Love in Lockdown

The Wrong Thing

Warmth bloomed in Nate’s chest. After days of keeping to his room or the gym, hanging with Blake and Cassy, and joining some of the rookies for all-night gaming marathons, he had found himself on the rooftop alone with the honey-eyed beauty he had been avoiding. She’d turned him down, and although Nate knew she was attracted to him, her rejection had been firm and absolute so he’d walked away promising to keep a distance.

He wasn’t one to torture himself.

Even though he had filled the days, he still found himself searching for an escape from his thoughts of training, family, his body, his future, the pandemic, and Paige. His habit of hitting the rooftop button in the elevator was a hopeful habit that had finally paid off.

He’d found Paige crying. Her dark hair braided over one shoulder and hiding her face, but the shaking of her shoulders as she raked in deep breaths between sobs was enough to move Nate forward. If it had been anyone else he would have left, but Paige inspired a need to comfort and protect within Nate, so he held her.

Paige had held him back, curling her fingers into his shirt, softening against his chest. She offered no resistance and Nate smiled as an understanding settled in his chest. She was his, she just didn’t realise it yet.

Nate had indulged in the feel of her in his arms, just as he indulged in the sight of her before him, her deep green silk dress falling like liquid off her curves. Her words igniting a desire within him to claim.

‘Your company,’ she paused stocking the fridges to level with his gaze.

That was it for Nate. He was done. He couldn’t hold back the smile, and she returned it, her nose giving that slight crinkle as she laughed.

She was finished setting up too soon and Nate left her on the roof, not trusting himself to not kiss her again.

Needing company, Nate went straight to Blake’s room. Cassy had taken Owen to a playgroup with some of the other mothers and Nate found his friend laying across the couch watching YouTube.

‘I need to get out of here,’ Nate’s voice was gravely and he couldn’t fight the frustration in his tone.

‘We’re halfway man. Are you going to the rooftop party tonight?’

‘I’m not in the mood.’

‘All the more reason to go. It’s a chance to left off some steam and relax.’ Blake dropped his phone to the coffee table and sat up. ‘What’s up man? You were fine this morning.’

Nate ran his hands down his face. ‘It’s not just the lockdown Blake.’

‘Your knee?’

‘That too. There’s also a woman. Nothing has happened, but I can’t get her out of my head and she’s been really clear nothing can happen.’

‘The cute brunette at reception.’

Blake wasn’t asking. He was letting Nate know he already knew.

Nate growled. ‘She’s not cute.’

Shaking his head, Blake sat up and held Nate’s eyes. ‘Mate. The rules are pretty clear. The Heads said no relationships with staff. We cannot afford a scandal, we have to be on our best behaviour.’

‘What if it could be something more than a fling?’

‘It’s not anything right now. Right?’

Nate shook his head in reply.

‘Good. Keep it that way mate. You should be worrying about your leg and how you’re going to bring up that you’ve been hiding it and receiving treatment without telling coach or the Heads.’ Blake's expression wasn’t one of pity this time, he was pissed and he wasn’t finished putting Nate in his place. ‘An injury doesn’t just affect you, it affects the whole team. We are so f*****g lucky to be here and able to play while the rest of the world is going through a crisis and uncertainty.’

Blake was right. ‘I’m such a d**k. Man, I’m...’

Blake cut him off. ‘Don’t say you’re sorry. Just deal with it before the first game. Say you hurt yourself training, on the stairs, falling in the shower - whatever you need to say.’

‘It’s getting better. It might be fine in a few weeks.’

‘If it’s not, promise me you’ll speak up. Promise me you’ll deal with it the right way.’

‘When did you get so wise and worldly.’ Nate teased as he dodged a couch cushion as it flew from Blake’s hand for his head.

‘You are a dick.’

The talk with Blake had sobered his mood and Nate spent the afternoon completing his rehab exercises and mulling over how to manage his injury when games resumed. The afternoon was also spent mentally detailing the reasons he needed to forget Paige. Top of the list was she had been clear with him that starting something was not possible.

He’d needed to frame it from the perspective of looking out for her best interests because he didn’t care about breaking the rules. In football he’d always toed the line and did what was asked and expected of him, but when it came to Paige he wanted more. He could feel she wanted more as well, but she had more to lose and Nate didn’t want to hold the responsibility for her losing her job.

