Issy's Infatuation

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Issy’s Infatuation ISBN # 9781419907609 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Issy’s Infatuation Copyright© 2007 Shelley Munro Edited by Mary Moran. Cover art by Syneca. Electronic book Publication: March 2007 This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 443103502. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

Content Advisory: S – ENSUOUS E – ROTIC X – TREME Ellora’s Cave Publishing offers three levels of Romantica™ reading entertainment: S (S-ensuous), E (Erotic), and X (X-treme). The following material contains graphic sexual content meant for mature readers. This story has been rated E–rotic. S-ensuous love scenes are explicit and leave nothing to the imagination. E-rotic love scenes are explicit, leave nothing to the imagination, and are high in volume per the overall word count. E-rated titles might contain material that some readers find objectionable—in other words, almost anything goes, sexually. E-rated titles are the most graphic titles we carry in terms of both sexual language and descriptiveness in these works of literature. X-treme titles differ from E-rated titles only in plot premise and storyline execution. Stories designated with the letter X tend to contain difficult or controversial subject matter not for the faint of heart.

ISSY’S INFATUATION

Shelley Munro

Shelley Munro

Chapter One “Oh man, have you seen the replacement coach?” Angela, the Jets’ star winger, bounded into the changing rooms, dressed in sweats with her rugby boots dangling over her shoulder by their laces. She shook her umbrella, scattering raindrops over everyone in the vicinity, and kissed her fingertips with loud moans of sexual appreciation. “An ass to die for and the rest of the package isn’t too shabby.” The players who had already arrived for training started firing questions. Who was he? Was he single? Did he have a girlfriend? Isabel “Issy” Deans grinned and moved her gear farther down the drafty changing room, out of range of the wet umbrellas and equally wet teammates arriving for training. Rain rattled the tin roof, drowning out anything but a shout while the winter wind whistled through the open door. She shivered, whipped her good work jumper over her head and traded it for a faded training jersey. “His name is Tyler Jameson and he’s coaching us until the end of the season since Allen is sick. He’s just returned from playing rugby in Japan because he wants to coach now that his contract with the Japanese club has expired, he’s single and you’re right. The man’s a babe.” Patricia Coates, another new arrival, winked. “With a mighty fine ass.” Everyone shrieked with laughter apart from Issy. She froze in the middle of peeling panty hose down her legs. Tyler Jameson. Why of all the coaches in the world did it have to be her neighbor and teenage crush Tyler Jameson? She hadn’t even known he’d returned home, but then maybe he wasn’t staying with his parents. Issy inhaled, attempting to breathe through the herd of nerves that were galloping through her stomach. She’d thought the crush she’d had on Tyler had faded. After all, she hadn’t thought about him for months. Heck, she’d even dated a few times this year. She hadn’t

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thought about him during her engagement. Well, not much, she amended with a sliver of guilt. Her heart thudded erratically and she had to wipe her suddenly moist palms on her jersey. A simple fact. Tyler Jameson made her nervous. Clumsy. Her fingers turned to thumbs and her feet inexplicably grew when she was around him. She groaned silently while she wriggled out of her tight black skirt and exchanged it for black leggings. She had one goal this year—to make the Black Ferns, New Zealand’s female representative rugby team. If Tyler Jameson had his normal effect on her, she might as well kiss her chances of making the Ferns goodbye. A sharp knock sounded on the changing room door. “Ladies, you decent in there? Can I come in?” Yep, it was Tyler Jameson all right. She’d recognize that gravelly voice anywhere. Issy swallowed. Her hands trembled when she attempted to lace up her rugby boots. She stopped, clenched her fingers to a fist and straightened them before trying to lace her boots again. “Just a sec, coach,” Patricia shouted. Although fully dressed and ready for training, she whipped her jersey over her head to display bountiful breasts. “All decent,” she called. Issy rolled her eyes, not at Patricia’s shenanigans but at the spike of jealousy that struck her hard. This was worse than she’d thought. She was feeling possessive about Tyler. Coupled with nerves, this was a disaster waiting to happen.

Tyler Jameson waited for the all clear before entering the changing shed. “Everyone ready for training?” His gaze scanned over the women in the changing room. Hell. There was always one. He ignored the blatant show of curved assets and counted the number of women present. Great. Everyone was here. “Warm up first. Stretches then two laps of the field.” The collective groan made him grin. But despite the rain, which had eased slightly, and the brisk wind outside, the women filed outside, eager to start training. Allen, his mentor, had said they were keen 5

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and he’d boasted that several of his players were good prospects for the Black Ferns. Tyler was looking forward to coaching them. He scanned the faces of the remaining team members and did a double take. “Issy? Is that you?” Issy Deans halted in front of him, a deer-caught-in-theheadlights expression on her face. His friend’s sister wasn’t all skin and bones with gangly legs anymore. He grabbed her in a quick hug, hormones zapping to stunned life and heading south. Well, hell, she didn’t feel gangly either. “Great to see you. Allen told me you’re one of his stars.” “Tha-thanks,” she muttered. Tyler hid a grin at the cute stutter. She’d always stuttered a little. “Better get out there before the rest of the team think I’m playing favorites.” Issy cast him an uncertain look before inching past. Did she think he was going to bite? Once clear of the changing rooms, she broke into a trot, the smooth motion beautiful to watch and the flex of her ass a wonderful thing. The woman had grown into her gangly legs. He grinned openly. Hell yeeeah. He’d like a bite of that. Maybe he’d ask her out. There was only a month left of the season. Under normal circumstances, he’d keep well away from romantic entanglements, keep things professional, but since the season was almost done and he was moving on to take the Auckland assistant coach position, he thought he could justify personal involvement. As long as her brothers didn’t appear home on leave from the army to act the heavy chaperones. Damn, maybe it wasn’t such a good idea after all. Deep in thought, Tyler walked out into the rain. About the only downside of the job. Rugby was a winter sport. Rain. Mud. Biting cold wind. Tyler turned up the collar on his woolen coat and grabbed the blue-and-white-striped golf umbrella he’d left by the door before heading out on the field to wait for the women to finish their laps. Once they’d completed warm-up he’d separate them into backs and forwards and put them through their paces. He’d see if they were really as good as Allen had boasted.

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***** Two hours later Issy and the rest of the team headed for the changing rooms and a hot shower. Her lungs burned from the sprint exercises and the fast and furious sevena-side game they’d played to finish off the session. Her hip ached where she’d fallen hard in a tackle while her leggings were soaked and clung uncomfortably to her legs. The wind whistled down the field, nipping at exposed skin. Her ears ached from the cold. She couldn’t wait to hit the showers and go home. “Issy! Can I have a word?” She turned on hearing her name, her heart stuttering in the same way her voice did whenever she tried to form sentences in front of Tyler. The man was a menace, albeit a sexy one. And Patricia was right. He had a very fine ass. Not that she looked. Much. She stopped near the door, staying out of the rain and the worst of the wind. “Yes?” “Do you want a ride home?” “It’s okay. I…wa-was going to cadge a ride home with one of the others.” Tyler smiled, his blue eyes twinkling and reminding her of the ocean on a fine, sunny day. With his dark curls, the dimple to the right of his mouth and his sexy eyes at half-mast he looked like an angel who had tumbled from heaven. Too much man for her to cope with. “Don’t be silly. It’s no problem. I’ll wait for you to shower.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and shunted her gently toward the changing room door. His touch burned through her sodden shirt and to her acute embarrassment, she tripped over her own feet. Before she hit the ground, Tyler scooped her up, holding her close to his chest despite her dampness. Issy gulped. Her nipples hardened to tight peaks against her wet sports bra and stabbed into his chest. Mortified, she wriggled, attempting to ease away. He must have

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noticed. This close she could see the slight shadows beneath his eyes and smell the exotic vanilla and patchouli scent of his aftershave. A faint hint of dark stubble shaded his cheek and as she watched, his mouth curved into a smile. “You’re shivering. You’d better take that shower before the rest of the team use the hot water.” Issy stumbled into the changing room. The showers were already in use, fragrant steam rising from behind plastic curtains. Several of the girls had already showered and changed into warm jeans and jumpers. “Looks like you’re in there, Issy,” Patricia said with a trace of envy. “Our families live next door to each other and Tyler used to knock around with my brothers. He’s four years older than me.” Issy snapped her mouth closed. Giving too much information would make her look as if she were hiding something. While she might be interested in Tyler, he’d always favored curvy blondes. Much to her despair. She wasn’t blonde and she missed curvy by a mile. “Hmmm.” Patricia looked thoughtful before grinning. “Plenty more fish in the ocean! See ya at training on Thursday.” Issy stripped off her wet clothes and grabbed the next free shower. She’d have to accept his offer of a ride home whether she wanted to or not. Thank goodness the season was almost over and Tyler’s coaching was a temporary thing. A month would go quickly enough. Fifteen minutes later, Issy walked from the changing shed, warm in her change of clothes but with nerves jumping inside. Her hand tightened around the bag containing her training gear and work clothes. What if she forgot herself and jumped him? Or what if she tripped and fell flat on her face? Again. Heat collected in her face when she recalled a time when she’d actually done that big time, far worse than tonight’s little trip. Of course, at least if she repeated the fiasco, she was wearing jeans this time. Last time she hadn’t been so lucky. She hadn’t worn a thong for a long time after that.

