Chapter Twenty-Seven

C hapter Twenty-Seven

A rna

" M arls, I've missed you so much!" I threw my arms around her, squeezing tight. "Where the heck have you been? Tell me Lucas has been shaggin' your brains out." I said in my best British accent.

"Shhhhh, people can hear you." She gritted, pulling out of my embrace.

I released her, noticing her face was slightly red. Curious. Since when did she care if people heard our garbage?

"Are you okay?" I turned her head side to side exaggeratedly and her face split into a grin before she embraced me again.

"Maybe I missed you a little too. Even though you are insanely loud and annoying and your accents are awful." I laughed into her shoulder before I let go and we started walking side by side, our arms linked as we headed for the entry gates.

There were people everywhere – most of them dressed identical to Marlee in obnoxious Hearts memorabilia. Long black and red scarves draped around necks, a variety of player surnames and numbers adorning jerseys and even some with their faces entirely covered in paint. It was surreal.

I wanted to make fun of her but given I was dating the captain of the team, that wouldn't be fair. If I could call it dating? That was still a conversation we hadn't broached. So, I wasn't entirely sure but I figured we could no longer be called work colleagues after seeing each other naked – a significant number of times.

While I was wearing a pair of black jeans and a tight red shirt in support of the Hearts, the hat with the team logo on it was the closest I came to explicitly representing my allegiance. I selected the cap strategically as although I didn't think anyone would recognise me from the images released last week, I wanted to cover my face just in case. Styled with a pair of black oversize sunglasses I felt comfortably inconspicuous given the ongoing hype around Andy's latest love interest.

"Soooo, how is lover-boy?" I prodded.

Marlee and I had barely spoken since she and Lucas started seeing each other. Between Andy and work, I was busier than normal, and Marls was also clearly managing a similar schedule. I tightened the arm that was linked with hers, so glad it was just us for a little while now that our time together was sparse.

"Lucas is great." She said, a smile on her face. "He actually wanted to come today, but I told him we only had the two tickets."

Speaking of, I pulled them both from my pocket and fanned one towards her which she took with a grin.

"I can't say I'm disappointed. That's not to say I don't want to meet the man who you are riding daily – of course I do, and I am here waiting. But, more than that, I want to hear every single detail, while we have a wine and watch Andy do –" I flung my hand about, "Whatever it is he does."

Marlee giggled as she stepped ahead and scanned her ticket before walking through the turnstile.

"I'm SO excited, Arns. There is nothing I love more than watching the Hearts play live. Honestly, you just wait. It's the best."

"I'll take your word for it. I will simply be here enjoying the view." I pulled my glasses down a little and wiggled my eyebrows at her conspiratorially.

"Funny you should say that. Lucas asked if that was why I watched the game."

I turned towards her, my mouth opening in shock. While I could sit here and admit perving on Andy was the only reason I was here today, Marlee was different. She had been a fan of this team for as long as I had known her, sharing the love with her dad since before she could walk. The way the players looked would be the last thing she registered.

"Tell me you showed him your tragic little collection of Hearts' hats you have received each year since you became a member. That alone is enough of an answer to that question, although it may scare him away because you're a lame football loser."

"Shut up," She giggled, shoving me playfully. "You're literally wearing the 2024 cap. I'm proud of you joining us losers ." She grinned as she lightly tapped the brim of my hat.

"Honestly, it's more my camouflage. My face was still circulating this week alongside Andy's. The last thing I want is to be recognised. I mean, I'm technically working right now." I said facetiously, guiding us to the bar.

" Working ? Right. Were you working when he had you bent over the car at 4:00am?" Her words were soft, and I gave her a wink as we grabbed our drinks.

"Best shift I've ever done." I scoffed.

"Let's go sit and then you can tell me what the hell is going on. I feel like I haven't spoken to you in forever." She sounded a little sad, causing me to bite back my retort and consider my answer.

"Me too, Marls. You've been a little MIA on your phone. Everything good?" We headed down a set of stairs with rows of seats on either side, most of them already filled with excited fans awaiting the start of the match.

