Dare To Love Series: Daring the Hard Man (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  He seemed to think about it. “One condition.”

  His accent was making her pussy weep. “Which would be?”

  “Join me for the concert tonight.”

  She flicked her glance to Milar who watched them intently. “Fine.”

  “You were going home,” Milar piped in.

  “Not every day, I get asked to stay by a professional athlete.”

  Luca released her hand and she didn’t want to contemplate how much she missed his simple touch.

  “Will you sit by us?” The boy’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

  She glanced to the man who smelled like the outdoors. His smile did naughty things to her. This is going to be one hell of a night.

  “Sure thing.” Luca slid his arm around her and she nearly purred. “Where will you be?”

  “Kaitlyn has mommy’s number and I’ll save you a seat.” After a brief hug on her leg, he ran off to his mother with a wave.

  Luca’s fingers trailed over her skin in abstract yet intimate touches.

  Dear God yes, but that shouldn’t come from her mouth. Because it would be about his cock and her mouth. So, she opted to nod.

  “Let me buy you some food.”

  “Not necessary. I can purchase my own.”

  He dipped his head and the tips of his hair teased her neck. “Allow me.”

  Okay, for that voice, that temptation, she would have given him anything he asked for. Hell, had he wanted her virginity, she’d find a way to go back in time to give it to him. Just so long as he kept talking to her with that panty-soaking voice. “Let’s go.”

  They started walking and she caught some smiles and some people taking pictures of the two of them.

  “Tell me about you.” He put her hand on the crook of his arm as they walked, as if he weren’t still soaking wet and they were dressed to the nines.

  “Not much to tell. I’m the only girl with five brothers. I’m the second to youngest, so they all think I have to be protected. My parents are alive and well and we all live in Chicago, Illinois. I’ve got fifteen nephews and nieces, so we have a big family. Close-knit.”

  He whistled. “Everyone has children?”

  She detected a hint of hesitation in his tone. “My youngest brother and I are the two who don’t have any. Although, I think his girlfriend is pregnant but she says she’s not.” She shrugged. “Sorry, I tend to talk a lot.”

  “I love your accent. Talk all you want. Everyone gets along?”

  “For the most part. I mean, we’re siblings so yes, we do fight on occasion but we always, always, have each other’s back.”

  “And what do you do?” he asked as they stood in line to get some food.

  “I’m a 911 dispatcher.”

  “And your family?”

  “All cops. I’m the first one who’s not been active duty. But I couldn’t because of health reasons.” She didn’t want to go into that right now, it’d taken her a long time to come to terms with the fact she couldn’t follow in the family’s footsteps and wear a badge.

  “Even your mom is a cop?”

  “Yes. Detective, actually.” They moved up a bit. “My brother’s wives aren’t cops and the girlfriend is a firefighter but otherwise, yes, everyone but me.”

  He dropped a kiss to her cheek, shocking her. “Don’t say it like that. 911 dispatchers are just as important as those they send out.”

  Her parents may have said the same thing but coming from him, she felt like it meant more. He wasn’t just a family member trying to placate her. “Thank you for that.”

  Kaitlyn didn’t speak until after they got their food. She ordered a hamburger and fries with a drink, same as her companion. They found an empty seat at a small table set up. Instead of sitting across from her, she found him at her side as they doctored up their food. “So tell me about you,” she said around a bite of her burger.

  “Footballer.” He shrugged. “Soccer player I believe you call us.”

  “And who do you play for?” She shook her head. “Never mind, I saw the jersey. Washington Ospreys.”

  He gave her that smile once more.

  She canted her head to the side.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Just trying to figure out where you play. Not a goalie. Striker?”

  “Yes. You know the sport?”

  “Not too well, I’ve watched a few games—umm, matches, sorry. But I’m not all that knowledgeable about it.”

  “What about your American football?”

