My phone rings on the bedside table, the number, an international code, prompts me to hop out of bed.
“I need to take this,” I yell, quickly placing my boxers on.
I make my way to the lounge room, closing the bedroom door behind me. Moving toward the balcony, I answer the call.
“Hello, Oliver speaking?”
“Mr. Madden, it’s Karl.”
“Hey, Karl.”
“Is now a good time to talk?”
Gabriella’s still using the bathroom, but for how long, I am unsure.
“If you can make it short.”
“The client accepted the offer. It’s all yours if you want it.”
The bedroom door opens, and Gabriella strolls into the room wearing only her lacy nighty which she knows sets me off. I’m losing concentration again staring at her lean legs which are proving to be a big distraction.
“Yes, please. I’ll call you back.” I hang up, watching her move around the kitchen so effortlessly.
“So what does your girlfriend need to say? She misses you?”
“Ha-ha,” I deadpan. “Your jokes make me want to fuck you again.”
With a sly grin, she presses the start button on coffee machine and leans against the countertop eyeing me.
Gabriella leaves the kitchen moving to where I’m standing. Stopping in front of me, she runs her hands down my chest, toying with the tip of my boxers. She fucking knows I’m hard. Again. My dick’s insatiable when it comes to her.
“Well, here’s the thing, I’ve never considered myself a jealous woman, or selfish, but certain times warrant certain moments.”
I place my mouth on hers, sucking in her bottom lip. “I’m hungry,” I moan, dragging her down to the lounge and eagerly spreading her legs. I move my head between her legs, tasting her clit on my tongue. “Time to claim what’s mine… again.”
The night before a soccer game is my opportunity to take advantage of eating a large meal. We decide to dine at a restaurant in the Rocks, early enough so I can get a good night’s rest.
Gabriella has met my sister, Matilda, and together, they plan to watch a late movie then crash at her place over the bridge. I know Gabriella is worried her presence will distract me. Although I don’t want her anywhere else, I know this game will be one of my most important. It’s my comeback game, and I need to be one hundred and ten percent focused.
I settle for penne pasta with grilled chicken, balancing carbohydrates and protein, which is extremely important for a player’s diet the night before a game. These foods are broken down slowly and provide energy over a long period of time. Avoiding sugared drinks and alcohol, I stick to plain old water to keep hydrated, making it easier to remain that way tomorrow.
I’ve stuck to my previous match-day routine, preparing myself psychologically and physically. The morning’s spent with low-level activity, a great way to calm the anxious nerves building inside.
The afternoon has rolled around quickly, and after a pep talk in the locker room from coach, it’s only fifteen minutes until we will hit the field.
I’ve been waiting what feels like a lifetime for this moment.
I lower my head, praying silently my body will withstand the endurance.
We are going to win this game.
My body is built to play against the best of the best.
The other team barely had their shit together last season. My competitive streak is getting the better of me, and Coach’s words are ringing in my head to rein in my arrogant attitude.
But I don’t fucking care what he thinks.
Even if we do lose, I have it all.
‘All’ has a certain someone sitting in the crowd, ready to watch me play for the very first time.
And if everything goes according to plan, tonight will be the night.
In front of everyone in the stadium.
In front of everyone in Australia.
I want every person to watch as I officially make her mine.
Gabriella
People watching at a soccer game is on another level.
The stadium is packed. It’s a sold-out event, which according to Pa beside me, has everything to do with Olly being back on the field.
Olly’s Ma and Pa are everything he described them to be. Ma’s a doting mother always worrying about her son but not too overbearing which would drive him nuts.
Pa is every bit the man Olly said he is—strong, opinionated, and has the biggest heart. He loves to talk, and one thing always stands out—he’s damn proud of his only son. His exact words.
We met for lunch a few days ago, and according to Olly, they instantly fell in love with me. Meeting them sealed the deal, and if possible, it made me fall in love with him even more.
Our seats are right up the front, amongst other family members of the team.
The atmosphere is electrifying and tense, the music blaring through the speakers intensifying as the minutes count down.
According to Pa, the away supporters are segregated to one corner of the stadium. There’s not as many of them, yet both groups of supporters are vociferous in supporting their respective team.
The next ninety minutes is the most intense ninety minutes of my life.
Olly’s on fire.
Pa’s fixated on the game, so every few minutes Ma explains to me exactly what’s happening. It’s all fast and furious, action-packed with drama and tension. There are near-misses, penalty shots, and undeserved abuse hurled at the referee.
By the last five minutes, I’ve almost bitten off all my nails. The crowd’s just anxious, glued to the field or big screen. The time is ticking over, and just when we think it’s a draw, Olly takes the ball off another player, gets past the attacker, and kicks it straight into the net, much to the disappointment of the goalie and the away fans.
The crowd jumps in glory. I squeal in delight, clapping my hands, watching Olly’s teammates pounce on him with pride. I’m so incredibly proud of him and had no idea how intense a game of soccer could feel.
The second they jump off him, his eyes scan the crowd until they gaze upon mine. He begins to walk toward me until a flock of reporters stop to interview him.
“Would you look at my boy?” Pa says with the proudest grin on his face. “Always knew he would bounce back. Just needed to find his feet again.”
Ma wraps her arm around me, placing her hand on my shoulder and bringing me in for a hug. “And find a reason to smile every day.”
I lean my head on her hand, welcoming the sentiment.
Inside my pocket, my phone begins to vibrate. I pull it out, and there’s an incoming FaceTime call from Aubrey.
I answer the call with enthusiasm. “Hey!”
Both Aubrey and Chance appear on the screen, grinning like fools. Just like me, they are proud of Olly. Chance told Olly he would stream the game since they couldn’t be here.
“Did you guys see Olly? He killed it!”
Chance nods in agreement and begins talking about the game, but it’s hard to hear him over the crowd noise. Beside him, Aubrey cannot wipe the grin off her face. She looks like she’s ready to burst with a surprise, and part of me wonders if she’s pregnant again.