Once Upon A Half-Time: A Sports Romance - Sosie Frost Page 0,20

systems.”

“True, but we’d wanted an adrenaline rush…so we eloped.”

“God, the romance.” Elle feigned swooning. “Take me now, Romeo.”

“We compromised on the marriage. That’s a good sign for our future.”

She wagged a finger. “Oh no. None of that. We’re getting an annulment, Lachlan. Like, yesterday.”

“Are you sure?”

She sputtered, those red streaks in her hair nearly bursting into real flame. “Am I sure? Of course I’m sure! We are ending this marriage.”

“Okay, hear me out.”

“Nope.”

“Let me just say—”

“Na-uh. I know what you’re going to say.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot lately.”

She nearly growled. “Could have fooled me.”

“Did you know I almost died a few days ago?” I asked.

Elle said nothing.

“A woman rescued me. This out-of-control, speeding car barreled down the road, coming straight for me. But this beautiful, fearless woman cared enough about me to risk her life for mine.”

She hummed. “Or maybe she was just concerned about jaywalkers crossing dangerous intersections.”

“Or maybe she couldn’t stand to see me get hit by a car.”

“Then someone better give this hero a medal—or find the driver to finish the job.”

I smirked. “This girl…she gave me a new outlook on life.”

“Something other than sexing up the first girl you spot in Vegas?”

I exhaled. “I’ve been thinking a lot about you, Elle.”

If it intrigued her, she hid her excitement behind a feisty, raised eyebrow. “This should be good.”

“Let’s try to make the marriage work.”

I expected the laughter, but I didn’t realize how much I’d like hearing it.

“Give me a chance, Elle,” I said.

“Absolutely not. Are you crazy?” Elle shook her head. “I don’t even know you.”

“So get to know me.”

“How?”

Easy.

If she went for it.

“We got married after spending three days together neither of us remember,” I said. “Before we divorce, let me take you on three dates you’ll never forget.”

Elle didn’t speak, but her big, beautiful eyes rounded with curiosity. Now was my chance.

I made the promise with a smile. “I’m only asking for three dates. Three of the most fantastic, amazing, and the most romantic nights you’ve ever experienced.”

“That’s a bold claim.”

“We don’t agree to divorce until after those dates.”

“Why after?”

“Because if you haven’t fallen in love with me by the sunset of our third date…I don’t deserve you.”

Elle wasn’t intimidated or smitten. She grinned, just as cock-sure and deliberate as the one I cracked at her.

“You think you can make me fall in love with you after three dates?”

I stepped closer. She didn’t retreat, and I was rewarded with the sweet tease of her scent—coconut and salt, a perfect sea-shore breeze.

“Falling for me isn’t the hard part.” I warned her.

“What’s the hard part?”

“Resisting me once you realize how perfect we are together.”

I pulled her close, and Elle let me hold her. The soft curves of her body pressed into mine. She’d drive a man crazy, especially with that teased bite of her lip. I hated every second she tormented that supple bit of sable with a nibble instead of my kiss.

“I want three dates, three nights to convince you that this is worth keeping,” I said. “And after those dates, Red? I guarantee you’ll be picking out a ring to put on that lovely finger.”

“Which one? This one?” She flashed me her middle finger. “Someone really ought to muzzle you.”

I wasn’t deterred. “I’m not hearing a no.”

“You want three dates?”

“And three nights.”

She stiffened. “Nights?”

“You get the whole husband package—the romance, the fun, and the sex.”

“Is there a lot of sex?”

I pulled her closer, touching my lips to hers. “More than you can handle.”

“I’m full of surprises.”

My cock flexed. She glanced down with an arched eyebrow.

“I like surprises.”

I tipped her chin, but she surged up to meet my kiss. Her tongue flicked over mine with a sexy little purr.

This was it. I had her. In my arms. Soon to be in my bed.

Three dates of sensual fun, excitement, and the absolute rush of making a woman fall in love with me.

And in return?

I’d get a beautiful wife. A hellcat in the sack. The only woman who pounded my heart more than a bungee jump from a bridge or cliff-diving in Mexico.

She’d be mine, and she’d love every second of it.

Elle guided me through the apartment as she devoured my kiss. Her breathy sighs and tender touch sent shocks right to my cock.

Christ, it had been too long without her.

Too many sleepless nights. Too many days spent dreaming about her.

Too many practices where I stared at her instead of the ball.

I tasted her on my lips, but it wasn’t enough. The instant I had her naked, I’d