Saving the Game

  Saving the Game

  Copyright © 2017 Karen Frances

  All rights reserved

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form without the prior consent of the author.

  Published by:

  Clydeside Publishing

  Cover Design by:

  Kari March, Kari March Designs

  Editing by:

  Karen Sanders

  Interior Design and Formatting by:

  Christine Borgford, Type A Formatting

  Contents

  SAVING THE GAME

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Books by Karen Frances

  About the Author

  This is for every single reader,

  who asked for more about Logan Walker.

  You asked and I hope I delivered the story you wanted.

  THIS PART NEVER gets any easier. I’m always worried I’ll leave someone out.

  I’m lucky to have not only a supportive family, but friends too. I’m also incredibly fortunate to have an amazing team around me who help bring my stories to life and publication.

  To my amazing husband and my children—I know I’m very fortunate to have you all in my life, even when we all drive each other insane (which I’m sure is most of the time.) But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love you all from the bottom of my heart.

  Laura, Maxine and Suzie—I’m sorry I drive you all mad during my writing process. It really is becoming a habit. Thank you so much for more than just your support and encouragement during my writing process of this book, Saving the Game. You all kept me going when, at times, my characters were driving me crazy. I’m glad we’re all on this wacky ride together.

  My beta readers, April and Leah—Thank you for your feedback. I hope with your help I’ve made this story better than it was.

  Karen, my editor—What can I say? You push me at every opportunity. It is great working with you. Between us we have a crazy process, but I love your funny feedback on my characters. At least I know they don’t just drive me insane with their antics.

  Kari, Kari March Designs—You get me when it comes to my covers. Thank you for bringing my ideas to life. I adore this cover for Saving the Game, but then I say that every time you send me a cover for one of my books.

  Christine, Type A Formatting—You have been with me since day one now, and I can’t imagine not having you in my team. You really are the best at what you do. I truly hope we get to meet one day in the future.

  Bloggers—You are all absolutely amazing. Thank you for reading my books, I appreciate it because I do know how busy your schedules are.

  My readers—You took a chance on me, an unknown author two years ago, and have stuck around. Thank you for reading my words. You all mean everything to me.

  To all the lovely ladies in my readers group—you are fantastic.

  To the authors in the support group—I don’t know what to say about you. You support, encourage, and offer advice and even listen to the odd moan. Thank you.

  Logan

  LUCKY BASTARD.

  How the hell does he do it? My eyes follow him as he walks toward the exit, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist. It was only a matter of time before Fletcher claimed the girl. All week I’ve had to listen to him. Jess this, Jess that. I’ve never seen him this way before about anyone, but after seeing Jess, I can understand the attraction. What’s not to find attractive about her? She’s hot, but in my opinion, she comes with too much baggage. I’m sure once he spends tonight with her, he’ll work her out of his system and things can go back to normal.

  Who am I kidding? Fletcher doesn’t do normal. He will go back to playing the field, and not only on the football pitch.

  “And then there were two,” I say with a smirk, turning my attention back to the blonde beside me. She smiles then turns her back to me, pushing that arse against me. Fuck. I close my eyes briefly, taking a deep breath before wrapping one arm around her waist, pulling her closer and letting her feel what she’s doing to me. My erection presses hard against her lower back and she gasps.

  She looks over her shoulder, blue eyes glazed but still sparkling. Oh, she feels it, alright. If she didn’t, I would have to say there’s something wrong with her. She spins back around in my arms, her hands sliding around my waist.

  Soft hands move delicately across my back as though she already knows every inch of it. She doesn’t, but I want her to. This is the first time we’ve been up close and personal and I’m ready to take it up a notch by taking her home with me. Or I’ll go to hers. I’m not fussy, as long as I get what I want tonight.

  And tonight, I want Lee MacKay.

  One night together.

  There was something between us last night, something pulling us to each other when we met for the first time. And tonight, I think we’re about to get the chance to explore it. Last night, I thought she was cute, all dressed up to impress and sell those apartments. I listened to her put on the charm for some clients. She was confident in not only her words, but how she looked. Her gorgeous blue eyes grabbed my attention long before I mentally undressed her to imagine her sexy body. And what an image it was to have in my head.

  I dreamt of her last night, lying on my bed, gloriously naked, arms tied and legs spread open for me to see how wet she was for me.

  That was an amazing dream. If I get my way, tonight it will become reality.

  Our bodies move seductively in time to the beat of the music. She looks fucking incredible. Her dress clings to her body, showing off her curves. Lee’s not the usual type of girl I would go home with, but now, as I stare into her eyes, I’m not sure I have a type anymore. The girl before me is everything a warm-blooded man could want and a whole lot more.

  She is my idea of perfection.

  For a man like me, she is way out of my league.

