Play: Free Romance eBook (Completion 1) (13 page)

The car remained deathly quiet on the trip back to Killian’s but he held my hand like he always did. We pulled into his driveway and he hit the button for the garage.

“You okay?”

I turned. “I’m not sure.”

“I’ll let you out and we can go inside and talk.”

We needed to talk. About many things. I’d spoken to Killian about my parents and sister. He listened, but had offered very little about his personal history. This was so wrong.

I followed him, my hand held tightly in his grip. He sat on the couch and brought me into his side.

“You’re angry that I didn’t tell you about Michael?” His voice was whisper soft.

I looked at the pain in Killian’s eyes. “I’m not angry, I’m hurt. Why didn’t you tell me? Did you think I’d react badly? Did you think I’d have a problem with your brother’s disability?” I couldn’t go on because anger was slipping into my voice.

“God, no,” Killian said while pulling me closer. “It’s difficult for me to talk about Michael. I knew you would care about him as much as I do.”

I felt tears behind my eyes.

“Then why?”

“Because it’s painful.”

He wasn’t saying more, so I needed to move this farther along. “How old is Michael?”

“Twenty-five. He was born on March sixteenth.”

Fuck. Killian’s birthday.

“He’s my twin brother.”

Michael had the body of a twelve year old. He couldn’t talk or move his arms more than a few inches. Shit, the first tear slipped down my face. Killian kissed it away.

“What happened?”

I watched Killian’s chest expand as he took in a large supply of air.

“Michael was the troublemaker of the two of us.” Killian’s dimples flashed. “I know that’s hard to believe, but even my mother will back my story. We vacationed at a cabin on the river when we were nine. My parents saved money for two years so we could have that one special week. There were rocky cliffs several hundred yards away that partially circled a swimming hole. A large sign with, “Danger, no jumping,” printed on it signaled the danger. My dad told us he would skin us alive if we jumped from those cliffs.”

Crap, my heart took a plunge because I knew what was coming.

“At around five on the first morning, Michael woke me up and dared me to jump off the cliffs with him. I usually got my ass tanned right along with him because I never refused a dare and he knew it. The sun was barely coming up and my parents were sleeping. I was scared. I remember looking at that sign and thinking we shouldn’t jump…but we did.”

Killian looked away from me and I squeezed his hand. When he glanced back, there was so much pain. I felt more tears slip down my face.

His voice was choked. “I came up and Michael didn’t. At first, I thought he was playing a practical joke, but then I knew something was terribly wrong. I started diving under and searching for him. I’d come up for air and scream for help then dive back under. The water was so dark, but finally I touched him and tried to pull upward. My lungs almost burst and I had to breathe. I let him go and went up for air, leaving him down there. I made it down to Michael again, and my dad was finally there helping to pull him up. He was completely blue when he came out of the water. My dad started CPR and my mother helped. I sat next to him, holding his lifeless hand, begging him to come back.”

A sob escaped my lips.

“Shh, baby, don’t cry.” Killian pulled me in even closer and rocked me in his arms. “It happened a long time ago. My mother and I survived. My father left a year later. He couldn’t take the pain of seeing Michael every day. He never blamed me, but I know he blamed himself. Michael was on life support for months. My father wanted the machines turned off, but my mom refused.”

There were so many things going through my head.

Killian holding my hand and his subconscious desire to touch.

A nine-year-old child faced with death or letting go of his brother.

Killian’s childish insecurities and even his anger.

It all made sense now, and, god, I loved him.

We stayed locked together until we changed our position and settled full length on the couch. Killian spoke about his brother before the accident. One scrape after another—two boys completely inseparable. He made me laugh in between more tears. Killian’s mother was simply amazing.

“I had to support them. I needed to play professionally so Michael and my mom would always be cared for. I had to complete each pass, make every touchdown, and win games. There was no other option.”

This was such a different picture than what I woke up with this morning.

“Has Michael ever gone to any of your games?”

“I’ve never tried. He doesn’t do well in crowds. But, god, does he get excited watching football on television. I had the skybox seats put in my contract in case he could come someday. I’m just afraid of what would happen, and I couldn’t ask my mom to bring him. She worries about me too much and doesn’t enjoy watching. Most of my teammates have met Michael at one time or another. I don’t keep him a secret, but they’re guys and don’t ask the hard questions. I needed to tell you everything.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

“It’s also the reason it took a month to contact you after we met. Michael was in the hospital because of a respiratory infection.”

Things. It wasn’t another woman; it was Michael.

Killian kissed the top of my head. “I’m worn out. Let’s go to bed.”

He made love to me. If I thought Thursday night was mind-blowing, I was wrong.

Tonight, Killian MacGregor rocked my universe.

The following weekend, Killian refused to take no for an answer, so I flew into Texas for his game. By now, I had several number twenty jerseys in home and away shades. I followed what happened on the field like a pro, but still had trouble watching Killian get tackled or sacked, as the case was in the second quarter. Killian got up instantly then threw a touchdown on the next play. Scorpions won thirty-two to fourteen.

