Chapter 4 - Victoria

Victoria

W arm notes of vanilla enveloped in butterscotch teased my tongue. Never has a bourbon given up its secrets to me so easily. Maybe it was because this was my fourth glass. Number five wasn’t too far off in the distance. At this point. I’d do anything to erase the conversation —if one could call it that— I’d had with the woman who gave birth to me. To say it had been non-productive was putting it mildly.

For reasons known only to her, she wanted to sell the cottage to the charity and, in her words, do away with that place. What she failed to realize was her attitude only strengthened my resolve to hold onto it, no matter how painful the memories remained.

I relished another sip and leaned on the railing, looking down at all the executive types schmoozing and laughing. Coming to London already put me in a better mood. And this venue was a total vibe. Any place with a giant bird floating above the main bar from an ornate Victorian ceiling deserved a round of applause. It got bonus points for having three levels, giving me a perfect opportunity to watch everything from a distance.

I’d gone through the room several times already, meeting a number of Daniels, Steves, and Richards. They all seemed to blend together after awhile. We’d chatted, shared league stories, and compared notes on certain players. Of course once they’d found out which organization I worked for, they became more animated, wanting to know if we’d ever let other teams win a championship.

They knew better than to be petty. Nobody lets anybody else win in this league.

Owners from several soccer clubs here in London made their case for having the New York Legends play a regular season game at their stadium. Some of them introduced me to their biggest star players, both past and present, no doubt in an effort to wrap a nice little bow on their attempt to convince us.

I chatted with a couple of club owners whose teams were traveling to the States soon for an international series with five American soccer teams. One of them is coming to New York but at this particular moment, I couldn’t remember which one.

In any case, tonight was about my football and the prospect of coming to London for a regular season game this fall.

“I don’t believe I had the pleasure of meeting you downstairs,” an unfamiliar voice stated from behind me.

I turned, coming face to face with a rather tall, good-looking gentleman.

Impeccable suit, broad shoulders, short dirty blond hair. A wide smile touched his lips with ease when he greeted me and extended his hand. His grasp was warm and strong.

“I’d have to agree. I’d certainly remember being introduced to the god of thunder.”

The man laughed, shaking his head. “My niece will get a kick out of that. Thor is her favorite. ”

I lifted my glass of bourbon. “Don’t mind me. One more of these and I’ll go through the entire room recasting everyone as an Avenger.”

“Now that is something I’d be willing to see,” he grinned. “I’m Bennet Logan. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Victoria Chase. Pleasure’s all mine.”

He regarded me with curiosity. “I don’t remember seeing your name on the list of American football executives.”

“I’m not actually supposed to be here,” I said, pausing for another sip. “Hannah Pruitt was scheduled but couldn’t make it.”

“Pruitt.” He looked thoughtful. “New York Legends?”

“That’s us.”

His amber eyes brightened. “This must be fate. We are quite interested in hosting your organization at our stadium this October. I’ve chatted and emailed with Ethan several times the last few months.”

“So you own one of these soccer teams?”

He smiled. “My father owns Royal City Athletic. I’m the club’s president and the CEO for The Logan Group, which is all very boring and stuffy to talk about at cocktail parties if you ask me.”

“But a necessary evil.” I laughed, appreciating his candor.

“Bennet. Mate. Why are you hiding up here?” a booming voice called from the stairs.

Another good-looking man walked over toward us.

This guy wasn’t cut from same businessman cloth as Bennet. I’d bet the rest of my bourbon he played soccer. Tall, athletic build, strong thighs. Thighs like that don’t just happen overnight. His light brown hair fell just so across his forehead in an effortless-but-totally-styled-floppy-hair-look. And those high cheekbones with that square jaw.

Okay, no more alcohol for me tonight.

“Just having a chat with the lovely representative from the New York Legends,” Bennet answered. “She was actually the one hiding up here. I found her by accident.”

A lopsided grin pulled at the newcomer’s lips as he sauntered closer. I’d seen this type of walk before. Too many times to count. This guy fancied himself to be on the prowl. I bit my lip to stifle a laugh.

“Gallagher. Cade Gallagher,” he said in his best 007 voice. “Renowned striker for Royal City Athletic. Often imitated, never duplicated.” His hazel eyes sparkled with self-satisfaction.

“Did you rehearse all that or was this just a spontaneous eruption of verbal nonsense?” I giggled, unable to reign in my sarcasm.

Bennet turned his head to hide a smile.

“The mouth on you,” Cade said with a good natured grin. “I respect that. Brains, wit, and beauty. My three favorite qualities. And you are?”

“Victoria,” a sultry, baritone voice revealed my name.