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“Ah, there you are. I thought you’d washed down the plug hole,” Tyler said. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, holding her close so they could share his umbrella. Engulfed by his warmth and his musky scent, the nerves intensified. She wondered what he’d do if she flung off her clothes and told him to help himself. Tyler led her over to a blue SUV and opened the passenger door for her. Always the gentleman. Issy liked that about him. There was a lot she liked about Tyler. Too much, she thought darkly. Heck, why did he have to turn up right now? With the Black Ferns’ trials approaching, the last thing she needed was a broken leg or similar injury caused by Tyler-induced clumsiness. “Are you doing anything tonight?” “No,” Issy said. “I’m the only one at home. I’ll probably have soup for dinner and watch some TV.” Tyler started his SUV and backed from the car park. “Good, you can come out for a drink with me.” “But—” “I hate eating alone. We can catch up and you can tell me what your brothers are up to.” Issy’s teeth clacked together when she shut her mouth. He wasn’t interested in her. He wanted to hear about her brothers. “Okay,” she mumbled, convinced she was making a mistake. “Adam is home on leave soon,” she said, figuring that discussing her brothers was a way of getting through the night without too much stress. A safe topic. “How long have you been playing for the Jets?” Tyler asked. “T-two years.” Tyler glanced across the cab at her and grinned. It lit up his face, bringing his cute dimples into play. Her heartbeat instantly ratcheted up a notch. Licks of heat sizzled across her skin. For fleeting seconds she wondered what it would be like to be with Tyler—naked bodies writhing together, his cock thrusting into her slowly, steadily.

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Driving her toward climax. Kissing him. Touching him. A full-body shiver rocketed from her shoulders to her toes and Tyler, damn him, noticed. “Still cold?” He leaned over and flicked a switch. Warm air blew on her feet, intensifying his sexy scent and her panic. Issy drew shallow breaths in self-preservation. This just wasn’t going to work. Issy concentrated on getting through the ordeal and minimizing embarrassment, answering his questions with minor stuttering. Next time she’d arrange a ride before Tyler turned up. Somehow she had to deal with having Tyler as her coach and concentrate on what was important—fulfilling her dream to make the Black Ferns. Tyler parked near the Cock and Bull in Botany. It was an English-style pub, all the rage with the after-work crowd and equally popular with eager shoppers taking a break during the weekend. Issy climbed from the SUV and gave silent thanks the rain seemed to have stopped. This winter had been so cold and she wasn’t sure if she preferred the heavy rain or the mornings that started with heavy frosts and ice. Neither was brilliant when it came to her early morning training runs. Tyler fell into step, slipping his arm around her waist and holding her close to his side. Issy wanted to protest but the stupid stuttering embarrassed her so she allowed the move, storing up sensations to drag out later when she tried to sleep in her single bed. He pushed the door open and stood back to let her enter. Loud chatter and raucous laughter from a group of eight men and women blasted her ears. A musician was setting up his equipment, ready to play. They pushed their way through the crowds around the bar. The scent of beer and food hit her strongly, making her stomach grumble. She’d missed lunch so she could leave work early. “Do you mind if we order our meals first?” Tyler’s grin made her heart flip-flop. “I’m starving.” “Okay.” It was all she could squeeze out. “I’m having fish and chips and a beer,” Tyler said. “What would you like?” “Fish…sounds good.” Issy took a deep breath. “I’ll have beer as well.” 10

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“There’s a free table over there,” Tyler said. “Grab it while I order.” Issy followed instructions even while she wondered what the hell she was doing. This…this infatuation she had for Tyler was school-girlish. He was older than her and they had nothing in common except her brothers and rugby. A big part of her life. True. But that didn’t mean she should act on her feelings. She’d only end up making a big fool of herself like she’d done in the past. Issy took off her coat and draped it across the back of her chair before sitting. Tyler arrived not long after with two beers and their order number. His gaze was intent when he set the beers on the coasters she’d positioned ready. Her mouth was suddenly so dry she needed that beer. “You’ve changed,” he said. Before she could formulate an answer, he’d put the beers down and sat beside her. His hard jeans-clad thigh pressed against hers and he leaned over, closing the distance between them. His large hand cupped her cheek and he smiled gently before kissing her. If Issy had thought she’d been kissed before, she was wrong. Very wrong. This was a claiming, a statement of intent. She froze at the touch of his tongue tracing the curve of her bottom lip, her mouth opening automatically. Tyler took advantage, pushing the kiss into very personal. Issy clutched at his broad shoulders, one hand moving to his nape. His crisp dark curls slipped through her fingers while he sipped and explored her mouth with an experience that gave her pause. Slowly, he pulled back. The corners of his eyes crinkled when he smiled, his blue eyes sparkling with devilry. “I’ve wanted to do that since I first saw you tonight,” he whispered. “Come home with me. Please.” Issy stared at his fallen-angel face in shock. She swallowed, her gaze dropping to his mouth. Lingering. That sensual mouth had kissed her. In public. And he wanted to do even more. Her gaze rose to his eyes. The teasing expression had faded, replaced by determination.

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“What about my brothers?” she asked, forgetting to stutter in her shock. Selfconsciously she moved her hands from his shoulders and tucked them primly in her lap. “I’m not inviting them,” Tyler said. “That would be a little kinky, don’t you think?” He chuckled before sobering and stood to remove his coat then sat again. “Besides, with the way my thoughts are going, they’d probably beat me to a pulp. I’m glad they’re not here.” Issy grabbed one of the beers and took a sip. When she realized Tyler was watching, she gulped it. What the heck was going on? It wasn’t April Fool’s Day. “Why?” she blurted, setting her beer carefully on a coaster. “I’m not blonde. I’m not your type.” “You are definitely my type.” Tyler patted her knee but it turned into a tortuous caress that sent desire ricocheting straight to her core. “We have lots in common. We both love rugby and understand the commitment required to play sport at high levels. The kissing worked well. We won’t have problems.” His voice deepened to husky and his eyelids fell to half-mast. “What do you think?” “We…you’re my coach.” Issy grabbed her beer again and drank more of the amber liquid. It slid down her throat, leaving the crisp taste of hops in her mouth. “It’s…a…a conflict.” “I’m your coach for a month. Allen says you have a good chance of making the Black Ferns. From what I saw tonight, I think he’s right. When the month is up, I’m taking up my coaching job in Auckland and you’ll be heading off on tour with the Black Ferns. This wouldn’t be about commitment. It would be about having fun, scratching an itch. We already know each other well and that’s why it will be perfect for both of us. We go in knowing the boundaries and end up good friends with no messy entanglements.” Shoot. He really believed that. But he didn’t know about the crush she’d had on him forever. Issy frowned and drank more beer. Was it possible for her to do fun and 12

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casual, especially with Tyler? Lord knows, the temptation was huge. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Their meals arrived before Tyler could answer. The waitress set huge plates of fish and chips in front of them along with salads. Issy’s stomach gurgled yet again, loud enough for Tyler to hear. “Eat,” he said. “We’ll continue this discussion afterward.” The music started—rock with a loud, pounding beat that made conversation difficult. Issy applied herself to the fish and chips, enjoying every mouthful of the crisp beer batter and the moist fish. It beat soup hands-down. Making love didn’t require much verbalization so stuttering wouldn’t present any problems in that department. Good grief! She was actually considering his totally improper proposal. It was wrong, wrong, wrong. She didn’t have a casual bone in her body. She didn’t do casual. Issy checked out Tyler and found him looking at her. A blush suffused her face and she actually felt the blood spread down her neck to her breasts. Desire thrummed through her body and she squirmed slightly when she realized how turned on she’d become from thinking about making love with Tyler. Between her legs was hot and damp and her squirming was making things worse. The truth nipped at her conscience. Not only was she turned on at Tyler’s suggestion, she wanted it so badly she’d totally discounted all the reasons the idea was inappropriate. Before she could check herself, Issy leaned closer to Tyler. “All right. That sounds like a great idea.” After all, one month of hot sex would be fun.

Tyler wanted to cheer but instead he did lots of high-fives inside. He’d half expected a slapped face and her stalking off with her cute button nose stuck in the air. When it hadn’t happened, he’d allowed himself to hope. Until she’d finally agreed, he hadn’t realized how much he’d wanted her. It had been an instant thing, taking him by surprise when he’d seen her in the changing shed. Hell, he’d never experienced such an 13

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instant case of lust. Maybe it wasn’t wise but he didn’t want to listen to the voice of reason. Anticipation thrummed through his body. His breathing had elevated and his cock pressed insistently against the fly of his denims. Tyler continued eating but didn’t taste a mouthful. In truth, he wasn’t sure what had come over him. He’d never propositioned a woman like this before. Generally, he didn’t mind the slow “getting to know each other” process although he wasn’t a monk. He’d had one-night stands before. The suggestion of a month of hot and heavy sex sort of came in the one-night stand category. Hell, he hoped Issy’s brothers stayed away for the next month. Not that the thought of a bashing at their hands helped dim his burning desire for Issy. They finished their meals in silence but Tyler no longer wanted food. He kept sneaking quick glances at her, amazed at the way she’d bloomed. He’d always thought she’d been cute in a younger sister kind of way. She’d sure grown out of that. Issy pushed away her plate and Tyler gave up all pretense. “You ready to go?” “Yes.” They stood, donned their coats and navigated through the busy pub. The chill outside was a shock after the press of bodies inside. Tyler noticed Issy’s shiver and gave in to the simmering need to touch. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and breathed in her scent. God, this was a bad move. A mistake. He knew it and didn’t care. All he could think about was how it would feel sliding his dick deep into her hot, wet pussy. Tyler snorted inwardly. Oh yeah. His cock was doing all his thinking. Couldn’t be a good thing. The house he was renting wasn’t far from Botany Town Center. They drove in a silence heavy with sensual undercurrents. Tyler didn’t look at her. Didn’t want the temptation. His cock was painfully tight and he was pretty close to pulling over on one of the quiet back roads and fucking her right there. A sudden thought occurred. It didn’t make a difference, but it might mean he’d need to go slow. He risked a glance across the cab. “Are you a virgin?” 14

