Page 37 of Worth the Risk
Not only do I create and implement certain social media challenges and content, but I am also responsible for tracking comments to ensure nothing slips past that would raise red flags. Already this season I’ve had to handle an ex-girlfriend of one of the rookies who has an ax to grind with getting dropped after the draft, and a group of fans who call themselves Gabe’s Girlies. They’ve attempted to start a commenting war attacking Luca. The nastiness and vitriol these people spew while hiding behind a computer, or phone screen, never ceases to amaze me.
The Wolves have been fortunate to have the first two weeks of the schedule almost solely at home, which Uncle Bennett says is pretty atypical. They only had two nights away, at San Diego and Los Angeles, before returning home again. But that comes at a cost: they’re about to leave for a two-week series of back-to-back away games in Canada, and then the team heads onto the northeast for a games in Boston and New York.
I was originally scheduled to attend all of the games for this trip, but suddenly I was pulled. If I didn’t think my uncle suspects something between Luca and me before, I certainly do now. When I approached him about it, he would barely make eye contact before muttering about social media and ‘crazy ladies.’ When I asked for clarification on what he was talking about, he faked a phone call. My thirty-five-year-old uncle faked a damn phone call to avoid talking to me.
The terrible terrors are way too excited about “traveling with the hotties,” as they exclaimed giddily to me. I had to lay down the law that they were not to be anything but professional in this capacity, and I’d be keeping track of them at all times. Fortunately, Elsie is traveling with the team and ensured she’d keep an eye on Jessica and Lindsey.
Since the team is leaving tomorrow, Luca asked me if we could stay in tonight. He wants to cook me dinner before cuddling on the couch. His words, not mine. I’m sure hoping we do more than cuddling, though. I’m wound tighter than a line of firecrackers waiting to go off on the Fourth of July.
Luca: Running late. Coach wanted to yell at me some more. Be there in twenty minutes.
Me: Which coach?
Luca: Take a guess.
Me: My uncle?
Luca: Sorry, Pix. He’s got it out for me right now.
Me: I wish I could talk to him about it, tell him to calm down. But he’ll know immediately if I do.
Luca: Pretty sure he already knows. That’s why he’s got it out for me.
Me: I’m sorry, Luca. I hate that he’s being so juvenile.
Luca: Don’t worry about me, Han. I can handle good ole Uncle Bennett.
I giggle as I toss my phone on the couch. With twenty minutes, I can do a quick refresh, and change into some sexier undergarments. I’m bound and determined to seduce Luca Santo tonight, and a quick visit to a high-end lingerie boutique Arianna recommended this week means I’m prepared to take him down.
I was tempted to purchase something out of my comfort zone. Something so seductive, so erotic, that it would be like I was a completely different person. But I just couldn’t do it. My southern upbringing reared its ugly head as I contemplated between a bra and panty set with only about two inches of total fabric, or the innocently sexual white set I purchased. White lace bra with rhinestones adorning the cups, and a white lace thong. White sheer thigh highs and a white garter belt complete the ensemble. Other than the nylons on my legs, I’m able to put back on the dress I wore to work, and Luca won’t be able to tell anything is out of the ordinary.
In a stroke of genius, I decide to remove the thong. Easier access. And somehow, going commando makes me feel like a badass bitch, and I know Luca will never expect it.
As soon as I slide my red Herve Lager cocktail dress over the lingerie, a feeling of power and seduction comes over me. The sweetheart neckline accentuates my collarbone, but still gives the illusion of sweet and innocent. Knowing I have seduction on my mind is making me drunk with power. I swear I’m standing taller as I stare at my reflection in the floor-to-ceiling mirror my aunt had installed in the closet. As I slide my heels back on my feet, making me almost four inches taller, I’m overcome with confidence. My man isn’t going to know what hit him.
When a knock sounds at the door, I rush to fling the door open. Luca gives me a breathtaking smile as he kisses my cheek and walks into the apartment. He places his grocery bag on the counter, before turning and catching my head in his hands. His lips are on mine as he backs me into the wall. I gasp into his mouth, allowing his tongue to slide against mine, as my hands find his hair and hold on. I don’t know what it is about this man and pushing me into walls, but I’m absolutely here for it.
“You changed,” he whispers as he kisses down my chin and onto my neck.
“No, this is what I wore to work,” I answer breathlessly.
Luca chuckles against me, the vibration making me shiver. “You weren’t wearing anything on your legs, Pixie. I stare at your legs and ass every chance I get. I’d know if you had stockings on today.”
I’m shocked. I had no idea he paid that much attention to detail. My ex-boyfriend, Jefferson, wouldn’t even be able to accurately pick a pair of shoes to match a dress, let alone notice if I was wearing anything at all. We dated the better part of two years, then off and on for another two, before I finally ended things with him. My parents were horrified. The Collins family had all the good connections in southern Georgia. Just another example of my parents not caring about my happiness, and just using me for their own aspirations.
“I didn’t — I just —” I stutter.
Luca’s head pops up from where he was nibbling on my collarbone, his mouth tipped up in a small grin. “You got something sexy under there for me, baby?”
As his hands slide down to settle on my ass, I let out a loud sigh of arousal. There’s no sense in lying about it now. “Yes.”
Luca’s eyes darken. “Seriously?”
“Yes?” I respond uncertainly.
“I figured you’d lie,” Luca says with a laugh.
“I’m a horrid liar. I’d much rather be honest,” I admit. Luca’s lips find my forehead, where he kisses me tenderly.