Playing to Win (The Players #3)

by Monica Murphy

An unfamiliar feeling sweeps over me, leaving me breathing deep, my head swimming. One single word beating like a drum in my brain. Mine. Mine. Mine. But she can’t be mine. We’re not supposed to do this. Maybe that’s why this experience was so fuckin’ hot.

This is going to be really difficult, avoiding Ace Townsend. Worse? I don’t want to avoid him. Not even a little bit.

“If I can’t have Ace Townsend, I don’t want anyone else.

He’s my every freaking dream come true. Too bad he’s off limits.

where I got even more shitfaced and turned down every single girl who approached me. Literally every one of them.

I’m not sick. Unless what I’m feeling for Ruby is some sort of disease. Then I’m ill as fuck.

It’s been over two weeks since I messed around with Ruby and I haven’t touched another girl. Thought about another girl. All I can think about is her.

I’m a man obsessed and I see her almost every single day. Every. Single. Day.

She flashes these pretty little smiles my way every time our gazes connect, which twists my gut into knots. The need to talk to her is strong. The urge to touch her is even stronger.

And then there’s me. Holding out for a woman I technically can’t have until the end of the season.

I’m not even with Ruby, yet she’s all I can think about.

Fuck, I want her.

still on the lookout for my newfound favorite thing. Favorite person, not thing. Ruby.

In my eyes, Ruby is hot as fuck no matter what.

I can’t stop staring at her. She’s so fucking pretty.

Damn it, I’ve got it so bad for this woman. Does she even know? Understand the hold she has on me?

“I like blondes—specifically one.” I shift closer to her, dipping my head so my mouth is at her ear. “With a sweet pussy and my cum dripping all over her tits.”

“Meet me in the women’s bathroom in five minutes,” she murmurs, before she turns. And walks away.

I do know what he whispered into my ear practically turned me inside out, it was so hot. Referencing what happened the last time we were alone together. Like he still thinks about it. Like he still thinks about me. This man is going to destroy me, I just know it. And I’m going to enjoy every single second of his destruction too.

“I missed you,” he murmurs, just before he dips his head and nuzzles my neck with his nose.

“We’ve seen each other almost every day,” I remind him, setting my hands on his very broad, very hard shoulders. “It’s not the same as touching you.” His lips move against my neck, a shuddery breath escaping me. “Having you close to me.”

“You feel so good, Red. It’s been way too long,”

He surrounds me, leaving me breathless and dizzy and filled with the need to consume him just like he consumes me. God this man. He’s overwhelming in the absolute best way.

“Fuck, you’re so hot, Red,”

“Ace—” I clamp my lips shut, unsure what to say next. His smile is small. Even a little sad. “I know, baby.” That’s it. That’s all he says before he reaches behind him, undoes the lock and then slips out of the stall. I can hear his hurried footsteps slap across the floor, the door opening and closing, leaving me in silence. Leaving me alone.

I feel like I want to toss aside all responsible thought and chase after Ace. Beg him to take me home so we can continue where we left off. Is he purposely trying to drive me out of my mind? Because it’s totally working.

All I do know is that I’m jealous of his relationship. Jealous he can have one and I can’t. And I’m the guy who didn’t want a relationship. Who avoided that sort of thing because I couldn’t commit. Now I actually want to commit and she can’t do it. It fucking sucks.

She haunts me day and night and I don’t know how to get over her.

The problem? I don’t want to get over her. I enjoy wallowing in my obsession with the one and only Ruby Maguire.

That girl is smart. Savvy. Kind and funny and why all the guys on the team don’t flock to her leaves me confused. And grateful. I might have to kick someone’s ass if they make a move on her. It might be unspoken, but that girl is mine. She belongs to me.

Maybe they sense my feelings toward her. I don’t know. I’ll make any excuse to talk to her, but it never feels like enough. I want more. More time with Ruby. Listening to her. Watching her smile. Hearing her laugh. I’m completely entranced with her and it’s fucking killing me that we avoid each other.

There is nothing I enjoy more than getting Ruby off. Seriously. It’s my favorite thing to do. Maybe even more than football. It’s pretty damn close.

I smile, feeling sad, and God, Ace looks sad too. Like we’re two sad sacks and this is just so heartbreaking to me.

I miss him. I want to see him.

Ugh this man. He is seriously going to be the death of me and I’m going to die a happy woman as long as he’s involved with it because lordy, all he has to do is look at me and I want to die.

“Would you like to come over to my place later?”

“If you’re lucky, I might be waiting for you in my bed. Naked.”

“I hope like hell that I’m lucky tonight.” “Maybe you will be.” I smile, crossing my arms in front of my chest. “But then again…maybe you won’t.”

“Don’t tease me like that, Red.” “I think that’s your favorite part about me,” I say. “The teasing.” “I don’t know.” His gaze skims over me again, settling on all the spots of my body that tingle for him. “I pretty much like all your parts.”

Ruby is my girl. That’s how I see her at least. And even if we can’t be together yet, I’m hoping—fingers crossed tightly—that we can be together someday.

I’d rather celebrate tonight with one woman in particular. Not some stranger.

I’ve somehow become a one-woman man, and the one woman I want, can’t want me back. Not fully.

I want to sling her over my shoulder, slap her perfect ass and cart her right out of here so I can get her alone and fuck her properly. On a bed and everything. I’d take my time and savor her. Touch her everywhere. Kiss her everywhere…

“She sure is hot.” “Don’t even look at her,”

I’d give Ruby whatever she wants. Orgasms. Flowers. Chocolate. Plenty of hugs. She wants to make out all night? I’m down. Cuddle in bed naked? Yes, please.

“You want something, babe?” Babe? Did she really just call him that? An unfamiliar emotion rises within me, leaving me flustered. Even dare I say a little…angry? Say what? God, I think I may be jealous.

No, lately Ace Townsend acts like he’s completely obsessed with me. Well, the feeling’s mutual.

Ruby Maguire is as into me as I’m into her. Damn if that isn’t reassuring.

“I don’t take advantage of drunk girls.” “That’s too bad.” She mock pouts. “I’d totally let you take advantage of me.”

“Better be quiet there, baby. Don’t want anyone hearing you.”