Chapter 25

The first regular season game was the following week and it was at home. There was a completely different vibe of excitement in the air and Killian's intensity doubled. I somehow resisted the urge to throttle him the day of the game. I tried to understand, but couldn't help feeling I would be better off at my apartment while he did his intense indifference to me being with him thing. The Scorpions won, and Killian's after-game sex almost made up for my trampled feelings.

During the week, I immersed myself in classes, homework, and Wednesday night waitressing. Somehow, the media got wind that I worked at Tillomans and my boring weekday life became social media fodder. My manager didn't mind, but I found it difficult to field questions from sports reporters and do my job.

Campus life wasn't much better. Students pointed me out and brave ones asked me about my relationship with Killian.

"Is it true?"

"What's he like in bed?"

"What did you do to rope him in?"

Were only a few of the questions I dodged. The guys didn't approach me, but their assessing gazes made every step I took a challenge. Falling on my face was a real possibility because of the stress I felt.

"Sorry, babe, it goes hand in hand with my life. Quit your job and stay here Wednesday nights," Killian said when I told him about work.

"I need the money, Killian." I rolled over and placed my finger against his lips. "Don't say it."

He bit my finger and didn't let it go.

"No, Killian."

He rolled and had me beneath him, raising my hands above my head. "I hate when you tell me no."

I couldn't help laughing. "You hate for anyone to tell you no."

"It's not something I hear often, but with you it's especially irritating."

"Get used to it."

"Hmm." He tickled me until I begged him to stop.

I didn't quit my job.

The second week of regular season was another home game, which they won. The Scorpions hit the road for their next game. I couldn't go because I needed to complete a research project. Killian gave in grudgingly. We'd never discussed him hooking up with another woman after an away game and it ate at me during the weekend. He called Saturday night, sounding lonely, which made me feel better.

I didn't hear from him again until Sunday after his game. We talked for more than an hour. I slept that night knowing Killian missed me and was flying in late to sleep alone in his bed that night. I didn't discuss my insecurities with him. I knew he wouldn't like my thinking.

The following week the team had a Monday night game, and then the Scorpions had a bye week. If I thought the excitement in the stadium amped up when regular season started, it was nothing compared to Monday night. By now, I'd ordered and read a copy of Football for Dummies, and didn't need Malory to give me a play-by-play anymore. When Killian's teammates came over to his house, I kept up with conversations, though I didn't impart any wisdom on the subject.

I still wasn't accustomed to the minor injuries Killian suffered, but I learned to keep my feelings to myself and kiss him all better.

The Monday night game started well, but progressively turned sour. By the end of the first half, the Scorpions were down by a touchdown, and I was getting nervous. Fights broke out in the second half and the Scorps lost by ten. To top it off, Killian threw two interceptions.

"Good luck," Malory whispered to me before we went to the locker room.

Killian had promised to get me home before my Tuesday morning class, and without a word, he drove me to my apartment. I knew he was disappointed and angry, but his refusal to verbalize his feelings pissed me off. I didn't wait for him to come around and open my door. I heard him following me to my door. He took the key out of my hand and opened it, still without a word.

"Killian, just go home," I said when he closed the door behind us.

His fingers sank into my hair and his lips came down. If he wanted to punish me for his loss, the kiss did just that. Without really knowing what happened, I was on my knees while Killian unzipped his pants. He fucked my mouth, carried me to my bed, kissed my cheek and left.

I cried for an hour.

He didn't call Tuesday night, and I fell asleep against my wet pillow. Killian MacGregor was an ass.

Wednesday I arrived at work and started my shift with a heavy heart.

Sabrina walked up to me, "Sorry, honey, but it looks like your ex-boyfriend is here."

My ex? What the hell? Why would she think that?

I turned and Killian was holding out a chair for a woman; all I could see was the back of her long brown hair.

Sabrina continued, "He specifically asked for one of your tables and there was nothing I could do. In my opinion, the woman is too old for him, but not my problem."

My heart was lost somewhere in my lower stomach. I really thought I was going to be sick. I squared my back, didn't say a word to Sabrina, and walked over to confront Killian. I would probably lose my job, but I was past caring. The son of a bitch didn't speak to me for two days after a blow job, and then showed up with another woman where I worked. I planned to leave his body with more than a few bruises.

Killian saw me walking toward him and stood. His lip quirked slightly, but his dimples barely showed. He was nervous. He damn well should be. His hand came out, but I ignored it. I only needed to be close enough to damage his face, and then I was leaving.

"Mom, I'd like you to meet Rebecca."

Startled, I turned to Killian's-date. Her smile was her son's smile, though other than her lips and dimples, they looked nothing alike. She was beautiful, appeared years younger than she had to be, and I was going to murder Killian MacGregor.

"Hi, dear. Please call me Beth. Killian has told me so much about you."

I shook her hand, turned slightly, and gave Killian my best killing glare and calmly asked if I could get them an appetizer.

Confusion showed clearly on Beth's face.

"Sorry, Mom, but Rebecca just survived her first losing game and I owe her an apology."

"Oh, well then, I understand. I need to find the ladies' room and that will give the two of you a chance to talk." She gave me a hesitant smile and walked away.