“Yeah, really. You look a little overwhelmed, darlin’. Did you ever think to ask for help?”
Her eyes fell to the floor. “I did, a little. I just met with Isaac. I wanted to get the players’ perspective on what's happening with the team transition. I know everyone is worried about the money and the salary negotiations.
We rose from the floor and she restocked the pile of folders on the corner of her desk.
“Right. The Isaac meeting.” I broadened my shoulders.
I couldn't help it. There was something damn territorial ripping through me. It had taken hold of the lining of my muscles. I knew my best friend’s lips had been on hers. That he had felt her under his hands. I didn't know if it turned me on, or made me want to claim her as my own. My palm pressed into the desk as I cupped her cheek. Her eyes lifted to mine.
“I know he kissed you.”
“You do?”
I nodded. “So it’s my turn to try something.”
I didn't give her a chance to respond. I pressed my lips against hers, pushing my tongue inside her mouth.
“Oh God,” she mewed into my lips.
My tongue flicked along hers. I sucked her soft lips. It was like holding innocence and sweetness in my arms. It had been so long since I had touched a woman who felt pure. My cock throbbed. It was a turn-on I had forgotten about. I brushed the hair from her face.
What the fuck was happening? I had tried to sear my lips into hers. To wipe the taste of Isaac off her mouth. But I fucking loved it.
I took a step back, watching her try to catch her breath.
“I guess we get to do that and a lot more this season.” I knew my voice was dark and husky. It was the one I reserved for bed. When women begged for me to say their name in the dark. When the sheets were tangled around us and they were coming hard on my cock.
Vanessa made me feel primal. She made me feel animalistic. I wanted to pick her up, lay her across the desk, and show her what a warrior could do for her.
“I-I don't know what to say. Dylan, I need time to think. To process this. I know it's all a game to you and Isaac. My grandfather just died and I'm dealing with so much right now. I don't know if the engagement is a good idea. And all the kissing…the kissing is confusing.”
Fuck. I had gone overboard. Done too much. Pressed too hard. Too fast.
“Come on, darlin’. Don't say that. I'll be the best damn fiancé Austin has ever seen. I promise you that.”
She twirled in her chair, dropping her face into her palms. “It's just too much. All of it.”
I was a bastard. A damn bastard for taking advantage of her in this situation.
“I’m sorry, Vanessa.” I raised my hands in the air. “From here on out, I'll be a perfect gentleman. I swear.”
Her head rose from her hands. “I don't know if I can believe that. I've read a lot about you. The infamous Dylan James isn’t exactly known as a gentleman.” I thought I heard teasing tone in her voice.
“Is that so?”
I sat on the corner of her desk, facing her. If anyone walked
in the office now they would think something was going on. But I didn't give a shit. The switch had flipped. I realized Vanessa needed something more than a quick fuck.
“I know a lot about you. My grandfather used to talk about you, you know.”
“He did?”
“You and Luke. Always causing trouble for him.” The corners of her pouty lips turned up. Damn, she had the most beautiful kissable lips.
“I didn’t know that, I’m sorry I caused your grandfather any trouble.”
“You’ve caused a lot of trouble for this team, haven’t you?”