  I spin her in my arms before pulling her tight against me, our bodies flush against each other. She places her hands on my chest. A smirk curves on her lips, slowly, and oh so sexily. I take another step closer, grabbing her hips, grinding against her.

  I lower my face to hers and hear the short gasp just before my lips cover hers. Soft and warm, just how I thought they would be. It takes her a moment to respond, but when she does, it’s full of warmth and passion. A passion that almost takes my breath away. I suck lightly on the of bottom of her lip and sweep my tongue inside.

  She tastes heavenly.

  Fuck, we might not make it out of here. I’m sure I could have her here and now if her reaction is anything to go with. She presses her legs together and her breathing has accelerated.

  I pull my lips away from hers because, if I don’t, I won’t be able to stop myself from going one step further. And I don’t think Lee is the type of girl to be found getting up to no good in the middle of a dance floor in a nightclub. Or maybe I could be the man she’ll take a walk on the wild side with. No. I very much doubt it.

  I wonder if she realises I’m a
fuck ’em and leave ’em guy.

  “I think we should leave,” she whispers in my ear.

  “Yeah, me too,” I answer coolly, even though I’m imagining how her body will feel underneath mine. Or if her pussy will taste as sweet as I imagined. Yes, we need to leave. Now. I kiss her one last time, take her hand in mine, and leave the club.

  So many possibilities run through my mind, each one better than the last.

  Logan ~ 3 months later

  MY HEAD HAS been bursting all day and I’ve no idea why. All through this morning’s training session and our afternoon team talk from Peter, I struggled to stay focused, but I don’t think anyone noticed. If anyone was going to notice, it would’ve been Fletcher, and he didn’t say anything, so I think I’m in the clear.

  If I’m honest with myself, my head has been in a fucking spin for weeks. The crazy thoughts have been slowly driving me insane. I really think I’m close to losing the fucking plot.

  Tonight, I should be at home chilling before our big game tomorrow. But I’m not, I’m in a club downing drink after drink in the hope it helps me forget. I just hope after the amount of alcohol I’ve consumed tonight that I’ll still be capable of saving the game should I need to help the team out of a tight spot because Fletcher or Jackson have failed to score at least a goal between them.

  Fletcher would kick my arse for being here tonight. Oh, how times have changed. It wasn’t so long ago it would’ve been him out on the town the night before a game, living it up. Getting drunk and falling into some cheap tart’s bed. Yeah, it’s definitely changed days for my man, Fletch. He’s gone all domesticated now he has Jess. Next thing, he’ll be getting married and having kids.

  I laugh out loud and take another drink from the glass before me. Shit. It’s just dawned on me that’s probably what’s going to happen. A natural progression considering how quickly their relationship has developed.

  Fletch with a wife and kids is laughable.

  It’ll never happen to me. That shit isn’t for me.

  My phone starts ringing and I pick it up. Fletcher’s name flashes on the screen. “Where the fuck are you?” he shouts as soon as I answer.

  “Well, hello!”

  “Don’t hello me. Just answer my fucking question.”

  “I’m in a club and already halfway to getting wasted.”

  “What the fuck? Logan, what is wrong with you? We have a fucking huge game tomorrow. You should be at home getting some sleep.”

  My eyes scan the bar area, looking for someone who might be interested in tucking me into bed alongside them. “I’m sure I’ll be tucked up in a bed soon enough.”

  “For once can you think with your head and not your fucking dick? Go home.”

  Who does he think he is, telling me what to do? He has no idea of the shit storm that’s buzzing around my head like a swarm of bees waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

  “I’ll go home when I’m ready. I’ll see you at the club nice and early.” I hang up, not giving him the opportunity to say anything else. I’ll still make it on time tomorrow morning, even if I do roll out of someone else’s bed. Although, looking at the current talent on offer, maybe I’d be better off at home on my own.

  Although, that is where my problem lies. When I’m alone, my thoughts go into overdrive. My own bed hasn’t provided me with any comfort these last few weeks. Sleep hasn’t claimed my body properly in I don’t know how long. But I can still function on what little sleep I get; my body has gotten used to it now. It would still be nice to get a full night of uninterrupted sleep though.

  That would be my idea of heaven.

  Movement at the corner of my eye grabs my attention. Well, looky what we have. A group of three scantily clad girls has just entered the club. The blonde in the middle has definitely caught my eye; she’s hot, with curves in all the right places. She looks my way, our eyes connect, and there’s a slight recognition as though she knows who I am but she’s not entirely convinced.

  A group of girls waves them over and her two friends go to their table, but the blonde slowly walks toward me, flicking her hair behind her. She stops only a few feet from me, within touching distance. Everything about her screams perfection except one vital thing. Her eyes are brown and not the blue I had hoped for. Taking a deep breath, I mentally chastise myself for allowing my thoughts to drift to somewhere and someone they shouldn’t be thinking about.