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Issy stared at him, her brown eyes widening. Fuck. She was a virgin. “No,” she said slowly. “I’ve had sex before. I was engaged for a while but we called it off.” A wave of jealousy seared straight to his heart. Tyler’s hands gripped the steering wheel and he watched the road instead of Issy. He didn’t like the idea of another man stroking her golden skin. Tyler’s knuckles whitened even more. Damn, he wasn’t going a step further with that thought. His foot pressed the accelerator, urgency belting through him. He wanted to ask questions, demand answers. None of her brothers had mentioned the engagement during their spasmodic calls while he’d been in Japan. Maybe they hadn’t known. Tyler let that thought brew and slowed to turn into his driveway. The headlights cast a bright light over the entrance to the brick house. He pulled up near a potted yucca tree and switched off the ignition. “You can change your mind.” God, she looked like a whipped puppy, trembling in the passenger seat. “But just so you know, I’m not into beating and pain.” “I don’t want to change my mind.” The door clicked when she opened it and the interior light came on. Before he could utter another word, she grabbed her bag from the back and stood waiting for him by the front of his vehicle. Well, hell. Looked as if this was a happening thing. His breath hissed out and he attempted calm. Not so easy when his guts were twisted in a knot of tension. What if he screwed up? Hell, what if he couldn’t get it up? He glanced down at his swollen erection. Nah, wouldn’t be a problem. “This way,” he said. The security light flickered on, lighting the steps that led to the front door. His gaze dropped to her ass, appreciating the sexy sway of her hips when she climbed the steps. She paused at the top and waited for him to unlock the door. Tyler reached inside to switch on the interior light and placed a hand in the small of her back to shunt her indoors. After shutting the door, he stalked over to the table and 15

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slapped his vehicle keys down before turning to Issy. God, she was beautiful. He knew deep in his gut that he should keep his hands off, yet it wasn’t an option. Tyler closed the distance between them and slammed his mouth down on hers. It wasn’t gentle. He tried but couldn’t make it slow and easy with the sexual tension zapping around his body. He ate at her mouth, claiming. Taking. Demanding she participate. To his relief she didn’t protest or slap his face. She wound her arms around his neck and gave back as good as he was giving. God, she tasted good. Rich. Heady. Addictive. Tyler cupped the back of her head and kissed a trail of kisses across her jawbone and tasted the soft skin of her neck. He nibbled on an earlobe, teasing for a few seconds until the hunger claimed him again. Skin. Nothing less than skin would do. Tyler pushed her brown woolen coat off her shoulders to reveal the skintight jumper beneath. He ran his hands across her breasts, felt the taut nipples and tugged one to greater prominence. A groan vibrated deep in her chest and he covered her mouth with his, catching her next groan of pleasure with his lips. Issy wrenched his coat off but it became hopelessly tangled in his arms. They separated for as long as it took to remove his coat and shirt and her jumper. Issy reached behind her back to unclip her bra and shrugged that off too. When she went to go back into his arms, Tyler held her away from him, his gaze raking her breasts. They weren’t large but his fingers itched with the need to touch. He leaned over and took one pouting nipple into his mouth, laving and sucking, rolling the nipple across his tongue. Sweet. And those sexy murmurs of appreciation didn’t hurt any either. Her hands wandered across his naked back, clutching and holding him tightly to her breast. Tyler thought he might burst if he didn’t get inside her soon. Very soon. Without taking his mouth from her breast, he fumbled with the button closure on her jeans. She helped him, wriggling her tight jeans over her hips and down long legs. He 16

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released her nipple with a pop, breathing hard, his blood pulsing. Tyler took a moment to appreciate her slim, muscled figure before backing her toward a wall. He slid his hand across her hip and dipped his fingers beneath the plain cotton panties. Warmth. Sexy warmth met his questioning fingers. She parted her legs a fraction more, allowing better access. The hushed moan that sprang from her lips was music to his soul and Tyler wanted to groan his pleasure when slick cream eased his way inside her pussy. Issy trembled violently and when he massaged her swollen clit, she exploded. A high scream of pleasure erupted and he caught it with his mouth, continuing to stroke until her breathing steadied. Issy collapsed against him with a satisfied sigh, her brown eyes slumberous with passion. “Again,” she whispered, urgently slipping off her panties, freeing his belt. Tyler pushed her away and rapidly stripped off his jeans and boxers, tossing them aside. He shoved her against the wall, his heart pounding, desperate to bury himself deep in her warmth. Issy held tight, kissing him wherever she could reach. With trembling hands, Tyler lifted and guided his cock into her pussy with one easy move. He pushed inside her clinging walls, groaning at the tightness, the way she squeezed him so sweetly. Ah, hell. Heat. They kissed. This time it was slower, deep, a facsimile of their lovemaking. A shudder worked through Tyler. Scorching hot and so damned sweet. He thrust harder, faster, pinning Issy against the wall while he strove for release. His heart hammered damn near out of his chest and without warning he exploded, the contractions going on for long seconds. “Oh hell,” he muttered, guilt and self-loathing carving him up. He’d jumped her, pinned her against the wall. Tyler gulped, his chest still heaving rapidly while he fought for air. He slipped from her pussy and lifted her into his arms before striding toward his bedroom. When he lowered her onto his queen-size bed, she rolled toward him instead of ripping him a new one as he’d expected. Laughing, she landed on top of his naked body, covering him like a blanket, breasts squashing into his chest, hips aligned. Her smile was slow, sleepy. Sexy. And it smoked his insides.

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“Wow,” she whispered in a satisfied purr. Issy undulated against him in a big stretch and purred again. “Incredible.” Tyler blinked, his lips stretching in a hesitant return smile. Amazing. He’d found himself a sex kitten. Before he could analyze further, Issy seized him by the head and directed his mouth to hers. The kiss was carnal. Impatience simmered in her mouth, stirring his cock into renewed interest despite just coming. Issy nipped at his bottom lip. Laughed then did it again. Her playfulness brought a grin. So she wanted games. Nothing he’d like better. Tyler rolled, using his superior strength to overpower her. She laughed when he shackled her wrists with his hands, forcing them above her head. Tyler stared. He wasn’t sure he knew this beautiful, stunning woman. A streetlight shined through the bedroom window, sending dappled patterns across her golden skin. She sparkled, an impish expression glowing in her eyes. Her chocolate brown hair had dried and sprung into small curls. They outlined her face like a halo except she didn’t resemble any angel he’d seen. “Whatcha gonna do with me?” Her dark brows rose at his hesitation. Somehow she’d taken control of this little exercise. Tyler wasn’t sure whether to curse or laugh. One thing was for sure. This…thing between them was deep and powerful and scared the hell out of him. “Tsk-tsk, don’t tell me I’ve worn you out?” A startled burst of laughter exploded from him. “Worn me out?” He pressed one of her hands to his cock. Her small hand curled around his growing erection and she pumped him. A harsh sound of animal enjoyment emerged from deep in his throat while his balls ached. “Stop that, woman. You’re a menace.” Tyler peeled her hand off his shaft and lifted her hand above her head again, out of harm’s way. Hell, one caress and his blood boiled. Her expertise in the sexual arena brought another streak of jealousy. It made him wonder about the fiancé. The man was a fool for letting Issy go. “Do you trust me?” 18

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“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t trust you, Tyler.” No hesitation. Pride filled him at her trust without reserve. “Leave your hands there and don’t move.” “What happens if I move?” “Punishment.” He’d noticed she wasn’t stuttering anymore and wondered at it before filing the thought away to pull out later. “Yeah?” There was definite interest in her voice. “What sort of punishment?” Tyler snorted and released her hands. “You’ll just have to wait and see.” “I might like it.” “You might not,” he countered, working hard to keep a straight face. He sat up and reached over to open the drawer of the walnut cabinet that sat beside the bed. Tyler pulled out several scarves before spotting the box of condoms. “Fuck, we didn’t use a condom.” “I’m on the Pill.” Damn, she should sound worried. She didn’t know his history. He could have any disease. Tyler opened his mouth to remonstrate before snapping it shut again. Why the hell was she on the Pill? “What if I sleep around?” Her dark brows rose. “I’m glad it’s my turn tonight but can I have Mondays in the future? You should be fresher at the start of the week, more lead in your pencil.” “Issy,” Tyler roared in shock. “I haven’t slept with a woman for months.” He thought back. “Six actually. I know I’m clean since I had blood work done three months ago.” Issy laughed, low and sultry. The sound made his cock twitch and all he could think of was plunging into her drenched pussy again. “I haven’t slept with anyone since the engagement was called off. Haven’t wanted to,” she added. “Good.” And it was good, except Issy had sobered at the mention of her fiancé. Tyler cursed under his breath, jealousy rising again. Fool. He had no right to act the