The following week was a home game. Malory and I opted to sit down with the other wives and girlfriends. This allowed us to be obnoxiously loud and I discovered what a great cheerleader Malory actually was. I found myself watching our antics a time or two on the big screen and wondered if Killian saw us, too. The Scorpions won seven six, but Killian didn’t play well. I could see the fury rolling off him in waves by the end of the game and realized I needed to stay at my apartment that night.

He pulled me close in the locker room and we walked to his car. It surprised me when he drove to his house.

“I don’t mind going home, Killian,” I said when I figured out where we headed.

“You’re coming home with me.”

“It’s probably not a good idea.” I kept my voice even.

He didn’t say anything until we walked in his front door. “I’m grabbing a beer and heading to the pool. Join me if you want.”

Hmm, let’s see. Go study for a coming test or spend an hour with a silent jackass. I chose studying. I actually made it thirty minutes before I couldn’t take it. I needed to know that he was okay.

Grabbing a beer, I headed outside. Killian’s powerful arms ate up the pool, lap after lap. I still wore my clothes, so I just dipped my feet in the water and watched. I had no idea how much time passed, but eventually Killian swam toward me and came up between my legs, dripping water.

“Hi,” I said shyly.

He didn’t answer, and before I knew what happened, I was submerged in the pool gasping for air when my head came out of the water.

“You dirty rat bastard,” I yelled.

“I love you.” His cold lips settled against mine.

The kiss went on and on. He removed my pants, which wasn’t easy because they were wet, and slipped his cock between my thighs and straight to where I needed it most. I wrapped my ankles around his waist, sinking my fingers tightly into his hair. This sex was somewhere between fucking and making love. I didn’t care which; I was just glad he responded.

After our breathing settled, Killian pulled me to the steps, arranging me between his legs. I leaned back into the warmth of his chest. It wasn’t cold, but a gentle wind blew across my wet body causing goose bumps on my arms. Killian wrapped himself around me and took away the chill.

“I sucked today.”

I wasn’t sure how to answer his statement. This was unchartered territory for me, so I just cuddled closer and squeezed his arms.

“Nothing fucking went right. I just wasn’t on my game. I didn’t feel it.”

I leaned away, turning slightly, and kissed his stubbled jaw.

“We have one of our best chances to get into the Super Bowl this year and we need me at my best.”

There was no way I was reminding him that the Scorpions won. I just continued kissing his chin and jaw, the side of his neck, his shoulder.

A small tug on my hair stopped me.

“Are you even listening to me?”

“Of course I am.” I went back to kissing and nibbling.

“You.” He tugged my hair again. “Are not listening.”

“You didn’t feel it. Go on. I swear I heard every word.”

His chest rumbled against me and he laughed.

“I love you,” he said.

“You said that already.”

“Not nearly enough, baby. Thank you for being here.”

“You didn’t give me a choice.”

“You made the choice when you came into the locker room.” He pulled my hair back so my neck was in the path of his teeth.

“I don’t have all the Killian game day rules down yet.” I groaned when he gently sucked on the skin he just bit.

“Are you giving me a hickey?”

“You gonna stop me?”

I turned in his arms and attacked low on his neck. If he could mark me, I could damn well return the favor.

“Come on. We’re finishing this discussion in bed.”

“Do I get to hear more about how bad you sucked today?”

“No, baby, I get to feel how hard you suck today.”

“You have such a golden tongue,” I said with delight.

“God, I want to spank you.”

“Not if you want to see how hard I suck.” I broke away and made a run for the house. I knew he waited to pounce until I was near the bed, but I still squealed.

“Scream for me tonight, baby.”

I looked deeply into his intense dark eyes. “Make me scream, Killian.”

He did.

Killian met my parents on Thanksgiving.

Candi barely spoke to me. She’d called a few times to get the inside scoop on Killian and I’d cut her short. She had no problem pointing her flirtatious endeavors Killian’s way, though. She was seriously embarrassing, but at the same time, I had her to thank for placing me in Killian’s path. But there was no way I was telling her that.

“Are you in college?” Killian tried very hard to be polite.

“No, my sister got the brains. I’ve got other specialties.”

Killian didn’t bat an eye, but he didn’t ask what those specialties were either. Candi didn’t like it when her sexual enticement skills didn’t work, and went into a full-blown pout not speaking for a few minutes. Unfortunately, it was short lived.

“So, are you friends with Lenny Brower?” she asked in her sweet but bitchy voice.

“I’m friends with all my teammates.” Killian glanced my way, gave my hand a small squeeze under the table, and turned back to my sister.

“He and I are rather close. He says you’ve been known to party at his house on occasion.”

Killian’s tone remained even, but I caught a subtle change. “It’s been a long time and I don’t see myself there again in the near future.”

“I’ll tell him you said that.”

Killian smiled. “Yes, please do.”