I stilled. Its tone washed over me, quickening my pulse. Taking a deep breath, I glanced to my left. Getting caught up in Xavier’s heated blue stare was not something I thought would happen tonight, or ever again for that matter.

Dressed in gray pants and a white button down shirt, he stood with his arms crossed. The sleeves were rolled up to expose his defined forearms. And more tattoos, just like he’d hinted at. He was motionless except for the subtle way his ring-clad thumb stroked his lower lip.

He didn’t wear a tie and the shirt remained unbuttoned at the top, but my assumption that he’d look hot in a suit, or some variation of it, was correct. I finished the rest of my bourbon in one swallow and put the empty glass down.

“Nice to see you again,” Xavier said with a sly grin.

“Alright, wait a bleeding second,” Cade interjected. “How do you—” His eyes widened. “This is the one from the pub, isn’t it? The one that got you all hot and bothered.”

Bennet draped his arm over Cade’s shoulders. “How about you and me go downstairs for a drink.” Without waiting for a reply, Bennet guided him to the stairs, where they disappeared down into the crowd.

“You seemed pretty involved in your conversation with those two.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Did I miss anything good? ”

“Not as good as what just walked into the room.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them. Hitting on him wasn’t an option.

Or maybe it was.

Yep. It definitely was.

I’d blame it on the bourbon but that was a lame ass cop-out. He was hot and I felt more than a little frisky.

“I see.” He slid his hands into his pockets and before I knew it, stood inches away from me.

He smelled so good. Not of cologne or body spray or any of the manufactured crap some men seem to think they need. Just soap, shampoo and him . His scent reminded me of the outdoors. Fresh and earthy, like vetiver.

“Shouldn’t you be doing the rounds with your friends?” I asked.

“Not necessary.”

“Are you a soccer player too?”

“Soccer,” he mimicked with a grin. “Yes. I play football .”

I bit my lip to stifle a laugh at his correction.

He leaned toward me, invading my personal space the way a five star general crosses enemy lines, with precision and a healthy serving of arrogance. I was essentially caged between him and the railing.

It took quite a bit of effort not to slide my fingers up his chest and unbutton the rest of this shirt. Or tear it open and watch all the buttons scatter.

“Did you come here with someone tonight?” he asked.

“Like a date?”

“Yes, like a date.”

“No.”

“Lucky me.” A mischievous smile pulled at his lips. “Guess that means we’re on a date now. Or at least picking up where our last date left off.”

“Hardly. I’m not so sure you’re my type.”

“I’m everyone’s type. ”

“I’m not everyone.”

Xavier traced his thumb over my mouth. The cool, calming metal of his ring ignited a surge of lust.

“No, you’re not.”

The way he said it sent shivers through me. I trembled beneath his hungry stare.

“Cold? We can go sit on one of these couches. My lap is available if you’d like to warm up.”

I laughed. I couldn’t help myself. “I doubt you’d be much of a gentleman if I took you up on that offer.”

“Oh I can be quite the gentleman, if that’s what you want.” Xavier kept his eyes locked on mine. “Is that your type? A gentleman who takes you in his arms, holds you close and keeps you warm. Or do you prefer the one who will do all that, plus pin you to a wall, kiss you hard and make you come with just a few rough strokes of his fingers on your needy little clit?”

His low, dark tone hit all of my hot buttons. Just like it did the other night at the pub. All I could do was stare. Stare at his eyes. His mouth.

God, that mouth.

“That guy. That’s the one.” I swallowed hard, leaning against the railing for more support.

“We should go find out if he exists.” He lowered his lips and brushed them against mine but didn’t kiss me. The soft touch ignited my craving for a night of spontaneity and bad decisions. A guy like him could fuck the anxiety and stress out of me, leaving my body sated and ravaged and wanting more all at once.

I pressed my hand to his chest, much like I’d done at the pub. He stilled. Our mouths still hovered dangerously close. I didn’t actually want to stop him from kissing me. I think I just wanted to feel his chest again. Feel his heart beating. Feel each breath going in and out of his body. Why did standing with him like this feel so intimate? So invasive? So… right ?

“Probably not the best idea to find out,” I whispered against his lips.

One of his hands moved to cup the back of my neck. I felt his fingers gently scratch up into my hair. My eyelids fluttered at the sensation.

“What’s the harm in knowing?” he murmured.

I looked at him. Those vibrant blue eyes devoured me. “I might want to know more.”

He bent to kiss me on an exhale. To actually feel his mouth on mine lit me up in a way I didn’t expect. His lips were firm and sure, parting to explore me more fully. The satin touch of his tongue didn’t demand entrance. It coaxed with soft licks along the seam of my lips. I parted them, allowing it without a second thought. His tongue curled up to stroke my upper lip. He moaned, clearly tasting something he liked.