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possessive lover. This was a temporary thing and pleasure the name of the game. “Then we don’t need to use a condom.” “That’s right.” The silent laughter hid in her voice again, spiking his competitive side. Oh yeah. By the time he finished, she was going to plead with him to fuck her and fuck her good. By the time he finished, she’d consider every other lover as second best. Tyler seized one of the black silk scarves and bound her wrist. With economic moves, he fastened it to the headboard. He repeated the move, tying her other wrist before grabbing a longer scarf. Tyler glanced up, feeling the heat of her gaze. A confident smile curved her lips, and when she saw he was watching, she winked. “I’m very wet. Every time I think about you fucking me, another surge of cream floods me.” Tyler shuddered, his gaze moving unbidden to her parted legs. Her folds glistened with their combined come and were deep pink and swollen. “If you hadn’t tied my hands, I’d touch myself.” Tyler’s heart thudded erratically, hammering against his ribs. His cock reared and he paused. “Where?” he asked, swallowing. “Where would you touch yourself?” Issy rocked from side to side, idly testing the scarves that bound her hands. “I’d pluck my nipples until they were deep pink and I could feel each tug in my pussy.” Tyler regarded her, full of curiosity and longing. Need. Hell yeah. There was need, big time. He stared at her for an instant longer before looping the scarf around her leg and tying it firmly. In silence, he repeated the move. Once firmly restrained, he risked another glance at her face. Her lips were a deep pink. Swollen from his kisses. The golden skin of her neck and shoulders beckoned. Tyler moved up the bed and leaned in to nibble her lips. She smelled of cinnamon soap and rain, along with a hint of musky sex. Tyler inhaled deeply then trailed kisses across the delicate skin of her neck. The trail of kisses led to her collarbone and shoulders, the beautiful golden skin unblemished. Tyler took a bite, sucking insistently, then sat back on his heels to study the result. Satisfaction swelled inside at the red mark of possession. 20

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Ownership. He shied away from the complicated feelings coursing through his body, cocking his head to study her breasts. They weren’t large but drew him anyway. “Would you like me to tease your nipples for you? Since you can’t do it?” “Yes, please.” “Do you know my name?” he asked, the question taking him by surprise. “I picked you up after the rugby game. You haven’t told me your name,” she purred. “Names aren’t important when all both parties want is a quick fuck.” Tyler frowned. He wanted to shake her, to tell her this wasn’t a quick fuck. That it meant more. His frown intensified when he recalled his stipulation of one month. Irritated because she’d twisted the words and turned them back on him, he traced one finger around the base of a breast. Issy quivered but didn’t utter a word. Tyler repeated the move, determined to wrest back control. He would make her beg for release, beg for him to give that release. He skimmed his fingers over her entire breast but each time stopped short of her sensitive nipples. “After you’d tugged your nipples, what would you do?” “I’d get out my toys. My nipple clamps. I’d get lubricant, the kind that heats and makes a girl’s naughty bits tingle.” Tyler pictured her doing exactly as she’d described. He imagined her tightening clamps onto her nipples until they turned a rich rosy pink from the firm grip. He heard the squeeze of the bottle and smelled the distinctive scent of the lubricant when it dribbled onto her palm. Yeah, he saw it all too well. After inhaling deeply and struggling to control the urge he had to plunge inside her hard and deep, he finally took one nipple between finger and thumb. He tugged, stretching and pulling her nipple. She moaned deep in her throat, the sound wild and feral. Issy’s hips shifted from side to side, the scent of her arousal heavy in the air. Fascinated, Tyler repeated the move and watched her nipple turn a deep pink. “What would you do with the lubricant?”

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Issy sighed, her eyelids at half-mast. “I’d dribble it on my fingers and smooth it up and down my cleft until I burned with need.” Her eyes opened wide and brown eyes stared directly at him. “I’d tease myself for a long time. Until I was so sensitive I couldn’t bear it for a second longer, until I was so hot I didn’t feel the chill of the winter air nipping at my naked body.” Tyler gulped. The woman had a way with words. He played with her nipples, plucking at both until they were taut and stiff. “Come closer,” she whispered. “I want to touch you.” “Your hands are tied. You can’t touch me.” Issy licked her lips, her pink tongue stroking sensually across her full bottom lip. “I don’t just want to touch. I want to taste.” Like a man in a trance he crawled closer, suddenly desperate for those lips to wrap around his straining cock. It might shut her up for a while, give him respite, because at the rate she was going, she was going to kill him.

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Chapter Two Issy could hardly believe her words. No stutter. Confident. From the moment he’d taken her against the wall, instinct had kicked in and with it a possible way to turn her infatuation into a long-term relationship. Tyler liked sex. Perfect, because she liked sex too. The only lover she’d had was her fiancé. They’d broken the engagement, realizing they couldn’t live together without killing each other and hot loving was all that kept them together. Sex hadn’t been enough, especially since thoughts of Tyler sometimes intruded. With Tyler it was different. They had rugby in common. They’d known each other for years and she liked him a lot. All right. She loved him. And according to Tyler’s rules, she had a month to prove it. Tyler straddled her chest, bringing his cock within licking distance. “Hold your cock and guide it to my mouth,” she said, a thrill of pure naughtiness taking grip. A shudder racked her body when she saw the passion, the tinge of red in his cheekbones. His cock, swollen and fully extended, quivered in front of her mouth. His balls had drawn tight while a pearl of pre-cum formed on the crown as she watched. His chest rose and fell rapidly and she heard him swallow. Yeah, she had him hooked. Now to reel him in and make this infatuation into the real deal. Tyler fisted his cock and rubbed it across her lips before she had a chance to react. She didn’t miss on the second pass. Issy surrounded the tip of his cock with her hot mouth and sucked, swiping her tongue across the head. “Are you trying to send me mad?”

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Issy smiled around his cock and sucked harder, drawing a groan from Tyler. His entire body shuddered and he gave an involuntary thrust, pushing his cock deeper into her mouth. When she glanced up, she saw an expression of almost pain carved into his face. He pulled free without warning, his eyes flicking open to spear a glare in her direction. “I’m meant to tease you, not the other way around. You’re the one bound.” Issy grinned and waggled her hips, sliding her butt across the navy duvet in a seductive manner. “Do your worst.” “Maybe I’ll gag you as well,” he said, a trace of humor lurking in his blue eyes. “Oh go on,” Issy said. “Let me talk. Live dangerously.” She wriggled a bit to draw his attention to her breasts. As she’d hoped, he stared until her nipples tingled, the sensation echoing in her pussy. He plucked a nipple, squeezing it firmly, the small pain sending shockwaves through her body. Issy just knew this was going to be good. Tyler repeated the move, extreme concentration furrowing his brow. Issy’s soft gasp resounded in the silent room and she fought against the bonds, suddenly wishing she could touch and tease in return. Finally, he took her into his mouth, the warm, wet suction even better than the tugging and teasing of his fingers. Issy sighed with pleasure. A hint of teeth followed by the soothing flick of his tongue brought an insistent tingle to life between her legs. More. Damn, she needed more pressure. Issy flexed her hips, silently demanding the attention she craved. Her fiancé had been a good lover but Tyler pushed her that bit higher. To her frustration, he ignored her invitation to explore and continued to drive her to distraction with his hands and tongue. He kissed her eyelids. He pressed a sloppy kiss to her cleavage, making a loud noise with his mouth that brought a jolt of surprised laughter. “Moving right along,” she suggested. “When I’m ready.”

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He licked the hollow at her throat, teasing a wildly beating pulse to a frenzy, tormenting and pushing her pulse rate even higher. Issy bit her bottom lip to stop the building moan from emerging. Surely he wouldn’t tease her for much longer, not when his cock left such a damp trail across her stomach. Issy waited with bated breath but he continued at his own sweet pace. He ran his fingers through her hair, arranging it on the white pillow where her head rested. Then he sat back on his heels and just looked his fill. His eyes seemed to caress each part of her—the curve of her breasts, the long, lean lines of her body and the triangle of hair at the juncture of her thighs. This tormenting had to stop. In an attempt to distract him, she forced her legs apart as far as the bindings allowed. “What do you think I should do next?” Finally. “I think you should put your cock in my pussy. Thrust hard and fast until we both explode.” “I suppose that’s one option,” he mused. “Or I could eat you out. Or use my fingers to make you come before I prepare you all over again.” A primitive throb kicked to life in her veins and she barely resisted the need to tremble. Cool air whispered over her moist nipples while her pussy burned with arousal. Issy swallowed. “Do you think you can wait that long?” “Maybe not,” he conceded. “But it would be worthwhile.” Tyler drew one finger across her collarbone and down toward her cleavage. He paused to lick his finger before skimming it across her rib cage. A light kiss landed on her hipbone. He tickled her inner thighs with the brush of his stubbled cheek before nudging her swollen folds with the flat of his tongue. “No,” Issy wailed when intense prickling signaled the start of her orgasm. “Please let me come with you inside me. Please, Tyler. Please.” Tyler’s chuckle of triumph held a hard edge. “This time only,” he said. “The next time we play the game all the way through by my rules.” 25

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“Yes, anything.” Issy gulped, trying to breathe through the sensations threatening to engulf her. “Anything?” Tyler asked. “You might regret that promise hanging over your head, never knowing when I’ll call it in.” He stroked his cock while he waited for her answer, running his thumb over the glistening head. Issy watched the move avidly. “Issy?” “I trust you, Tyler. The promise stands.” “Good.” His eyes narrowed, the feral expression bringing a rush of excitement. Arousal seeped from her tingling pussy and she shifted, trying to soothe the ache. Tyler moved over her. Taking his cock in his hand again, he pumped it slowly. His large frame shuddered. “Fuck,” he whispered. “I hope you’re as ready as you say you are.” “I am. Let me show you.” His cock twitched at the words. She needed him desperately, needed his thick, long cock tunneling inside her, filling and pushing her into sweet climax. Oh boy. Desperately didn’t quite cover the spectrum of desires swirling through her body and mind. Their gazes met. Clung. Issy felt her eyes widen when he pushed inside her pussy, one increment at a time. “Tyler.” “Yeah?” “Go any slower and your life is in danger the instant my hands and legs are free.” She moved her hips sharply, attempting to drive him deeper. Using his greater strength, he held her in place, continuing to do things his way until finally he filled her completely. Issy sucked in a wildly excited breath, savoring the throbbing hardness of him. The only thing that could make it feel better would be the thrust and grind of his cock, flesh slapping against flesh. To her frustration, he remained deeply imbedded without moving. “Fuck me, dammit.” “What’s the magic word?”

