How in the world did that make sense?
They sat in silence for what seemed like hours, when it was only minutes. He didn’t know what to say to change her mind. He wanted her to agree with him, to feel what he felt. How could she not see that they were made for each other? Looking back over his shoulder at her, he knew his answer.
“Okay,” he said, folding his hands above his head. “I would rather be friends than nothing.”
“Tate, that’s not fair to you,” she said sadly.
“Didn’t you just say ‘life isn’t fair’? I’ll deal with it, and hope that one day you will come around. Because I’m not going anywhere.”
Her face softened and she looked down at her knees, her bottom lip trapped between her teeth. “Someone will come along, Tate. You are a super great guy.”
And she was the girl for him.
“I’m not going to stop, Audrey. If I see a chance to snatch you up and make you mine, I will.”
She looked over at him and smiled. “There won’t be a chance.”
“We’ll see about that,” he said, standing up. “So are we still on for tomorrow?”
She stood up too, moving her hands down the front of her shorts, nodding slowly. “Swamp People marathon, same time. I’ll cook dinner.”
“Awesome. I have practice early, so I have to go.”
“All right,” she said, following him to the door. He put his jacket and hat over his arm. He reached out with one arm, wrapping it around her shoulders to bring her close to his chest. She wrapped her arms around his stomach, hugging him tight. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said as she pulled back, not looking up at him.
“See you,” he said as he went out and toward his condo. He knew she was watching him as he reached into his jeans and pulled out his keys to open his door. He glanced over and smiled.
“ ’Night, Audrey.”
A small smile crossed her face as she leaned against her door. “ ’Night, Tate. I’m really sorry.”
He nodded. “Everything is going to work out.”
Walking into his condo, he shut the door behind him and threw his stuff onto the couch before going to the fridge for another beer. Popping the top, he leaned against the fridge and gulped down the cold, refreshing brew. He hadn’t been lying when he said he wasn’t going to stop trying. She might think there wouldn’t be a chance, but there would be. There was always a chance to score. After tonight, he knew there would never be anyone like Audrey. He had to have her, and would treat his conquest of her as he would when he was in goal, intent on winning the game.
Nothing would stand in his way.
Nothing was getting past him.
And then he would protect her heart, like he did his goal.
Chapter 12
“I want you, Audrey, so much.”
She lengthened her neck, giving him more access as her hands moved across his back to his bottom. She pressed herself against him, using her hands to press him harder into her. His impressive, hard length made her gasp as she tightened her grip. He moved one hand into her hair, kissing her deeply while the other slid slowly into her panties. When he dipped his finger inside her, she gasped into his mouth as she arched her body toward his hand. She was dripping with want, and the smile against her lips told her that he loved it.
“You are so hot, Audrey, so hot,” he whispered against her lips.
“Oh, God,” she gasped as his fingers moved in just the right way to make her squirm. His lips advanced along her jawline, the coarse hair from his chin tickling her skin as he licked the length of her neck and she moaned appreciatively.
“Come for me, baby, come,” he demanded against her neck. “I want you to come.”
She did, long and hard, coming completely undone underneath his talented hand. Breathing hard, she moved her hands into his blond hair, bringing their mouths together as she—