo was sounding better by the second.

“I’ll go find her,” Alison said. She jumped up so fast no one could stop her from leaving.

“So how’s the training going?” Emma turned to Colt and raised an eyebrow.

“Good,” Colt said. “Been working pretty hard.”

“What’s going on with Alison?” Paxton asked.

Colt’s forehead scrunched up in puzzlement. “I don’t know what you mean?”

“She seemed so happy when we walked in. I’ve never seen her laugh like that.” Paxton watched as Alison talked to the waitress. “She’s stunning when she lets go.”

Emma’s gaze flew to Alison and back to Paxton. Could he have feelings for her? It sure looked like it might be possible. Emma wondered if Alison might reciprocate. She’d have to investigate further. If it was possible—she wouldn’t let herself hope. It was wrong to plot ways of breaking up Alison and Colt. But Emma couldn’t help herself.

“Paxton, why don’t you go over and ask the waitress to bring me a glass of water. I’m really thirsty.” Emma rubbed her throat for emphasis.

“Oh sure, I can do that.” Paxton leaped up and rushed over to Alison and the waitress.

“Couldn’t get rid of him fast enough?” Colt asked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Colt laughed. “You don’t want to be here, do you?”

Emma tapped her finger on the table. “What was your first clue?”

“Oh, your look of instant delight when you walked in. You were never good at hiding it when you were horrified at your surroundings.”

Emma sighed. “I’m tired. This seemed like a good idea when Paxton suggested it. I think I’d rather go home.”

Colt smiled. It seared her heart. He looked so damned happy. Why did he also have to look so gorgeous sitting next to her? She missed spending time with him. If they were still together, this would be one of the best nights she’d ever had. Instead, she had to sit next to him and pretend not to be bothered with his new relationship.

“What’s keeping you here?” Colt asked. “Go home if you don’t want to lower yourself to spend any time with me.”

Colt thought she didn’t want to be around him? Emma could see how he would get that impression. She hadn’t exactly been warm and inviting in his presence. She’d gone so far as to tell him to leave her alone. On more than one occasion, if she were to be honest. She’d been a veritable shrew. At first she’d meant every word. Even if he’d betrayed their love with Missy, she found her heart softening toward him. She loved him. That hadn’t changed and never would. Her heart had been bruised and needed time to heal. As soon as she found time though, she’d track Missy and Melody down—Emma wanted answers.

“I don’t hate you.”

Colt shrugged his shoulders. “You could have fooled me. Most times you can’t even look at me.”

“One doesn’t have anything to do with the other.”

“I’m not following you,” Colt said.

“Never mind, it doesn’t matter.” Emma turned her head. Alison and Paxton were still on the other side of the restaurant. They were deep in conversation—the waitress nowhere in sight. It appeared like Emma had been right. Paxton had a thing for Alison. He didn’t seem bothered by her relationship with Colt. Maybe Emma should take a play from his book and let Colt know she still wanted to be with him.

“Of course it matters, Ems.” Colt laid his hand on hers. She looked up into his cobalt eyes and saw a wealth of emotion shining back. “You’ve always meant a lot to me.”

Emma fought tears. She couldn’t help the emotions welling up inside of her. Why did he have to be so damned nice to her? She’d been a complete witch around him. “I feel the same way about you. I hope you’re happy.”

“I want you to be more than happy.” Colt’s hand still rested on top of hers. He began to rub his thumb across the top in slow strokes. “If you don’t want to be here, don’t feel like you have to stay.”

“Well, the thing is Paxton is my ride. It’s either wait for him or call a cab.”

Colt smiled. “I can give you a ride home. Alison drove herself here.”

“Alison won’t mind?”

“No, she seems to be engrossed with Paxton anyway. Probably some business thing they have to discuss. She said he calls her every day with some new crisis.”

Emma could feel her insides heat up with each stroke of his thumb on her hand. She didn’t want to feel so much desire building up inside of her. It couldn’t be a good thing. Colt was taken—by someone else. No matter how many times she reminded herself of that fact, she couldn’t get it to stick in her brain.

“If you don’t mind,” Emma began, “I do want to get back. It’s been a long night.”

“Not at all. Let me go tell them we’re going to leave.”

Colt pushed his chair back and stood. He strolled over to Alison and Paxton. He placed his hand on her shoulder and Alison looked at him. She nodded her head a couple of times at whatever Colt said. Emma rubbed her hand where Colt’s had been. When he lifted his thumb off of her flesh, a part of her wanted to scream no. Her skin still tingled with pleasure, and she wanted to keep it going on forever.

“Alison said go and take you home. Paxton says he’s sorry you’re not feeling up to company and he’ll see you tomorrow at therapy.”

Emma looked up into Colt’s eyes and nodded her head. “Sounds good. Thanks again.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

Colt’s smile warmed her from the inside out. She’d never feel pleasure again quite like what she experienced when his arms were wrapped around her. If only she could bottle it up and bring it out on especially lonely days.

“Take me home,” Emma said. What she wanted to say was take me to
your
home. She didn’t want to leave him. Sadly she had to go back to Tori’s condo. Some things were not meant to be. Colt and Emma had their chance already. Her eyelids flew open wide, and her gaze sought Colt. His long mahogany hair was pulled back, a few strands coming loose in the breeze. His cobalt blue eyes were locked on her face—searching for something from her. Emma didn’t know what he wanted or needed, but she wished she could wrap it up and present it to him. She’d give him the world if he wanted it. One of them should be happy, and Emma didn’t have a chance in hell of finding hers. What she needed, no craved, was lost to her.

What Emma desired, more than anything, was for Colt to kiss her. An explosion of passion designed to erase everything from her mind—pure, sensational bliss.