Cassy had returned to the room with Owen asleep over her shoulder and promptly talked him into coming to the Halfway Party. She knew he had trouble saying no to her and within 15 minutes she had convinced Nate a night on the roof with a few drinks and his teammates was exactly what he needed.

Nate had stayed in their room for a few more hours, and as he left, Blake, Cassy and Owen all curled up on the couch in a picture of blissful domesticity, he wondered if his feelings for Paige were heightened because he felt an ending to so many factors in his life.

Nate looked out the window at the city lights. Brisbane was nothing like Melbourne. It was smaller, more functional, and hiding less within its streets. He was looking forward to exploring it, but was also sure it wouldn’t hold the same magic of his home town. Looking out at the lights reminded him of Paige. He groaned at himself. This was getting ridiculous.

Nate pulled out a pair of distressed jeans and a linen button-up shirt for the party, quietly hoping Paige might be working at the bar so he could see her again. He was half dressed when he heard a knock at the door, and thinking it was Blake making sure he was keeping true to his word, opened the door without a shirt and still wet hair. It wasn’t Blake.

Nate’s mouth went dry at the sight of Paige and she gave him a small smile as she checked both directions of the hallway. ‘Can I come in?’ Her tone was tentative as though she expected him to turn her away. Not wanting to spook her, Nate moved to the side and offered enough space for her to pass by. Her pretty eyes took in his bare chest as she slipped by into the room and he let his ego soak it up.

Closing the door, Nate turned to take her in. She was wearing makeup, enough to darken her eyes, highlight her high cheekbones, and leave her lips looking even more kissable. Her hair was loosely twisted on the top of her head, and she was wearing a black dress that fell to her ankles and was open at the back.

‘You shouldn’t be in here Paige,’ Nate said slowly, his voice gravely as he slowly moved towards her. He hadn’t expected to see her again, let alone in his hotel room.

‘I know.’ She took a slow deep breath, her eyes darting between Nate’s face and bare chest. Muscles shifting as he held back, approaching her like a hunter would an injured animal, reading her reactions. Only this time she didn’t back away.

‘What are you doing here Paige?’ His smile was feral, eyes darkening as they ran the length of her body, pausing on the curve of her hips. She could feel her face flushing, and the heat pooling between her legs.

‘I don’t know.’ Her voice was barely a whisper. Nate closed the distance between them, his arm circling her waist, the other cupping her cheek. He groaned, running his thumb along her bottom lip and sparking every cell of her body to life.

‘I want you Paige,’ Nate whispered against her lips, seeking permission. Her body was pressed against his, her breathing shallow as her hands flattened against his chest. The part of her that wanted to do the right thing was silent, and instead of pushing away, she let her hands explore his chest, sliding up his neck and into his hair.

His eyes darkened as she met his gaze again.

‘I want you too.’

Still afraid to spook her, Nate tilted her chin up and let my mouth hover over hers. Seconds passed before she lifted onto her toes and grazed her lips against his. It was the invitation he’d been waiting for. Taking over, Nate pressed his mouth to hers, his hand moving from her cheek to the back of her head so he could better control the kiss.

Paige lifted herself against Nate even more, destroying any space between them. Nate took it as an invitation to explore her further, his hands gliding up along her bare back and down again to cup her ass. She responded by pressing her hips against his c**k. He gentled bit her bottom lips, holding it for the sweetest moment and drawing forth a small moan. He broke the kiss, keeping his hold on her ass and her body against his.

Their breaths were shaky and Nate started trailing kisses along her jaw, moving down her neck and along her collarbone.

‘I’ve been waiting to do that since you ran into me on stairs,’ he whispered against her skin, inspiring a small shiver. ‘What are you doing here Paige? What do you want?’ Nate continued his kisses moving down her collarbone and onto her chest, gently nibbling, enjoying each tremor she offered as she leaned back into his arms.

‘I’m just sick of always doing the right thing.’ Nate stilled at her words. He raised up her chin and stared into her golden brown eyes. Her lips were swollen, hair disheveled and Nate’s ego swelled at her breathless tone.