Though Candi no longer embarrassed my parents, I was grateful when my mother broke in and asked Killian about his college days.

My mom and dad were good people and it gave me a warm feeling knowing they liked Killian. He and my dad watched a football game on television while my mom, sister, and I cleaned the kitchen.

“I’d like to help, Mrs. Cavanaugh,” Killian said, but my mom shooed him away.

I smiled because I already knew there was no chance a guest would help with kitchen cleanup. My sister pounced as soon as the swinging door to the kitchen shut.

“So you think you’re all high and mighty now that you’ve roped in a star quarterback?”

I’d never stood up to my sister, but Killian had given me confidence in myself that was never there before. “He’s not a quarterback. He’s THE quarterback, or don’t you read the sports page?”

“I hope you left off using birth control so you can keep him.”

“That’s enough, Candi.” My mother’s voice was sharp.

I didn’t bother to answer Candi’s taunt, because she was trying very hard to get a rise out of me.

My mother put her peacekeeping abilities into play. “So does Killian’s family live here?”

“Yes, his mother and brother live in Glendale.”

“Killian has a brother?”

The glee in my sister’s eyes made me laugh. “Yes, he has a brother. His name is Michael, and he’s Killian’s twin.”

“Shit, Killian MacGregor has a twin brother. Is he as good looking as Mac the Knife?”

“Actually, I think he’s cuter.”

“I hope you plan on inviting his mom and brother here to dinner sometime soon,” my mom said.

“Yes, I’d love to. Maybe after the playoffs. Killian’s traveling schedule is pretty hectic over the next two months, but I’ll arrange something as soon as I can.”

“Yes, sister dear, please arrange something. He’s not married is he?”

God, Candi was awful. “No, he’s not married.” I knew it was spiteful of me and Michael didn’t deserve my sister’s obvious scheming, but she was on my last nerve. She always brought out my bad side.

Killian and I escaped at halftime. We drove to his mom’s house and ate more pie while Killian watched the rest of the game with his brother. It was obvious that Michael loved football. His eyes were completely animated and he actually rocked his chair a time or two in his excitement.

Watching Michael and Killian together watching football gave me an idea for Killian’s Christmas gift. It would take some planning but I was thrilled to make this gift special.

***

The Phoenix weather had cooled significantly and I was running each afternoon with the track team. It was only mandatory to run together twice a week, but we pushed each other. My time increased minutely, though I knew it wouldn’t make much difference when the season started. I wasn’t down on myself, just faced facts.

The holiday season kept me busier than usual but I loved this time of year. I spoke to Killian’s mom and she agreed that I should take Michael to one of Killian’s games before Christmas. I took the bus to her house several times so Michael would be comfortable around me. I loved his smile, and even with his emaciated cheekbones, every so often dimples appeared.

On game day, Michael’s nurse came with us and drove the special van that transported Michael when he needed to go somewhere. I bought Michael a MacGregor jersey along with a purple and white pom-pom that he held pressed between his hands. Malory showed up early to help us get situated. I wanted to be sure Michael was in place in the skybox before the stadium went crazy with fans.

I’d spoken to the team owner about my plans and everyone was in on the surprise. Michael did fantastic. He made noises when the rest of us cheered and I don’t think his gentle, quirky smile left his face the entire time.

At the end of the first quarter, a picture of Michael and me hit the screen. I waved the pom-pom in Michael’s hand without removing it and blew a kiss to the camera. Tears rolled down my cheeks when Killian turned from the screen, looked directly at the skybox, and blew a kiss back.

“Ah, he blew a kiss at us, Michael. Now let’s hope he kicks some ass.”

They did. Scorpions twenty-one, opposing team nothing.

We waited upstairs after the game to let some of the crowd clear out before taking Michael to the locker room. His nurse told me he was tired, but shouldn’t have a problem for another thirty minutes. We walked into the locker room and froze. All the players remained in their uniforms, minus their helmets, waiting for Michael.

“I talked to Blitz,” Malory whispered.

Before I knew it, a marker was passed around, and the jersey Michael wore was signed by everyone. I watched these big, clunky, fully geared men approach slowly, talk gently to Michael, and sign his shirt.

Killian and I saw Michael off in the van, his tired eyes shutting before the vehicle pulled out.

Still in his uniform and pads, Killian pulled me close for the best make-my-lady-bits-sizzle kiss I’d had in days.

“Thank you,” he said in his husky sex voice.

“Michael was wonderful,” I breathed against his lips.

“So are you. Can you put up with me unwashed a little longer? I’ll drop my pads, but I want to get you home.”

“Hmm.” I nuzzled the salty skin on his neck. “I kinda wanted to fuck you in nothing but your pads.”

His throaty laugh made my panties wet. “Won’t work, baby. Too many clothes underneath, but we’ll manage something.”

“No shower,” I licked his skin. “Just you and all your man sweat.”

“Says the sweaty runner I love to fuck.”

If he didn’t get me home soon, I’d combust.