His fingers moved up through my hair, pulling it gently so my head tilted back, bringing my mouth up slightly. He sealed our mouths together, deepening our kiss. My hand remained on his chest, feeling every heartbeat, every sigh and moan vibrating inside him.

Our heated kiss was brief, leaving me shaky and yearning for more.

I felt his smile as he pulled away. His fervent gaze stayed focused on me. When he licked his lower lip, I almost lost it. He did it the same way as the other night. Slow and sensual, like he was savoring a secret that thrilled him to no end.

“Come here.” He tugged my hand, pulling me toward one of the couches. At this point, I probably would have walked on water if he’d suggested it.

He patted the cushion next to him after sitting. I obliged, lowering myself onto the plush couch.

“So, what brings you to this little soiree? This isn’t the annoying situation you mentioned the other day, is it?”

“No. This is an unexpected situation to be honest.”

He smirked. “And here I thought you were stalking me. ”

“You think rather highly of yourself, don’t you.”

“It’s been known to happen.”

“Of course,” I chuckled. “It all makes sense now. The over-confident flirting. The random women throwing themselves at you. I was right about you being a professional athlete.” I looked up at him through my lashes and grinned.

“I’m assuming you work for one of these American football teams.” He spread his arms over the back of the couch. “What do you do there?”

“You figured that out all on your own?” My sarcasm has zero filter. His eyebrow quirked up and he pinned an intense stare on me. I liked this stare. It looked like he wanted to ravage me. I crossed my legs and continued, “I’m the media relations director for the New York Legends.”

“So you spend a lot of time putting up with guys like me.”

“I excel at it.”

“I don’t doubt that.” He angled toward me and reclined on his elbow. “Okay, city princess, let me see if I have you figured out yet.”

“You think I’m that easy to read?”

He stroked his lip for a second. “You spend all your days around alpha males who happen to be professional athletes. And you love it.” He smirked. “You’re ambitious and well-educated. I suspect you went to Harvard or Princeton. You have a cozy flat in Manhattan. You’re just as comfortable at one of these cocktail parties in your designer outfit as you are at a pub. How am I doing so far?”

I smiled. “That’s yet to be determined.”

“Ah. Okay, shall I continue?”

“Yes, please.”

Apparently those two little words affected him. His pupils dilated and he inhaled a long breath. I made a mental note.

“You definitely break way too many hearts without realizing it. And,” his voice lowered, “you want me to kiss you again. How did I do? ”

I opened my mouth say something, anything, but nothing came out. Getting him out of my system a couple nights ago was easy since I operated under the impression I’d never see him again. This? This would be a challenge.

“Not bad.”

“And the part about me kissing you again?” He looked down for a beat then looked back at me with a grin. “My lap is still available if you need it.”

A vivid mental image of sitting in his lap crept into every corner of my mind. I’m not going to lie. Straddling him right now would be amazing. I suddenly wanted to feel his hands on me. Kiss his grin and tear his shirt open and…

I exhaled.

Instead, I replied, “I’m going to have to deny your request.”

“A flat out denial?” He let out a low whistle. “Harsh.”

“Nah. I’m sure there are plenty of things you’d deny me if given the chance.”

“Doubt it,” he muttered. “So if this event wasn’t the annoying situation that brought you here, what is?”

Even though my lips continued to tingle from our brief, searing kiss, I chose to remain guarded. Flirting with him was one thing. Divulging more than he needed to know was another.

“I don’t think it would interest you.”

“Try me.”

“When’s your next soccer game?” I smirked, knowing he’d probably correct me again.

“You’re deflecting. Answer my question.”

“Maybe I don’t want to answer it,” I shot back.

“I think you do.”

“You would be incorrect.”

He moved closer, putting one arm over my shoulders. “Am I? I think you like this little game. ”

I had to force myself not to melt into him. Everything about him made me dizzy and clouded my judgement.

“And what if I do? Like this game, I mean,” I whispered.

Xavier’s eyes burned with promises of pleasures beyond my wildest expectations. He leaned forward and captured my lower lip between his teeth, gently nibbling at it while stroking his tongue on it. Then he pinched it hard between his teeth for a brief moment. So brief but so sharp and filled with unexpected pleasure. I gasped. The silkiness of his tongue soothed my lip before he kissed me.

What was it Dawn said about this guy the other night? Oh right. Watch out for this one. He’s a charmer.

Sorry Dawn. You would also be incorrect. Charm alone would never be enough to dismantle my resistance. What Xavier possessed was a lethal combination of charm and next-level seduction tactics.

And judging by the wicked gleam in his eyes, he knew it.