  “Nope, I don’t know much about that either. My brothers and father watch it and lament about way back when the Bears were actually relevant in the NFL. But I usually work on Sundays since many others want the day off to watch it. I don’t care, so take those shifts.”

  “But you’re here at the Miami Thunder’s event? What brought you here?”

  “One of my friends works for one of the groups who got an invite to come here and she invited me. So I came to help out with the kids.”

  He leaned closer. “I’m glad you did.”

  So was she.

  A trio of men approached the table. The one in the middle stared down at them, arms crossed. “Luca Van der Laar.” His tone boomed.

  Kaitlyn tensed, expecting trouble.

  The man beside her didn’t look at all out of sorts. He leaned back in his seat and looked up. “Yes? Can I help you?”

  The man took a chair and flipped it around before sitting. “I would love an autograph.” He flashed a smile. “I’m a huge fan of the hard man for the Tempests. Love watching you hit some of the other guys and getting into it with the refs.”

  She hid her frown. Hard man?

  Luca’s expression didn’t vary. His fixed smile didn’t slip and he nodded at the man. “Thank you. If you swing by the booth later, I’ll have some things to give with signatures on them. In fact, they’re there now if you want to swing by. There’s someone there.”

  “No, I can wait. We can go together.”

  “If it’s all the same to you, I’m on my lunch and would enjoy spending it with my date.”

  Blue eyes slashed over to her, then dismissed her just as quickly. “You are usually seen with models, who’s this?”

  Luca stiffened beside her.

  Even while she didn’t like the spike of pain those callus words gave her, she didn’t want any situation to be created. “I’m just a friend. No model, as you so aptly point out, thank you for that by the way. I stopped by to see an old friend. But obviously, I’m not allowed to see a friend, you must demand all his time.” She stood. “Good bye.” She looked to Luca who had an argument in his gaze and shook her head. Bending to kiss his cheek, she said, “I’ll see you tonight for the concert.” She swiped her remaining food and vanished into the crowd.

  The words hurt. Sure, she wasn’t a model but she wasn’t exactly Quasimodo either. She tossed her food, retained her drink and continued walking.

  How is he going to find me? This place is huge and there are so many people. Then again, perhaps he really didn’t want to sit with me for the concert. She brushed away her self-doubt and went to some of the other displays.

  A little before the concert started, her phone rang and she dug it out of her pocket. “Speak to me.”

  “You need to learn how to answer a phone.”

  She laughed at her friend Marlie’s comment. “I’m professional all the other times on the phone. This is my phone and you called me. What’s up?”

  “We’re waiting for you for the concert.”

  She glanced at her watch. “It’s not starting for a bit yet.”

  “I know, but your date is here. Why didn’t you tell me you knew Luca Van der Laar?”

  Her belly clenched at the phrase ‘your date’ and she smiled. “I don’t know him. Just met him today.”

  “He is so fucking hot.”

  “Children are near you, Marlie.”

  “Nope, they’re all fawning your man.”

  “He’s not m
y man. Question though, you watch the sport. What’s a hard man?”

  “From the looks of things, he is.” She laughed at her own joke. “Sorry. In soccer?”

  “Yes.”

  “A hard man is a player who’s earned himself the rep of playing very physical. Does a good many injuries to other players.”

  “So, he’s like the enforcer in hockey? The one who will start fights?”

  “In a sense, but he’s also their star striker. So that’s not his only trait. I know how you feel about that but don’t focus on it. He’s a damn good player. Got a lot of fans.”

  She sneered. “Yes, I’ve met some. Praising how he’s a hard man.”

  “I know that tone of voice and you better not run. He’s here waiting for you, so get your ass over here and spend the night with him. Take that as you will, but get your butt here for the concert.” She ended the call.

  Kaitlyn huffed. “Hard for me to get the last word in when you hang up on me like that, Marlie.” Phone back in her pocket, she pivoted and moved toward the space where they had their seats for the concert.