"Yeah." She sighed, looking down at her ticket and then pointing towards two empty seats in the front row. We walked in front of the spectators already seated, apologising for every bumped knee as we sat in our designated spot.

"Oh my god, Arna. These seats are freaking amazing." She gawked; any remnants of worry now gone from her face. Leaning in, she whispered, "I'm so glad you are interviewing and screwing the captain."

Deciding not to press her any further, I pursed my lips. "Me too. For sooooo many reasons."

Tapping our plastic cups together we each took a sip and turned to the ground. It was a warm Sunday afternoon, the sun high in the sky. Players were on the field warming up – some stretching or getting a last-minute massage while others passed the ball or practised their kicks on goal. Looking around, it was such a stark contrast to when we were last here for the photo shoot. It was a sea of black and red with some small pockets of orange and blue supporting the opposition. The stands were nearly full, and the scoreboard was on, a camera tracking the players as they warmed up.

"Who is the other team?" I asked.

"You're joking right? How do you not know?" Marlee's horror was great.

"Marls, I've never been to a game before, I don't care for any of it other than the fact Andy leads this team. Plus, I knew you would have all the answers so why waste my time finding out?" She rolled her eyes and I added, "I know, I know, I'm the best."

"No, as I said before, you're annoying. They're versing the Sentinels. A team from Tasmania."

"Huh. Never heard of them." I looked around the ground searching for Andy. Marlee leaned across me pointing to where some of the Hearts were passing balls around, Jack and Jay amongst them.

"Yeah, I saw them. Have you seen –"

The crowd started to cheer, and the scoreboard focused on someone running along the sideline. Even if the voiceover didn't announce the captain of the home team, I would have recognised that fine arse anywhere as the camera followed from behind. I sank into my seat a little, lowering my head and hiding behind my cup but Marlee didn't receive the memo. She shot to her feet, cheering like a banshee with everyone else around us as the camera tracked Andy joining his teammates.

They were moving into a huddle, mirroring what the other team was already doing. Just before he stepped into the cluster, he turned around, staring right at the area where Marlee and I were sitting. Those around us cheered louder and I turned to the man next to me who was clapping and hollering.

"Holy shit, Arns. He looked right at you!"

"Shhuusshhh, woman. Stealth is the word of the day, remember."

Marlee laughed, clapping along with the crowd and I felt a giddy warmth knowing he checked we were here. "I'm not sure Andy got the memo, either." She joked.

A horn blared and I jumped a little in my seat. "Shit. What is that?"

"That's the siren, you fool. Game is starting."

Reaching into my bag I pulled out my red liquorice and offered some to Marlee. She shook her head before taking another drink.

"I can't believe you brought that."

"We both know it's a staple in my handbags." I said around a mouthful as Marls nodded knowingly.

"Okay, I don't understand any of the rules so tell me when to cheer." I sat back, basking in the warm afternoon sun. It wasn't a bad way to spend a Sunday especially as it meant time with my best girl, and it wasn't long before I was up hollering with her and the crowd.

When the final siren sounded and the crowd shot to their feet to celebrate the Hearts' decisive victory, I copied. Marlee was cheering so loud, her voice long ago broken from screaming so much and mine was also a little raspy. Andy kicked three goals and on his final one, he ran past where we sat and pointed at me before jumping on Jay as they celebrated. It was an amazing thing to watch and while I could already sense the respect his team had for him, today cemented that even further. They unknowingly followed his lead throughout the match. If he fell back, so did they. When he rushed in to gain control of the ball, they all emulated. His team depended on him and that was a huge turn on. The dominance and authority in his leadership proved to be a beckoning to awakening a desire buried deep within. Although, sadly, with the amount of energy he had to have exerted, there was little chance he would be able to do anything else physical. Although, I wouldn't mind getting down and dirty anyway and maybe taking a little control myself.

"Marls, that was incredible. Thank you so much." I said, shocked by how much I enjoyed the game.

"Oh, my goodness. Thank YOU for getting us these incredible seats. Dad will be so jealous when I tell him." I grabbed my purse ready to leave. When we got to the end of the row a woman decked head to toe in Hearts memorabilia stepped in front of us.