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“Please, fuck me.” “I love it when you talk dirty,” Tyler drawled. “It makes me hot.” He smiled, kissed her lips and started to thrust. Hard, fast thrusts that moved her up the mattress and made the bed squeak. Issy loved every minute of the rough fucking. She lifted her hips, desire shooting to an even higher plateau with each slap of their flesh. Sweet agony. Issy closed her eyes to absorb the myriad sensations. “Open your eyes, Issy. I want to see your pleasure and for you to see mine.” Seductive words. She lifted weighted lids and caught his gaze. Beautiful blue eyes that swirled full of passion. The wet sound of arousal filled the air with each thrust. The tingle around her clit grew deeper until it was almost painful. Issy gasped, her womb clamping down hard on his cock. She trembled on the cusp of release, balanced on a knife-edge of pleasure and pain. Tyler thrust again and she shattered, the pleasure streaking to her toes and rippling upward through her upper torso. Tyler thrust a final time, making a dark sound of passion as his cock jerked with explosive contractions. His mouth slammed down on hers while she luxuriated in the aftershocks. “I think you’ve worn me out.” He curled his warm, heavy body around hers, holding her so tightly she had trouble breathing. “Tyler,” she protested. “I need to breathe.” “Surely not,” he teased. But he loosened his grip and fumbled with the ties binding her arms and legs before rolling onto his side and enveloping her sweat-sheened body with his heat. Issy smiled sleepily, satisfaction singing inside. Yep, if she kept this up, he couldn’t help but become addicted and as infatuated with her as she was with him. Heck, he might even decide they had a future together.

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Chapter Three

Wednesday, three weeks later “The back line is flat,” Tyler hollered over the howling wind. “Run on to the ball instead of standing there like bloody lamp posts. Try the set move again and this time shift your asses. Issy, you need to take the ball cleanly. Move it out to the back line straightaway. You’re hesitating.” His frustration was clear even over the rain and wind. Issy scowled and swiped the icy raindrops off her face. They might be sleeping together, burning up the sheets, but Tyler didn’t play favorites. Not that she expected anything else. The cold wind nipped her exposed arms and face. Like the others, she was exhausted after almost two hours of rigorous training. Their next tournament took place this weekend in Taupo. The selectors for the Black Ferns were attending. If the team couldn’t sort their act, none of them would make the representative team. The thought focused Issy, made her concentrate on the move instead of allowing the icy cold and the mud to distract her. The team ran back into position and started again. This time the set move went without a hitch. Issy plucked the wet ball from the scrum and snapped it in a low, fast pass to her backs. She ran around the mess of bodies still climbing to their feet from the scrum and followed the back line down the field. The winger ran through one tackle and dodged another before flicking the ball to the next player. The back fumbled the wet ball but managed to regather and sailed over the try line to dot down. “Yes!” Tyler roared. “That’s the way to do it. Good job. Right, I want to try the set play move from the throw in once more before we hit the showers.” Several of the girls groaned. Issy gritted her teeth and forced her frozen legs to trot into position. Her leggings were soaked, the mud turning them a different color completely. Her hair was sodden and water dripped uncomfortably down her neck. She

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snorted under her breath while she waited for the hooker to throw the ball to the lineout. She wanted this so badly she was willing to risk pneumonia in order to prepare for the tournament and hopefully to impress the Black Ferns’ selectors. The rest of the team was just as committed. The hooker called out a sequence of numbers—code for where she intended to throw the ball. The ball sailed over the heads of the lineout. Players jumped and one plucked it cleanly from the air. The player passed the ball to Issy and she dispatched it rapidly, sending it out to the back line. A shrill whistle rent the air. “Perfect! Do that during the weekend and we’ll run all over the opposition. Hit the showers, girls.” They hurried off the field, heading for the changing rooms. It was a relief to get out of the wind, the comparative warmth of the changing rooms making her skin tingle. “Issy?” Tyler called from the doorway. “You got a sec?” Issy forced her frozen limbs to move to him. Tyler’s blue eyes were framed by damp lashes and a trickle of water made its way down his cheek, trembling for an instant on his chin before falling. Issy desperately wanted to follow the progress of that drop with her tongue. She moved close enough to breathe in his clean scent along with a damp wool scent. His mouth moved and she realized he was talking. Shaking herself, she attempted to concentrate. “I have to cancel tonight. Can you get a ride home?” Issy stared, a sudden spike of fear making her stomach cramp. Was he trying to extricate himself from their affair because he’d tired of her? Or because the month was almost done? “Issy?” “Sorry?” “Can you get a ride home?” he repeated. “I have my car. It was so wet and cold I decided to drive instead of walking.”

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“Okay. Good.” “Will I see you tomorrow?” “No, I’m going up to Eden Park to meet up with the other training staff.” Tyler hesitated. “I’ll see you on Friday night around six. It’s about three to three and a half hours traveling to Taupo.” “Okay.” Issy forced a smile when she wanted to cry. Tyler leaned over to kiss her, his lips cool from the cold. The kiss was slow and gentle and it made her heart race, an ache settling low in her pussy. “See you, sweetheart.” Issy watched him stride away without looking back. Tears burned her eyes. She swallowed and swiped the moisture from her face, hoping her teammates would think the water was rain. Tyler was subtly pulling away, distancing himself. He’d been quiet all week. Issy didn’t think she’d been clingy or jealous or possessive. Maybe it was because the month was almost up and Tyler had meant what he’d said right from the start. Their affair would last a month and only a month. Dispirited, Issy headed inside and stripped off her sodden clothes and footwear. At the moment she couldn’t worry about this stuff. She had to concentrate on playing well at the tournament and attracting the attention of the selectors. Issy couldn’t let Tyler distract her even if he was breaking her heart.

***** Tyler pulled up outside Issy’s parents’ house right on the dot of six. He’d missed her the last couple of nights and actually woken in the middle of the night finding himself reaching for her. Instead he’d found nothing but empty space next to him. Tyler strode up the narrow, flower-edged path to the front door. He didn’t even have time to knock before the door flew open. “I’m almost ready,” Issy said, greeting him with a towel wrapped around her naked body. “I had to work late to finish a client’s accounts. I just need to throw clothes on.” 30

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Tyler wanted to tell her not to bother on his account but footsteps behind stalled his words. He turned, a grin spreading across his face when he identified the man standing there. “Adam! What the hell are you doing here? Issy said you were busy with secret army maneuvers.” “What the hell are you doing here when my sister is wearing nothing but a skimpy towel?” Tyler maintained an impassive expression. Issy’s brothers had always been protective and it wouldn’t make any difference to Adam if it was his friend or a man he hadn’t met. “I’m waiting for her to change so we can head for Taupo. The Jets are playing in a rugby tournament down there.” “What’s that got to do with you?” Adam’s face remained unsmiling. “Mind out of the gutter, man.” Hell, he didn’t have to take this crap. He wasn’t an axe murderer. “I’ve been coaching the Jets for the last month because their coach had a mild heart attack.” “Adam! I’m not a child and you don’t need to act the heavy when a man comes near. I can cope just fine on my own. Come inside and bring Tyler with you.” She stomped down the passage that Tyler knew led to her bedroom. He glanced back to find a thoughtful look on Adam’s face. His stomach sank. He knew what that expression meant and it didn’t bode well for him. “I’m at a loose end this weekend. I might come to the tournament with you.” They shared a measured look before Tyler exhaled. “It’s fine with me, although you should probably check with Issy.” Adam nodded, his brown eyes narrowed in concentration. Small lines radiated from the corner of his eyes and there was a faint scar on his forehead caused when he’d fallen out of a tree during their younger years. Other than that, Adam was a masculine version of Issy.

