Fourth & One

By Janelle Taylor

 

Super Bowl winning quarterback, Drew Hawkins, is in the right and the wrong frame of mind to meet a woman who will challenge all he knows and all he holds dear.

A woman who causes him to break all of his rules.

Raven Harlow is beautiful and wealthy but naive. She is seeking a feature writing career in NYC when she meets Winter Gaines and switches identites with the writer of malicious exposes.

Never did Raven imagine the target of Winter's project was 'Golden Lion' Drew Hawkins.

And never did she imagine she would fall for the playboy known as "Quick Release" on and off the football field.

Will Raven help Winter tarnish the image of Drew Hawkins?

Or will she risk everything to save him?

Either decision will cost her!

______________________________________

NYTimes & USA Today Bestselling author, Janelle Taylor brings you an explicit romance, with a football backdrop.

Drew and Raven will face the ultimate test of love, honesty and courage - when a shattering deception could destroy them both.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janelle Taylor
• Release date: Dec 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781502285829

Book preview

Here's what her fans and the reviewers are saying about Janelle Taylor:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Janelle Taylor turns up the heat and pours on the suspense no matter what she writes. Celebrated for her tremendous talent and limitless imagination, Janelle Taylor has created more than two dozen breathtaking novels of romance and adventure.

I have never written a review before, but I felt I just had to for this one. I have a very busy lifestyle, but try to fit reading in when possible (ya know - trying to show the kids a good past time activity). But this one floored me. For the first time ever, I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN! I've always heard people say that, but geesh, I thought they must just have too much time on their hands. Now I know what they mean! Get the book! I can't think of anyone that wouldn't be touched by this.  Can't Stop Loving You

This was my first Janelle Taylor book and I really enjoyed it. It was very well written and kept me guessing up until the very end! Ms. Taylor has taken a not-so-original story and somehow how managed to make it very original. There is even a bit of humor and wit added in. I highly recommend this book.  Not Without You

Romance & mystery is evident from the first to the last pages.... This is a very good book. I couldn't put the book down. The action is evident from the first to the last page.  The Last Viking Queen

Good read, real page turner I had trouble putting it down. Keeps you going to the end. Makes you on the edge of you seat.  Necessary Evil

I started reading the prologue and knew I was hooked! Could not put it down until the end which was GREAT! It is worth the time and money for serious readers who want to get lost in a good story and forget the chores you need to be doing! A very satisfying read  Necessary Evil

With a deft hand and a little bit of whimsy, Janelle Taylor has created a charming tale that resonates, not only with the very young, but older readers as well. There's a lesson here, handled in a way that will encourage and reassure. If you have a young person to buy for this holiday season, I recommend you pick up a copy of this lovely story. You won't be disappointed. How the Zebra Got Its Stripes

Since I have read this book and the others in this series many times, I recommend it to everyone who loves a good romance.  Moonbeams and Magic

A refreshing Christmas story where love is shared. This delightful story about a young couple preparing for their first Christmas will fill your heart with joy. Read and enjoy!  Kiss of the Christmas Wind (also available in audio)

JANELLE

TAYLOR

FOURTH & ONE

Published by Janelle Taylor

Copyright and License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return this eBook and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work. Only you allow digital book pirates to survive!

Copyright © December 13, 2014 by Janelle Taylor

All rights reserved

All of the characters in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. They are the product of the author's imagination and used fictitiously.

Warning: the unauthorized reproduction, copying, sharing or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. 

Trademark, Brand and Product Acknowledgements are used with the utmost respect and admiration.

The National Football League owns the trademark for Super Bowl™.

The NFL/National Football League are registered trademarks.

The names of professional football teams are registered trademarks.

Jumbotron was created by Yasuo Kuroki for Sony. Although Jumbotron is a registered trademark owned by Sony Corporation, the word jumbotron has become a genericized trademark. Displays similar to the jumbotron (Jumbo vision) are now made and are trademarks of various companies.

Barbie and Ken dolls are trademarks of Mattel™.

iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple™.