  Chapter Two

  Luca exhaled in relief as Kaitlyn walked up to the gathered group. Honestly, he hadn’t believed she would be coming, given how the thing with the fan had played out. For the first time in his career, he wasn’t proud of that “hard man” moniker. The disappointment in her gaze had been a stab to his heart. He hated having been witness to it, especially since he’d been the cause.

  Damn woman already getting to me.

  The children ran to her and peppered her with hugs. Her expression lit up as she sank to the ground, taking their enthusiastic greetings.

  He stared at the way the rear of her shorts pulled tight curving around her firm ass. Her light grey shirt accentuated her full breasts and he longed for a hug like that as well.

  Her joy dimmed a bit when her golden gaze landed on him.

  He flexed his fingers around the jersey he’d brought for her. Luca wanted her to wear his name. Start with the jersey, go from there.

  It wasn’t all he wanted on her.

  Luca pushed to his feet and approached. “Hi.”

  “Evening,” she replied.

  “I have a spot over there.”

  He gestured to the blanket spread out he’d left from. She smiled and he looked over his shoulder to find Milar had already planted himself on it, legs crossed and waiting, expectantly.

  “I’m sitting here,” the boy announced.

  Luca’s heart tripped once more when her full lips rose in another smile.

  “I think that’s going to be wonderful. I get to have the most handsome men with me at the concert.” Kaitlyn walked over to him and sat on one side, brushing a hand over his hair.

  Luca took the other side and enjoyed the start of the music. After the band had been playing for a while, he leaned over the boy who remained glued to the music and spoke in her ear, “I have something for you.”

  Kaitlyn turned her head, eyes wide and full of unspoken questions. When he didn’t speak immediately, she asked, “What’s that?”

  He passed the bag over and put it in her hand. “This.”

  Her gaze flicked between it and him. “Is it safe for me to open here?”

  Luca grinned at her teasing tone. “It’s family friendly.” He leaned closer. “I have something else that’s not, if you’re interested in unwrapping that.”

  Her tongue danced along her lower lips. “While I am interested, I should probably stick with the family friendly one. I don’t need that image all over the newspapers. And internet.”

  “Such a shame. It’s very excited to meet you.”

  Her pupils dilated and she inhaled sharply. Determined, she opened the bag and pulled out his jersey. “Thank you,” she gushed. “You didn’t have to bring me one. I know they cost a lot of money.”

  He brushed some of her curls away from her face. “It’s one of mine.”

  “Same size you wear?”

  “No, one of mine.” He dragged a finger down the side of her cheek. “I wanted you in my clothing.”

  “You got a jersey too, Ms. Kaitlyn? Now we can wear ours together and be like twins.”

  Milar’s interruption had them both jumping as they’d been in their own little world, despite the music blaring around them and the noise.

  “Yes we can, Milar.”

  “You could put it on now,” he urged. “I’m wearing mine.”

  “I see that but I’ll wear it later.” She closed the bag and gave the boy a smile.

  Luca watched as she drew back a bit and he didn’t pursue her. Instead, he allowed his fingers to settle along hers where they rested on the blanket behind Milar. Nothing more than a touch, a simple touch that shot his cock into steel, coating with another layer of iron on top.

  She turned her head and gave him a small smile before looking back to the stage.

  “How are you enjoying the concert, Mr. Van de Laar?”

  He angled his head to find a reporter crouched beside him, recorder pushed forward into his face. “I am having a wonderful time. And I think you’re blocking the people behind you.”

  “Who are you here with?” the man pressed.

  “I’m sitting with some friends and we’re trying to enjoy the entertainment.”

  “I can understand that, one more question. Are you playing for the Netherlands in the World Cup? And is the woman beside you here, your girlfriend?

  Kaitlyn stiffened slightly but didn’t turn to look at him.

  He admired her for this, not playing into the suspicion of the reporter. He sniffed and nodded. “That’s two questions. I have been selected for the World Cup and barring any incident, I will be there. This is Kaitlyn, a friend. And no, she’s not my girlfriend.” A wink. “Not yet.”