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Issy returned fully dressed in jeans and a mauve jumper that skimmed her form and made the most of her feminine attributes. Tyler’s gaze lingered on her breasts for an instant. “Adam wants to come with us. Is that all right with you?” “Why?” She glared at her brother. “I’ll load your gear while the two of you slug it out.” Disappointment filled Tyler at the thought of a chaperone. Hell, initially he’d meant this affair to last for a month, positive that was all the time he’d need to disperse the instant lust he’d felt on seeing Issy. Hadn’t worked. Not a bit. Instead, the feeling had deepened to the point where he knew he wanted more than casual. Tyler hadn’t trusted himself not to blurt it out while they were making love, which was why he’d stayed away for the last two nights. Issy was a damn fine rugby player and he didn’t want to distract her before the tournament. Fifteen minutes later it was an uncomfortable trio who headed south for the drive to Taupo. Tyler took the turning onto the motorway heading south before glancing across at Adam who sat in the passenger seat beside him. “How long are you home for?” “Two weeks’ leave. Maybe we can go out for a few drinks one night?” Now he decided to act the friend. Tyler bit back a snarl and wished their timing had been a little better, that Issy hadn’t been running late. His foot pressed the accelerator, the needle on the speedo easing upward. “We’d like to arrive in one piece,” Issy said, leaning forward between the front seats. “Sorry.” Tyler slowed to the speed limit and wondered what the hell he was doing trying to hide his relationship with Issy. He glanced at the rear-vision mirror and caught Issy’s warning look. Fuck, it was going to be a long trip to Taupo.

***** “You’ve only booked one motel unit,” Adam snapped, suspicion coloring his tone.

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Enough! “That’s right,” Issy said, jabbing her stubborn, overly opinionated brother in the ribs with her elbow. His grunt brought satisfaction. “Tyler and I are sharing. You can take the other room.” She didn’t give him time to do more than splutter. “We’re adults and we’re sleeping together.” “You can share with one of the other girls.” “No, I will not.” Wisely, Tyler remained silent. This time her finger jabbed the air in front of Adam’s nose, missing it by a whisker. There was nothing wrong with the unit and because of the tournament, accommodation in the tourist town was at a premium. She glanced at the small kitchenette and the two chocolate brown two-seaters planted at right angles to the television. A small table completed the furnishings and Issy suspected the two rooms would look similar. Comfortable but not overly luxurious. No matter what Adam said, she wasn’t budging. Adam took a step back, a dark frown on his face. “It won’t last.” “Maybe not,” Issy said, maintaining a steady voice, although acute pain struck in the region of her heart. “But that’s none of your business either.” She wasn’t ready to let go, dammit. Tyler hadn’t succumbed. More time, that’s what she needed. Unfortunately that wasn’t going to happen. She’d done her best and time was almost up. Issy exhaled slowly. It was time to focus on tomorrow’s tournament and playing well in front of the selectors. “You can’t have sex,” Adam snapped. “Everyone knows you can’t do the wild thing the night before a match.” Tyler spluttered. “I don’t subscribe to that theory,” Issy said airily. “Does anyone want to go out for dinner or should we order in pizza?” “There’s a pizza place just down the road. I saw it when we drove in,” Adam said, evidently giving in. “Suits me,” Tyler said. “I’ll meet you there. I want to see if all the girls have arrived safely. Half an hour okay?” 33

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“That’s fine.” Issy waited until Tyler left before turning her wrath on her brother. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? I’m an adult. I don’t need you to vet my love life.” Adam’s eyes narrowed. “He’ll hurt you. I know what men are like.” “I’ll have sex with whomever I want. Male or female,” she added with a trace of defiance. Adam’s face paled. “Are you—?” “No, I’m not, but it wouldn’t matter if I were. That’s my point. It’s none of your damned business.” “Mum and Dad should have paddled your backside more when you were little.” “Oh yeah? Like they did with you? Let’s go. I want to have an early night.” “Issy, that is not a good visual for me,” Adam growled. “Deal with it.”

***** “I’m not sure this is a good idea with Adam in the next room.” Issy chuckled softly, grinning down at Tyler while she rested on his naked chest. “I promise to scream only a little bit. Please, sex will help me relax.” She pressed a soft kiss to his lips and gradually the tenseness left his body. Issy cursed inwardly when desire along with another more complicated emotion kicked her in the belly. Love. Why did it have to hurt so much? Heck, she had to stop this and enjoy the time they had left together. Issy threw herself into the loving. What she couldn’t tell Tyler, she’d show him with her touch. She ran her fingers across his chest, teasing flat nipples to taut buds, loving the sounds she dragged from him. After a particularly loud moan, she paused to press her finger to her lips in a gesture of silence. Her eyes twinkled naughtily. Tyler grinned and rolled rapidly, trapping her beneath his body. “Let’s see who screams loudest.” He lowered his head to draw a nipple into his hot mouth. With each 34

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tug of his lips, a primitive throb echoed through her veins, resonating in her pussy. While his mouth continued to tease her nipple, one hand crept down her body. It skimmed over her rib cage before flitting across her hot, wet core. A ribbon of sensation curled through her. He probed delicately, building her pleasure until it became a writhing, molten lump. Issy attempted to move her hips but he held them in place, driving her higher. Instead she contented herself with kissing him, nibbling at the tender skin of his neck and everywhere she could reach. “You’re wet for me.” No mistaking that for anything but satisfaction. “Because you’re torturing me,” Issy said, nipping at a pectoral muscle. “Gotta give you good cause to interrupt Adam’s sleep.” “Humph.” Tyler slid a finger through her slick folds before guiding his cock into position, distracting her momentarily. He pushed inside a fraction and continued to tease, slipping his finger lower to rub back and forth over her puckered rosette. Heat stabbed Issy. She attempted to move sharply and force his cock deeper so she could gain relief from the savage throb in her lower body. “Stop teasing. Please.” Tyler laughed and pushed his thick cock inside. Slowly. So slowly. Stretching her pussy in a delicious manner. His lips caught her dark groan of pleasure when he pulled out and eased back inside her pussy. “Deeper,” she said. “Harder.” Tyler ignored her directions, taking his sweet time when he pushed inside her slick channel. “I like fucking you.” “Why?” “You’re responsive. Demanding. It makes me hot.” But it hadn’t made him love her. Issy forced aside disappointment, flashed a smile and rocked against him. “Hot, huh? Prove it.”

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Tyler’s grin was slow and sweet. He ran his finger through her juices and rubbed his finger across her rosette again while resuming his thrust and retreat. The long, luscious strokes stoked her need higher. Much higher. He kissed her, his stubble-lined jaw rasping across her cheek. Issy clutched him tighter, running her hands through his silky hair. Then his cock hit her clitoris at exactly the right angle. At her sharp gasp, he repeated the move. The bed groaned and creaked. A squelch filled the air along with the musky scent of sex and a hint of sandalwood. He thrust again, angling the stroke. The climax broke over her in long, shuddering waves. Issy grasped Tyler’s shoulders and hung on tight, uncontrolled whimpers cramming up her throat. “That’s it, Issy,” Tyler said. “Just a little louder.” “Humph,” she said, trying not to laugh. Issy clenched her womb tight and felt the tightening of his body, the flex of his stomach muscles. His bright blue eyes gleamed when he looked at her then he thrust hard three times before stilling, his cock jerking with explosive contractions. “Issy,” he gasped. A thud on the connecting wall made them both still. “For god’s sake,” Adam snarled. “Give it a rest. Issy, you need your sleep before the game tomorrow.” “Good night, Adam,” Issy said in a firm voice. Tyler grinned and separated their bodies before gathering her close. “He’s right, you know. Our star halfback needs her sleep.” Issy smiled agreement while inside she mourned lost opportunities.

***** Issy didn’t sleep well and decided to get up early to go for a walk. Part of it was nerves and worry about the upcoming tournament, but the main problem was Tyler. In anguish, she stared at his sleeping form. She didn’t know what to do, whether to blurt out she loved him or just let him walk away. She’d dreamed erotic dreams. Of making 36

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love with him, their bodies writhing together and Tyler plunging his hard cock into her, burying himself in her hot, wet core while he nuzzled and sucked her lips. Issy shivered—desire, liquid and molten, suddenly soaking her panties. The knowledge that she’d never experience his love again after this tournament brought pain and made her throat tighten. Sighing, Issy dragged on a pair of jeans and a woolen jersey along with her brown leather boots. After grabbing her purse and an old corduroy coat, she let herself out of the motel unit. Her first breath was a shock, the icy coolness searing her nostrils and the back of her throat. Issy fastened her coat and walked toward the lake. Lake Taupo was the biggest lake in New Zealand, formed by a volcanic eruption, and full of memories for Issy. Her uncle and aunt had owned a holiday home here at one time and the entire family used to spend the school holidays in Two Mile Bay. It was a shame they’d sold it. She crossed the road to the lakeshore. The wind whistled over the water, an icy breeze that felt as if it were direct from the trio of snow-capped mountains on the skyline. White caps topped the waves and the wind sent them crashing to the shore, tossing about the boat moored near a small private jetty. Issy walked for half an hour, passing only a woman walking a prancing fox terrier in a smart red jacket. A glance at her watch told her she should probably turn back before Tyler and Adam started to worry. “Issy.” Her head snapped up and a smile formed, her heart singing on seeing Tyler. “Hi,” she said, feeling suddenly shy. Tyler wasn’t quite as diffident. He drew her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. He tipped back her head with a finger under her chin and claimed a kiss. Unhurried and tender, the kiss rocked Issy right to her toes. She melted against him. The warm, wet suction of his lips and the slow slide of his tongue against hers made her stomach cinch tight. He pulled away to nuzzle her ear, his warm breath misting noticeably in the cool air.