  The bartender asks her what she wants to drink. She stands, tapping her chin as though she’s deep in thought.

  “She’ll have champagne.”

  “We only sell that by the bottle, sir.” The blonde faces me with a sweet smile on her face. “We’ll take a bottle then. If I’m buying a bottle of champagne, I should at least know your name.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Are names really all that important? I know who you are, but what I will say is that, whatever happens tonight, you can be guaranteed no one else will know your business.”

  Now, I’m usually not very trusting when it comes to women, but there’s something in the smooth tone of her voice that has me believing her words. It doesn’t matter if she keeps tonight to herself or not; my name has been mud these last few weeks in the newspapers, so one more girl selling her story won’t make much difference to me.

  The bartender puts down two glasses before us but I push one away; I’m sticking to whiskey. He pours the champagne into the glass, leaving the bottle in an ice bucket beside me. The blonde picks up her glass and takes a slow sip. She makes it look so mouth-wateringly good. Everything from the way she looks, the make-up, the jewellery, the dress, to the way she holds the glass in her hand tells me she’s high maintenance.

  In all honesty, it makes no difference to me.

  I glance around and all her friends are laughing and having a good time, although one or two keep looking in our direction, checking on her. I smile across the room and tell the bartender to send over a round of drinks, seeing as I’m such a nice guy.

  “You don’t come in here often, do you?” She smiles, running her fingers through her long hair.

  “No. It’s not my usual haunt.”

  “Fed up? Needing to mix things up a bit?”

  “Something like that.”

  She studies me, as if trying to figure me out. “Or is it that you’re trying to forget about someone? Because if you are, I’m more than happy to help you forget.”

  I bet she could, but do I really want her to?

  Yeah, of course I do. I have an itch that needs scratching, and why should I do it myself when she’s offering? She smiles sweetly and continues to drink her champagne. A silence filters between us, but it’s not uncomfortable. We both know where tonight is heading, and it’s directly to her bed.

  “Let’s get out of here,” she says after a few more glasses of champagne, extending her hand to reach for mine.

  She might not be the one I’m looking for, but she does have what I need. I pick up my glass and finish the whiskey. Tonight is going to be a good night. It won’t be perfect, but it’ll do.

  I’m going to lose myself in her because, tonight, I don’t need feelings getting in the way of things. This is about two people wanting the same thing. Sex.

  We’re naked in her bed, and I have to admit, her body is smoking hot. She is exactly what I need to distract me from life. Her brown eyes flash with surprise as my mouth collides against her lips. Our lips move quickly and forcefully against each other, seeking more. “You’re very beautiful,” I say with a steady voice, looking directly into eyes I don’t know, but suddenly wishing they were bright, shining blue.

  Fucking hell, Logan. Snap out of this.

  I lift my hand and rub my fingers across her cheek. “You can still say no.” I offer her a get out clause.

  “I know, but I’m not going to.” Her voice is low and seductive, and if I close my eyes, I can almost hear the voice I want to hear. I slide my fingers down her neck and over her full breast before circling her nipple, making h
er moan. They can’t be real? They have to be fake.

  “Do you like how I make you feel?”

  “Yes,” she admits breathlessly. I take hold of her breasts, massaging and kneading. Her eyes roll back before they close, and I know she’s losing herself to my touch. Fuck, at this rate, this will be over before it’s even started. My dick is nowhere near her yet, but from all the noises she’s making, she’s close to orgasm.

  I suppose I could make her come first.

  She’s got a great body, but it’s not the one I want to lose myself in. Feelings. This is ridiculous. I need this to be over as quickly as it started because I need to get out of here. She’s not who I want. I grab a condom and roll it on before I take her how I want to, and that is quick and hard.

  I position myself and she opens her eyes, and with a nod of her head, I thrust in deep. Her eyes slam shut as I stretch her deep inside. I don’t hold back, I start thrusting straight away. Her fingernails dig deep into my hips as she tries to set the pace. Doesn’t she realise I’m the one in control?

  She arches her back, pushing herself against me, wanting to feel me deeper, and that’s what she gets. Her soft moans turn to full on groans and I know she’s close. The pace changes quickly. This is what I need; a release. I move faster and slide my hand down between her legs, putting extra pressure on her clit, rubbing as fast as I move in and out.

  “I’m close.” Yeah, I know you are. “Oh God,” she cries out as my own climax hits me hard. I roll off her and stare at her bedroom ceiling. What the hell was I thinking? I shouldn’t be here in her bed.

  I turn my head and she’s staring at me. “You’re leaving aren’t you?”

  “Yes. Sorry.”

  “It’s fine. I was expecting it. And you have nothing to worry about. This goes no further. But I hope I’ve helped you tonight.”

  I nod and climb out of her bed, getting dressed almost as fast as I undressed. Has she helped me? I don’t know. What I do know is I have to do something about these feelings before I drive myself insane.