"Excuse me, ladies - you're Arnabelle Frost, yes?" Holding a clipboard, she looked vaguely familiar as I tried to determine how I knew her.

"That's me." I said a little confused as I glanced at Marlee who looked equally dumbfounded.

"Oh, thank goodness. I'm Cheryl, I met you earlier this year when you came for an interview. Andrew would like you both to join him in the rooms with the team."

Marlee gasped behind me and when I turned, she was nodding vigorously not allowing me to have any other response.

"Ahh, sure. Lead the way." I said, reaching my hand behind where I felt Marlee put her palm in mine and squeeze, her unspoken excitement apparent. Her words followed quickly in my ear and I giggled softly at the profanity intermixed with elation.

When Cheryl opened the door to the locker rooms, a feeling of deja vu fluttered through me. Only a few months ago I was standing in this exact same place waiting for an interview with the captain of the Hearts, who at that point I didn't know. Now, I stood waiting for the same man but with a much more intimate knowledge of him – both physically and as a person. The thought was discombobulating given we shared a bed only last night.

Marlee elbowing me in the ribs brought me back into the room as Jack walked towards us, a huge smile on his face.

"Arna, how are you?" He asked in greeting.

"Holy shit." Marlee puffed quietly, the awe at being in the team's presence after a match overwhelming after sitting on the sidelines for so long.

"Jack, hi. Congratulations, it was an amazing win today."

"It was a sweet one, hey. Did you see Andy's goals? He played hard today." He ran his hand through his messy dark hair before he quickly looked at Marlee.

"I did. Do you remember my friend Marlee?" I pulled her forward a little as Jack reached for her hand.

"Vaguely, but I don't think we've officially met. I'm Jack."

Marlee smiled but I could see her eyes were about to bug out of her head before she regrouped.

"Jack, hi. You were amazing off the defensive line today, Sentinels forwards didn't stand a chance against your speed when you were clearing the ball." I turned to her, doing my best not to laugh at both her knowledge and the subsequent look of horror on her face. Pulling her against me for a side hug I turned towards Jack.

"Marlee is a diehard fan," I explained. "It's tragically impressive. Being in here is making her want to pee her pants." Jack laughed as Marlee pressed her hip into mine in an attempt to shut me up.

"Really? That's cool. Andy won't be long, but did you want to come with me? I'll introduce you to some of the players." His words were for Marlee only and I felt giddy on her behalf. Seeing as she was stunned into silence, I jumped in, answering for her.

"She would love that, Jack. Thank you so much." I pushed her forward encouragingly as she turned back to me, mouthing - holy shit .

The noise around me picked up a little as someone called out, "Great game, Gloss." I turned towards the voice, spotting Andy, still wearing his playing shorts but stripped of his jersey, his drool worthy chest on full display as he headed for where I stood.

He stopped in front of me, where I was leaning in a narrow alcove to stay out of the way. The room was chaotic with the hyped-up players and their families, partners and friends in addition to a heap of coaching and support staff. There were a few media representatives, however, thankfully no cameras. But in this little nook we were almost alone.

"Congratulations, Captain." I said, my mouth twitching into a smile. I wanted to lean in and kiss him, engulf myself in the assault of his deliciously masculine smell which I knew would be so much more potent after the game he just played. But the awkwardness of our setting stopped me from doing anything other than a shy smile.

What if we were only a thing when we were alone?

He was an incredibly private person and despite there being no chance of anything in here being leaked, I needed to respect that this was his space.

He stepped forward closing the gap between us and I sucked in a breath as he crowded me.

"Mmmm, I really like when you call me that." His eyes were hooded, and I closed my own briefly as I basked in the woodsy smell surrounding me.

"I'm going to kiss you." His words were both a statement and a question, and I opened my eyes, tilting my face up as he touched his lips to mine, pressing me into the wall with his stature. My hands rested on his chest as the familiar heat spread through my body, the same way it did every other time he was near.

"Get a room, Cap!" Someone called and Andy broke the kiss, smiling against my mouth as he rested his forehead against my own.