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“Good morning, sweetheart. I missed you.” “Morning,” Issy whispered. “I guess we need to get used to being apart. Our month is almost up. It’s time to go our separate ways.” Tyler frowned. “We’d better get back before the army sends out a search party.” “Adam can be such a pain.” “Your brother loves you. He wants to look after you. That’s not such a bad thing.” “Try it when you’re in my shoes,” Issy said, her tone dry. Tyler laughed. “Are you nervous about today?” “A little,” she confessed, the nerves returning in force to stomp around inside her stomach at the thought of the selectors watching her play rugby. “I guess all I can do is play my best and hope they like what they see.” “Scoring a few tries might impress them,” Tyler said with a grin. Issy wrinkled her nose. “We’ll see.” At least if she concentrated on rugby, the regrets about their relationship wouldn’t swamp her quite as badly.

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Chapter Four The tournament

The referee’s whistle pierced the air, fighting with the roar of the crowds cheering their teams on and the holler of team members. People wore warm coats, hats and scarves in team colors. The woolen scarves flapped in the wind. Issy noticed a few people wearing gumboots and didn’t blame them given the soft grass. A fitful sun played peekaboo behind steely gray clouds. Hopefully it wouldn’t rain until later in the day since there was nothing worse than sodden clothes and frozen hands. Issy and her team members warmed up in the special area set aside for the purpose. Their opposition the Panthers warmed up at the other end of the field. They were on in five. “Are you nervous?” Angela, their winger, asked. Issy stretched her legs and groin muscles carefully, concentrating on her breathing. “A little.” An understatement. She was bloody petrified she’d mess up this opportunity to impress the selectors. “Me too.” That made Issy feel a bit better since Angela had a good chance of making the Black Ferns as well. Tyler and Adam wandered over to the warm-up area. Tyler waved them over. “Okay, girls. Gather around,” he called. “Wow, do you know who that is?” Angela whispered. “He’s gorgeous. He looks familiar.” Issy noticed the rest of the team was casting Adam surreptitious glances too. “Don’t get too excited,” she muttered. “That’s my brother Adam.” “Ah, no wonder he looks familiar. Is he taken?” 39

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Issy grimaced. “I wish someone would take him then he’d leave my love life alone.” Angela fell into step with Issy. “Is he playing the heavy brother?” “He wanted to share a room with Tyler.” Angela’s bark of laughter was loud and attracted attention, specifically Adam’s. “Shush,” Issy muttered. “Your brother knows about the two of you.” “Yeah, but he’s not happy.” “How much is it worth for me to distract him?” Angela wrinkled her nose and grinned in Adam’s direction. “Introduce me and I’ll make it happen.” “Deal,” Issy said, offering her hand to seal the promise. They joined the rest of the players who clustered around Tyler and Adam. The normal teasing laughter was absent, pregame nerves taking hold. Tyler gazed around the circle of faces and Issy fancied his eyes lingered on her for a fraction longer. “You’ve played the Panthers before and thumped them. If you keep to the game plan we’ve mapped out, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do it again,” he said. “You’ve trained well. You’re all fit. Now go out there and beat Panther butt.” The girls moved to the sideline, waiting for the referee’s final whistle to finish the current game. It came seconds later, some of the team on the field leaping and hugging each other because they’d advanced to the next round while the opposing team stumbled from the field, shoulders hunched in dejection. Issy hoped that wouldn’t be them at the end of the game against the Panthers. A male referee, dressed completely in white, trotted over to the sideline. “Captains, please. We’ll toss to see which team kicks off.” Their captain hurried over to the referee and the Panthers’ captain joined them. The coin shimmered when it flew into the air. They studied the coin before the captains walked back to their teams. “Our kickoff,” the Jets’ captain said. 40

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Issy stripped off her tracksuit pants and jacket to reveal a close-fitting teal blue rugby shirt and black shorts. Black socks with teal stripes around the top bands completed their uniform. Issy knelt to check the laces on her rugby boots. She didn’t want to trip on them at an inopportune moment. “Issy,” Adam said. “Good luck.” Issy stood and turned to her brother. “Thanks.” A not too subtle cough from behind brought a grin. “This is one of our wingers. Angela, meet my brother Adam.” “Good luck, Issy.” Tyler squeezed her shoulder, leaning close for an instant, so close she thought he might actually kiss her in front of everyone. “You can do this.” Issy nodded and hoped he was right. She jogged on the spot, trying to keep warm. A place in the Black Ferns. It was what she’d aimed for and dreamed of ever since she’d started playing for the Jets. Tyler had diverted her for a while but now that their time was over, she was back on track. Issy fell in with her teammates when the fifteen-strong team ran onto the field. The sun made an appearance but it was still bloody cold, gooseflesh rippling across her arms and legs. Her stomach lurched, the nerves still present. From experience she knew they wouldn’t settle properly until she’d had her first touch of the ball. Here’s hoping she didn’t flub it. The referee blew his whistle. The Jets’ first-five kicked off and the rugby ball flew through the air. Issy sprinted in the same direction. One of the Panthers leapt for the ball but a Jet player contested it, reaching high to grab the ball first. They hit the ground and a ruck formed. It probably looked like a heap of bodies to the spectators but Issy’s team were skilled at passing the ball back underneath the tangle of bodies. The ball came out on the Jets’ side of the ruck. The crowd roared approval. Issy grabbed it, flicking the white ball along the back line. She sprinted down the field, backing up. Angela, their winger, kicked the ball over the heads of the opposition and it dribbled out over the sideline not far from the corner flag. Issy hurried into position and waited for the lineout to form and the opposition hooker to take the throw in. From the corner of her eye she noted Tyler chatting to three 41

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men. The selectors. Issy looked away to concentrate on the unfolding game. She had to ignore them and play out of her skin. She ran, darted after the Panther player when they tried to make a break. Issy tackled the opposition player. The player fell and the ball popped free. Issy snatched it up and sprinted toward their goal line. A Panther ran at her, tackled. It was bone-crunching hard, jarring her whole body. Their heads clashed. Issy’s world went dark. It was like crawling out of a long black tunnel. Very dark and later, seconds or maybe minutes, light appeared. The players had followed the ball, leaving her behind on the ground. They were way down the other end of the field. Damn, they were fuzzy, moving all over the place. Groggily, she climbed slowly to her feet. She wobbled, staggering a few steps. Issy shook her head and saw stars. She dropped to the ground, deciding to wait until the stars stopped whirring before she attempted to stand on her feet again. Dimly, she heard the whistle, heard the thunder of feet racing toward her. “Issy? Issy, sweetheart, are you okay?” It sounded like Tyler, but she wasn’t sure since the voice was so far away. “Wanna stand up.” Issy struggled to a sitting position and someone helped her stand. “Let me look at her,” another voice said. “Open your eyes for me. That’s a girl.” What did he mean? Her eyes were open. “Hmm. Lights are on, but nobody’s home,” the voice said. “Concussion. Looked to me as if she actually blacked out for a little while. She can’t play the rest of the game. She needs to get checked out at the emergency clinic.” Go off? No way! “Not going off.” Issy turned, intending to rejoin the game when the referee signaled time back on. Instead she almost fell flat on her face and would have fallen if someone hadn’t caught her. Tears trickled down her face. She couldn’t go off. She couldn’t. The selectors wouldn’t choose her if they couldn’t see her play. “I want to play.”

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“You can’t.” Tyler signaled to the reserve players and one of them ran onto the field to replace Issy. He did it with a heavy heart, knowing how gutted Issy must feel. “I want to go back on,” Issy protested. “You can’t even stand on your own, Issy.” Adam slipped his arm around her and guided her to the sideline. Tyler followed, hearing the referee’s whistle when he signaled play to resume. Hell, poor Issy. A lump formed in his throat when he studied her pale face. It was easy to see she wasn’t sure what was going on yet, that the full disappointment wouldn’t hit until later. Damn, this wasn’t bloody fair. She’d trained so hard and done everything right only for an injury to rob her of the chance to impress the selectors. “Adam, can you take Issy to the emergency clinic while I stay with the team?” Adam’s nod was clipped, his expression tight with worry. “Keys?” Tyler reached into his jeans pocket and chucked his friend the keys to the SUV. “I’ll call you,” Adam said. “Thanks.” Tyler pulled out his wallet and grabbed a business card, trying not to worry. “Here’s my cell phone number.” Adam gave a clipped nod before hustling Issy away. Tyler stared after them for an instant longer, concerned about Issy. She’d actually blacked out for a while. Or at least that’s what it had looked like. She’d come to quick enough but she was still groggy and not firing on all cylinders. Worst of all, she wouldn’t be able to play for two weeks—the rule instigated to protect players suffering from head injuries. Tyler attempted to focus on the game, he had to since the rest of the players counted on him, but his heart was with Issy. Dammit, he cared about her and hated that her season had ended this way.