“My offer is still good,” he said with a grin.

“Which one? You’ve made several.”

Instead of answering, he stood up, clasped my hand in his and led me to the spiral staircase. We walked back down to ground level, rejoining the crowd with ease. I smiled at some of the Daniels and Steves, or was it the Richards? Boisterous laughter echoed from a group to our left.

“Maddox.” Cade made an X over his chest with his arms and shouted, “Royal City unite!”

I glanced up at Xavier in time to catch his mouth lift in an easy, familiar smile that accentuated his dimple. He squeezed my hand, then let it go to join his teammate. Their undeniable bond reminded me of the players back home.

“These two never miss a chance to shine in the spotlight,” Bennet said, standing next to me. “Are you in London for a while? I’d love to have you visit the stadium, see the facilities, maybe watch a training session. ”

“I leave on Wednesday, so I’ll have to see when I can squeeze in a field trip. That’s generous of you to offer. Thank you.”

“I’ll have my assistant reach out to you, if that’s alright. I’ll just need a phone number or email, whichever is easier.”

“There are these great little things called business cards.” I grinned, reaching in my clutch for one and handing it to Bennet. “They’re small but hold a wealth of information.”

“Does everyone in the class get one?” Cade rejoined us and draped his arm over my shoulders. “I mean, we’re all mates now, so it’s only fair.”

“You wouldn’t know what to do with it, Gallagher,” Xavier chimed in.

There was a crackling in the air when I met his icy blue gaze, a sense of anticipation not unlike the loaded silence between a flash of lightning and the boom of thunder. The mischievous grin on his face didn’t help. It took all of my willpower not to lunge at him, kiss him senseless and strip him naked.

“I beg to differ.” Cade lifted his chin in defiance. “You meeting me on the pitch tomorrow?”

“I’ll be there.”

“You better be. Your goal tending skills are shit these days.”

“How would you know? When’s the last time a ball off your foot saw the back of a net?”

“Oh, it’s on pretty boy.” Cade threw a couple fake punches against his teammate’s chest. “C’mon. Time to hit the clubs.”

“I’ll pass, thanks.”

Bennet lifted his hands in mock retreat and shook his head. “You’re on your own. But I better not see any headlines when I wake up in the morning.”

“You lot have such little faith in me.” Cade turned in my direction. “Lovely meeting you. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do with this one.” The self-proclaimed renowned striker pointed at Xavier and left with a flourish.

“That guy is a living, breathing TMZ headline.” Bennet shook his head.

“Aren’t we all,” Xavier muttered.

The dynamic between the three of them reminded me of siblings. Bennet definitely filled the role of the responsible, well-mannered older brother. He had the same air of mischief as the other two but it was subtle, understated. Cade was a massive goofball. And Xavier? He balanced the two out. Just as well-mannered and posh as Bennet but quick witted and ready for mischief at a moment’s notice, like Cade.

There’s no way I’ll be able to resist him , I thought.

Bennet said his goodbyes and promised to reach out about touring the facility.

“And then there were two.” Xavier reached for my hand. “What should we do now?”

“You were full of ideas when we were upstairs.”

“I’ve already made my feelings known about what I’d like to do to you in public.” His tone was low and tempting. “Would you like a more in depth demonstration in front of all these people?”

The heat radiating off him enveloped me. I would like a demonstration, actually. I’d like one right now. My entire body broke out in violent goosebumps.

“You know,” I said, trying like hell to keep my voice steady, “I have this policy back home about dating professional athletes.”

“Oh this I have to hear.” A wicked smile lit up his face.

“I make it a point not to get into relationships with them. Or fuck them. Sleeping with the product is off limits.”

“The product,” he mimicked me again. “You make us sound like prepackaged snacks.”

“Well, some of you are filled with empty calories.”

His burst of laughter drew more than a few curious glances in our direction .

“You really want me to believe you’d prefer,“ he gestured around us, “this? Some dull businessman who likes it missionary and on a schedule?” He scrubbed his face with his hands and ran them through his hair.

“I’m not talking about this here.”

Xavier wasn’t having any more of my attempts at playing coy. Leveling a heated stare at me, he laced his fingers through mine and guided me toward the exit. Cool air washed over my exposed skin the second we walked outside, providing some relief to the scorching atmosphere I’d been subjected to on planet Maddox.

Seeing as I wasn’t paying close attention to what I was doing, I bumped into someone standing on the sidewalk.

I turned to apologize. The man’s chagrined expression dissipated within seconds of looking at me. His mouth fell open in shock. I’d never seen this person before in my life but he looked at me like he’d just seen a ghost. Then he noticed Xavier and all the color drained from his face. He muttered an apology and hurried off.