  “So there’s interest there?” The reporter reached across him toward Kaitlyn. “Any response to this, miss? Can I have your name?”

  “No and no,” she said brushing his hand away. “I didn’t come here to be in the news. I’m not one of the athletes. Leave me alone.”

  The man didn’t back down and Luca gripped his wrist. “The woman asked you to leave her alone. I’m telling you to. We’re here to watch the concert, not give you a column.”

  “So you’re protecting her. Are you sure you’re not dating yet?”

  “I’m well aware of who, if anyone, that I’m dating. Now, you have five seconds to leave us to enjoy this event or I will remove you.”

  The man backed off and Luca slanted his gaze over to Kaitlyn. She’d returned her attention to the music. He brushed his fingers over hers and she glanced to him, eyebrows raised.

  “Sorry about that.”

  “For what? I understand reporters. They’re like a hyena and a dead animal.”

  “Is that like a dog with a bone?”

  “I like dogs,” she replied with an easy shrug. “Not so much the hyenas.”

  “Come with me after.”

  “Where?” She swung her gaze forward, allowing him another look at her profile. Regal. Stunning. Aristocratic cheeks, full lips, long thick and curved lashes. She met his gaze.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I asked you where. Where you wanted me to go with you after?”

  “My hotel.”

  He could’ve sworn her eyes darkened but he couldn’t be positive given the sun had gone down and it was only the lights on stage and people who had cameras out taking pictures.

  “I shouldn’t.”

  “But?”

  “I will.”

  His cock pushed harder against his shorts. A taste, all he wanted was a taste. It’d been nearly twelve months since he’d had a woman in his bed and to be fair, he was tired as fuck of using his hand. The thought of having a tight pussy milking his cock was almost enough to have him cum right there in his pants.

  Was she a screamer? Or did she bite that lower lip of hers and just allow deep sensual moans to escape. Would she ride him, allowing him to gr
ip her full breasts as she rocked her hips on him? He wanted her bent over in front of him and wanted her pussy grinding on his face as he ate her out while her mouth took in his dick. A good sixty-nine.

  He shifted his weight and tried to calm the fire in his blood. There would be three more hours of this concert, given the number of artists they’d gotten for the event. He needed to control himself. Unless I can find some spot here where we can fuck. No, she didn’t deserve a thing beneath the bleachers, so to speak. He wanted to take his time with her and enjoy every single second he had with her.

  Before the end of the concert, Milar had fallen asleep, against Kaitlyn. She didn’t seem to mind, her hand draped over him as he slumbered, his head on her thigh.

  Luca, shifted closer, putting his leg next to the sleeping boy as he got nearer to the woman who’d completely occupied his mind since he’d seen her in the crowd. “Having fun?” he asked her over the music.

  “I love concerts and the fact the Thunder got such a diverse group of music is even better.”

  “Who’s the woman who keeps turning around and looking back here?”

  “That’s Marlie, my friend who asked me to come down here. She’s also the one who threatened me if I didn’t show up for the concert.”

  No anger there at all which shocked him. “I’m sorry about earlier.”

  “No need. I get it, it’s a sport and everyone has a job to do. I guess I’m just sensitive about men who actively seek out to hurt others, given my job and the calls that I take.”

  He moved closer, positioning around the boy, so he could slide his arm around her back. “Thank you for giving me another chance.”

  “Don’t flatter yourself, I just want the sex.”

  He snorted. “I think I’m hurt? Not sure because I want nothing more than to push my cock into you and fuck you until you’re screaming my name.”

  She nudged him with her shoulder. “Sleeping boy.”

  “Sleeping. He’s not listening to us. Plus, the music is loud. And I’m whispering into your ear but I can sit closer if you’d like. Murmur even lower into your ear and see what happens.”

  “I have a pretty good idea of what would happen with that. No, you stay there and behave.”

  “Am I getting to you?”