The white-blond curls peeking out of his scrum cap give him away. Currently, his arms are interlocked with a dark-haired guy who’s shorter and stockier than he is. After a bit of violent tussling, Tate shoves him away using his shoulder. He takes off in a full sprint, tackling the guy with the ball. The spot between my legs aches as I observe my boyfriend. He’s sweat drenched, grass stained, and fueled by testosterone. Everything about the way he moves is carnal and masculine. It is divine to watch.
The game ends, and he chats with his doctor friend, Brendan, who assisted during my surgery. They high-five a few teammates. The longer I stand on my own, the sillier I feel. This is clearly male bonding time, and I’d be intruding, even if it were to just say hello.
Twisting my head, I scan the park in search of a discreet path to walk away. I spot Tate chugging water before toweling off, then he begins to walk in my direction. I dart the opposite way, pausing behind a tree, hoping he can’t see me. The sun is setting soon, meaning it will be dark before I make it back to my place. I cross a nearby field, but then I hear Tate call my name. And I thought I was so slick.
“Emmie, I know that’s you,” he hollers.
I spin around, wondering if my face is as beet red as it feels.
“Oh, hi,” I say, as if I’m shocked to see him.
“What are you doing here?” The sweat on his body shines bright, making him appear like a chiseled Roman statue.
“I was out for a power walk and happened to pass by. Thought I’d say hello,” I say quickly.
“Power walk, eh? So that’s why you’re so red.” His breath steadies.
That’s right, Tate. I’m red because I was walking in the late summer heat. It’s not because I’m ogling your sculpted physique, which is showcased exquisitely in a sweat-soaked white T-shirt.
“I lied. I wanted to surprise you.”
Tate gives my body a visual once-over. I feel on display, but in the best possible way.
“Damn, do I love surprises from my girlfriend.”
Giddiness pools at the bottom of my throat. I have the sudden urge to giggle like a schoolgirl. Instead, I beam at him.
He wipes the sweat off his face with his upper arm, careful to avoid a small cut on his brow. “I like your outfit.”
I’m wearing the rattiest tank top I own over a highlighter-yellow sports bra and the same yoga pants I wore at the worksite today. Based on the whistles and car honks I received during my stroll this evening, I look positively indecent.
Brendan waves and walks up to us. “Hey. Emmie, right?” he says with a smile. “Look at you out and about. You’re looking great. How do you feel?”
“Tons better. Thanks again for all you did when I was in the hospital.”
He nods. “Glad you’re recovering well. Did you catch any of our game?”
“The last bit, yeah. How’d you guys do? Sorry, I’m a rugby noob and I had no idea what I was watching.”
The two of them laugh. “We won thanks to Tate.” Brendan gestures at him with his thumb just as Tate looks away at the other side of the field. “He stopped the other team from scoring at the end with a killer tackle.”
“Way to go,” I say. Tate smirks at the ground.
“Well, I’ll leave you two, then.” Brendan grabs his car keys out of his pocket and walks past me. “Do me a favor, Emmie, will you? Tell Tate to reconsider about this weekend. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Tate’s face slips into twisted frustration.
“I’ll do my best.”
Brendan pats me on the back and walks off. We’re left standing across from each other again.
“What’s this weekend?”
He crosses his arms and purses his lips like he’s eaten something sour. “I’ll tell you once we get to my place.”
He wraps an arm around my waist and walks. His body is still hot from all that glorious physical exertion minutes ago. I bite back a cheesy grin and relax into his hold. The sour scent of sweat laces his usual evergreen spice. I breathe deeply, giving his chest a quick nuzzle. This surprise walk to his place is way, way better than my surprise.
“You smell so damn good. Like a man’s man. Rugged and sweaty.”
He lets out a low laugh. Two blocks later, he leads me to a brick duplex and lets go of me to unlock