"Did you enjoy the game?" His eyes searched my gaze and I was struck by the fact my answer genuinely mattered to him. Even with my inexperienced understanding of the sport he excelled in, it really meant something. He had thousands of people screaming his praise, but he wanted to hear it from me . The sentiment was as flattering as it was humbling.

"Andy, you are incredible. I loved watching you and being here with Marls made it even better." I answered honestly.

"Where is Marlee?" He asked and I explained how Jack was taking her for a tour which was her life goal unlocked.

"Have you been screaming, baby, because your voice is a little husky." He stroked the column of my throat and I felt my nipples tighten under my shirt. "It's turning me on."

"You need to stop or I'm going to climb you right here in this change room." I whispered, meaning every word. He barked a laugh just as Jack returned with an incredibly happy looking Marlee.

"Hey Marlee, thanks for coming." Andy said, putting some space between us which was probably for the best.

"Thanks for getting us such cool seats. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed if I'm honest."

"How is work?" Andy asked, a mischievous smile on his face. "Pulse keeping you busy?"

Remembering the lie I fed him about Marls being a colleague when I brought her to the photo shoot, I covered my mouth with my hand, my eyes widening.

Marlee laughed, causing a giggle to spill through my own fingers.

"Well, funny story." She started and Andy crossed his arms over his chest settling in for the explanation. "I actually work at a local neighbourhood centre for some kids who do it pretty tough at home. I'm just a huge Hearts fan." She shrugged as if it were perfectly acceptable, and Jack chuckled which made me giggle more.

"I like you, Marlee!" Jack said as he slapped Andy on the shoulder and saluted us in farewell.

"I knew the minute I met you that you didn't work at Pulse. Plus, Arna had already told me all about you, which she evidently forgot. But I'm always happy to meet a fan." He shook his head in faux disappointment.

"Shit, I did too. I didn't think you'd remember." I said.

"I remember everything you tell me." He said honestly before looking at me with an intimacy which took me by surprise. Marlee's eyes darted between Andy and I, a nervous smile plastered on her face before she broke whatever tacit moment was happening.

"So, ummm, this is really random, but you mentioning my job reminded me that we have our annual fete in a couple of weeks. We host a big carnival style event down at Greenway Gardens. Would any of your team be able to make an appearance? The kids would absolutely love to have a few kicks with you guys." She asked, her hands pressed together in a pleading gesture.

"Ahh, yeah sure. Let me speak to the boys and I'll let you know." I looked up at him, unsure if he felt pressured to oblige her request or whether he genuinely didn't mind, but his face was unreadable. Marlee's ringtone blasted through the space before she could reply, and she glanced at the screen briefly before answering.

"Hey Lu–" She stopped mid-greeting, and her face paled a little before she mouthed an apology in our direction and stepped out of earshot.

"That was weird, right?" I asked, my eyes on her retreating form.

"Weird how? Seems like she just didn't want to speak in front of an audience." He took my ponytail in his hand and draped it over my shoulder.

"Hmmmm, I'm not sure but something is off with her," I turned back to him and looked at his hand still playing with my hair. "You were amazing today. I'm sure the team is happy with you."

"Must have been because I had someone to impress." He pressed a kiss to my cheek and my ovaries pinched. Ugh. It seemed I was a sucker for a cheek kiss too. Just as I was about to kiss him again Marlee returned looking pale and a little flustered.

"What's wrong?" I asked, instantly on edge.

"No, nothing. I'm good. Just a little tired. I'm going to head home; Lucas is cooking dinner for us." Her face shifted into what I knew was a fake smile.

"You'd tell me if you weren't good, yeah?"

"Arns, you know I would. I'm good, promise. Andy, thank you for everything today. It has been an amazing day. Congratulations on the win." She added, pulling me in for a tight hug – and for a second she was my Marlee. Not my best-friend who I was worried about increasingly more and more each day. If I didn't know her better than I knew myself I would have bought her bullshit. But for the first time since we became best friends in high school, she just promised me something that I knew was a lie.