***** They arrived back at the motel in high spirits since they’d made it through to the quarterfinals. 43

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“Make sure you get an early night,” Tyler instructed the jubilant Jets before they dispersed to their separate rooms. “No celebrating until after the games tomorrow.” “Yeah, yeah,” Angela said. The others roared with laughter but Tyler knew they were dedicated and eager to secure the tournament title they’d missed out on the previous year. A glance at the car park outside his room told him that Adam and Issy were back from the emergency clinic. Fear licked through him when he strode toward the door even though Adam had let him know she’d checked out all right. It opened and he stepped inside, closing it silently after him. Adam lay sprawled out on one of the couches watching television. “How’s Issy?” “She’s asleep. The doctor said it was the best thing for her.” “I’ll just check on her,” Tyler said. He waited for Adam to protest and was surprised when he didn’t. Shrugging mentally, he stepped into Issy’s bedroom. A soft whistle came from the bed, bringing a smile to Tyler’s lips. A cute little sound that was almost a snore. Tyler bent down to smooth a lock of chocolate brown hair off her pale cheek. In that moment he realized how much he’d come to love her, how much he wanted her in his life. Hell. Tyler straightened and dragged a hand through his damp hair. When he’d initially suggested a month together, she’d agreed without hesitation. She didn’t want anything permanent. Tyler stooped to place a gentle kiss on her cheek before backing from the room. Somehow, he’d have to change her mind. “Damn, I never thought I’d see the day when you fell for a woman,” Adam mocked from his position on the couch. “Even though you have good taste.” Tyler grabbed two cans of beer from the fridge and handed one to his friend before taking a seat on the other couch. “I thought you might beat my head in.” “Too comfortable to do it right now.” Adam grinned. “Maybe later.”

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Tyler snorted. “All right. Just give me warning so I can start running.” He tipped back the can and let beer pour down his throat. “Was she lucid before she went to sleep?” “Yeah. Said she had a bit of a headache but she wants to play rugby tomorrow if the team made it through.” “The Jets won both games. The girls played really well.” Tyler frowned, his stomach flipping with a spurt of anxiety when he stared at Adam. Hell, she can’t be thinking clearly after the bump on the head. “Adam, Issy can’t play rugby tomorrow. The rules state she can’t play for another two weeks because she suffered a complex concussion.” “Fuck,” Adam cursed. “I had a feeling that might be the case but I didn’t want to upset her. I thought sleep was the best thing for her. Issy is going to be pissed.” “Yeah,” Tyler said glumly, knowing just who was going to be in the firing line when she heard the news.

***** Issy woke slowly, judging by the lack of light in her room that it was still early. A gingerly move told her the headache had disappeared during the night and in fact, she felt pretty good. Good enough to go out on the field today and impress the Black Ferns’ selectors. That was if the Jets had made it through pool play to make the quarterfinals. Issy clambered out of bed, pulled on a pair of sweats and matching top along with some thick, warm socks before she hurried from the room to see if either Tyler or Adam were out of bed yet. The scent of coffee hit her and her stomach gave a loud rumble, making her realize she’d missed dinner. “Morning,” she chirped when she slid onto a stool at the breakfast bar. “You look as if you feel better,” Tyler said. “Do you want a coffee?”

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“I feel great. No headache or anything.” She grinned, joy bubbling up inside. “I can’t wait to get out on the rugby field and show those selectors my stuff.” Issy glanced at Tyler, her smile fading when she saw his expression. “Oh heck. I just presumed we’d made it through to today. We were playing so well I couldn’t imagine another outcome.” Hot and heavy disappointment took the shine off her feel-good mood. “No, we made the quarterfinals. Issy, you can’t play because of your concussion. The rules state you can’t play for two weeks.” “But I’m fine. I can play. You can fix it so I can play.” Her hands gripped the plain brown countertop while her gaze fixed on him. Issy noticed a tic spring to life in his jaw. Her hands gripped harder until the blood leached from her knuckles. Her heart pounded so loudly that was all she could hear. “I have to play. If I don’t play, I won’t have a chance of making the Black Ferns.” “I’m sorry, Issy.” “No!” The word was a scream of pain and brought Adam running. “Issy, what is it?” Adam demanded, his gaze darting to all four corners of the room as if he expected to see an intruder. Pain knifed through the region of her heart and a sob caught in her throat when she attempted to speak. Swallowing, she tried again. “Tyler won’t let me play rugby today. I won’t have a chance to make the Black Ferns. It’s all I ever wanted.” Her dream. God, her dream had exploded in a puff of smoke. “Issy, it’s the rules,” Tyler said. “Rules are made to be broken. God, I thought you felt something for me. I thought at least we were friends.” Issy stared at Tyler, scarcely able to see through the tears streaming down her face. “I do care for you.” Tyler started to move around the breakfast bar but Issy held up her hands, palms facing him in a stop signal. “All you wanted was sex,” Issy spat.

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“No—” “Stow it, Tyler. I don’t want to hear it. Adam, will you take me home? If I can’t play rugby, there’s no point staying.”

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Chapter Five

Three weeks later The ring of the telephone echoed through the house just when Issy had settled her chilled body into the warm bath after playing a friendly game of rugby with the Rubies, a team touring from Australia. Damn. Adam had left to go back to wherever his unit was playing war games. She froze, cocking her head in the hope she’d manage to hear some of the message since the bathroom door remained open. A male. That’s all the info she received. Too bad. They’d have to wait until she thawed out a little. The hot water had given out by the time Issy’s turn had come for the showers so she’d decided to wait until she arrived home. Half an hour later, fully dressed, Issy wandered down to the kitchen and pushed the play messages button on the answer phone. “This is Grant Enderley. Can you please ring me as soon as possible?” He rattled off a number but Issy couldn’t have jotted it down if she’d tried because her hand trembled violently. Grant Enderley was one of the Black Ferns’ selectors. Issy played the message again and this time managed to write the number down. With shaking fingers she dialed it and waited for a reply. “This is Issy Deans. You left a message for me to ring.” “Issy, I’m glad you rang. One of the players we’d selected for the Black Ferns has had to pull out due to injury. I’m ringing to see if you’re available. Tyler Jameson suggested you would fit in with the existing team. I’ve seen you play before and have to agree.” “Yes! I’d love to play for the Ferns.” Issy wasn’t sure how she managed to squeeze the words out. Tyler had suggested her to the selectors after the way she’d screamed at

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him. Even after she’d blamed him for not being able to play and had refused to see him again. Contriteness brought a wave of shame. He’d been right. She’d known that all along, but the crushing disappointment had been so difficult to bear that she’d lashed out. Grant Enderley told her where and when the team was training next and she assured him she’d be there. Issy hung up with a huge grin stretching from ear to ear. It died when she thought of Tyler. Lord, she’d missed him once she’d come to terms with her disappointment. Issy knew there was only one thing to do. She straightened her shoulders, grabbed her wallet and car keys and left the house.

The lights were on at Tyler’s place. Her breath hissed out with relief. Here’s hoping he was alone. She rapped on the door and waited, her heart pounding with a combination of fear of rejection and anticipation at seeing Tyler again. Footsteps sounded. The door opened. “Issy.” His face gave no clue as to his feelings. “Can I come in?” Tyler stood aside to let her enter and followed her to the family room where he normally relaxed. Issy sat before springing to her feet. She wrung her hands before hiding them behind her back. “I’ve come to apologize for being such a bitch.” Issy looked him straight in the eye, refusing to make excuses. “I was disappointed and took it out on you. I’m really sorry.” Tyler moved closer and cupped her face with his hand. “I’ve missed you, Issy.” Issy closed her eyes, her heartbeat accelerating even further. The truth. It was time for the truth, no matter what happened. She opened her eyes again. “Tyler, I love you. I’ve always loved you. It was never just sex for me and I’d like more.”

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“Do you know, Issy, that if you hadn’t come to me tonight, I would have arrived on your doorstep very soon?” Emotion shimmered in his blue eyes. His hands closed over her shoulders and he drew her against his hard body. “I wasn’t letting you go that easily because I fell in love with you the minute I walked into the changing rooms that first training day.” “Really?” “Let me show you.” He drew off her coat and efficiently removed the rest of her clothes before she had time to do much more than blink. Tyler tore off his clothes and backed her toward the couch. They fell in a tangle of limbs, hands and lips greedy to touch and taste. Issy inhaled aftershave and hot male. Every nerve ending in her body vibrated with pleasure, heat punching hard and fast. Tyler scored the tender skin along her throat, pinched her nipples, probed her cleft. Issy sucked in a quick breath, releasing it on a moan when he moved over her body and pushed inside her pussy. “Tyler, I love you.” “Good,” he said. “Don’t ever forget it.” And Tyler proceeded to drive her into a private place where sensation ruled and love conquered all.

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About the Author Shelley lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with her husband and a small, bossy dog named Scotty. Typical New Zealanders, Shelley and her husband left home for their big OE soon after they married (translation of New Zealand-speak: big overseas experience). A yearlong adventure lengthened to six years of roaming the world. Enduring memories include being almost sat on by a mountain gorilla in Rwanda, lazing on white sandy beaches in India, whale watching in Alaska, searching for leprechauns in Ireland, and dealing with ghosts in an English pub. While travel is still a big attraction, these days Shelley is most likely found in front of her computer following another love—that of writing stories of romance and adventure. Other interests include watching rugby and rugby league (strictly for research purposes *grin*), being walked by the dog, and curling up with a good book.

Shelley welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].

Also by Shelley Munro Curse of Brandon Lupinus Ellora’s Cavemen: Dreams of the Oasis III anthology Fallen Idol Men To Die For anthology Peeping Tom Scarlet Woman Sex Idol Stray Cat Strut Summer in the City of Sails Talking Dog: Never Send a Dog To Do a Woman’s Job Talking Dog: Romantic Interlude Talking Dog: Talking Dogs, Aliens, and Purple People Eaters Unforgettable

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