‘And I’m the wrong thing?’ He teased, watching the flicker of emotions in her eyes. Her brow furrowed and he leaned forward to kiss it away.

‘Being here with you is the wrong thing. But you don’t feel wrong.’

Nate brought his mouth back to hers, letting his tongue explore, enjoying the taste of her, the feel of her. This time he kept the kiss light, tethering myself as her hips pressed against him, tempting him to take it further, deeper. Nate cupped her ass and lifted her up to press himself against her a little more. He couldn’t get enough. She met the movement by rolling her hips, pulling a strangled groan from the back of his throat.

Her fingers trailed through his hair, fingernails scraping along his shoulder blade as she challenged him to take it further. He was positioned on the edge, wanting to go even further, but knowing he couldn’t just dive in. Paige had been too resistant for him to accept her sudden change of heart.

Nate pulled away, stepping back to create space while keeping a hold of her hands.

‘What are we doing here?’ His chest swelled at the vision of her. She looked as though she’d been thoroughly kissed. He liked that look on her, a lot.

‘I don’t know, Nate. I didn’t come here with a plan. I just wanted to see you.’

Nate couldn’t help but smile as he lifted her hand to his mouth for a kiss. ‘I’m glad you came. I’ve been thinking of you all afternoon.’

Nate drew her closer to him, testing her. Curious to see if she would resist or submit.

‘This doesn’t make sense.’

Nate knew exactly what she was saying in those four words. He’d been telling himself the same thing all afternoon, only to find all logic shattered as soon as he found her standing outside his door. ‘I know.’

She closed the space towards him further, lifting her hand to caress his jaw. ‘Your eyes are so beautiful.’

Nate leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. ‘You’re stunning Paige. So damn beautiful.’ He closed his eyes, taking in her scent of wildflowers. He’d had a taste and just wanted more.

‘What now?’ She whispered, her hands pressed against his bare chest, their lips still touching, waiting for the other to dive in.

As if in answer someone thumped a heavy knock on the door, followed by the sound of laughter. Paige’s body tensed and she pushed away, panic across her face.

‘Mate, open up! You coming to this party or not?’ It was Jeremy and most likely a few of the other rookies on their way to the rooftop.

‘I’m just getting dressed,’ Nate called to the door as he pulled his shirt on, hurrying through the buttons.

‘C’mon man! The drinks are rationed and there’s a curfew. Let’s go.’ This time it was Colby, one of the youngest boys on the team, and Nate’s junior training partner.

‘Yep. Coming.’ Nate’s eyes hadn’t left Paige’s face. Her eyes were flitting around the room, looking for somewhere to disappear.

Nate followed her to the bathroom, watching as she fixed her hair and makeup in the mirror. He stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, meeting her eyes in the mirror as he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. It was clear she was working her guard back up and Nate wasn’t going to allow it.

‘Whatever you are thinking, stop. Stay in here until I leave and let’s try and see each other tomorrow. Write your number for me somewhere.’

She nodded, her guard still lifted.

Not satisfied, Nate turned her around, lifting her up onto the basin and positioning himself between her legs. Her eyes widened in surprise and she smiled as he slid his hands up the outside of her thighs, her dress riding up along with his fingers.

‘Promise me.’ Nate whispered the command against the top of her breast. Her breath hitching as he pulled her firmer against him.

‘I promise.” She dropped her head back, offering her neck. Nate’s heart thudded against his chest, as he leaned down to kiss her, intending to keep it light. They didn’t have the luxury of getting carried away.

He was the one to break the kiss again, promising himself it would be the last.

‘Why are you dressed up?’

‘The staff are having a Halfway Party too. I was getting ready when I decided to come here first.’

‘How did you know I wasn’t on the rooftop?’

‘I didn’t.’ Nate lifted her off the basin and set her back on her feet.

‘I’m glad I wasn’t.’ He whispered against her mouth, letting out a small groan as he gave her a final kiss.

The boys were now pounding on the door. Nate closed the bathroom door before opening the main door and joining them in the hallway. As the elevator made its slow and steady pace to the rooftop he considered heading back to his room but knew by the time he got back she’d be gone.