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company of San Juan, the Que Pasa Magazine, and editor Miguel Prado for supplying numerous facts, quoted descriptions, and vital information about Puerto Rico: land of tropical beauty, friendship, and romance.

To: Rob Van Meter of Pensacola, whose words made this paradise come alive

And to: Elaine Raco Chase for formatting the eBook and its cover.

Barbara Caruso for formatting the print version and its cover.

Dedication

All the nice and fun people I met during my visit to this lovely island that ignites romantic ideas in the mind and body.

To all football fans who love and follow this sport, which includes amateur, high school, college, and professional.

To pro players and legends who played for Athens High School Trojans and the University of Georgia DAWGS in my hometown: Fran Tarkenton, A.J. Green, Heisman Trophy Winner Hershel Walker, Aaron Murray, Hines Ward, current Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford, Champ Bailey, Zeke Bratkowski, Charley Britt, Kevin Butler, Terrell Davis, Garrison Hearst, John Kasey, Jake Scott, NFL Hall of Famer Charlie Trippi, and 1942 Heisman Trophy winner Frankie Sinkwich.

To the awesome players on past and current UGA football teams.

To the coaches and staff who led my beloved and hometown DAWGS to championships, especially Mark Richt, Vince Dooley, and Wally Butts.

A special shout out for the 2013-14 team: Hutson Mason, Nick Chubb, Chris Conley, J.J. Green, Todd Gurley, Michael Bennett, Amarlo Herrera, Isaiah McKenzie, Sony Michel, Damian Swann, and the rest of my DAWGS.

To the Baylor Bears of Waco, Texas. My husband of 49+ years attended Baylor before transferring to UGA, which is where and how we met. So, we still love and follow the terrific Baylor Bears. Special shout out to: Robert Griffin (RG III), Ronnie Bull, Mike Singletary, and Ronnie Goodwin.

To some of the most memorable pro quarterbacks: Bart Starr, Joe Montana, Tom Brady, Johnny Unitas, Roger Staubach, Steven Young, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, John Elway, Dan Marino, Terry Bradshaw, and Fran Tarkenton. Other current stars are mentioned in Chapter Fourteen of this book.

Chapter One

Why, Raven fretted, did achieving hopes and dreams come at such a high price and with such enormous demands? She halted aimless pacing on Luquillo Beach and dropped to her knees on an oversized ecru towel. Eager fingers searched her straw bag for sunglasses to shield ocean-blue eyes from the white sand’s brilliance. In three directions, it lay like virgin snow along this stretch of land, and was piled up like treacherous snowdrifts into waist-high dunes behind her. The finely ground quartz was as soft as dusting powder, which made walking difficult for someone who was exercise deficient.

Raven chided herself for not putting on her glasses sooner. There was an intense glare from opalescent sand and the emerald water which lazily gnawed at the shoreline with its sparkling white teeth and frothy saliva. Here and there a small white cloud dared to encroach upon a seemingly limitless blue sky. Her gaze drifted up and down the deserted beach, to the cerulean horizon, across the aquamarine carpet that seemed to spread out endlessly and back to a nearby grove of palm trees. Their shade and delicate breeze beckoned like a siren’s song, which she somehow resisted.

It was a picturesque, tranquil location that made civilization seem far removed. Her family had spent many happy vacations and wonderful holidays on this resplendent island of Puerto Rico. Now, she was the sole survivor to the Harlow name and fortune. She felt inadequate and insignificant, for she had not contributed anything to her heritage and not enough to humanity in general. She had drifted along in her comfortable existence until cruelly awakened by harsh changes in her life, changes that created new wants and needs to feed her hungry and wounded soul.

Despite her melancholy and trepidation, the island beckoned from a snow-white coastline and gradually moved upwards to tall mountains and lush rain forests, only to slowly sink into barren salt flats that resembled the Arizona deserts, or to intimate coves and scenic bays similar to those enjoyed along the New England coastline. She also had visited those places in past happier times.

Although one could traverse this island in one day, it would require months or years to explore each of the unforgettable sights and haunting sounds that this paradise had to offer. Phosphorescent Bay - that was an experience she would never forget. It was a romantic, intoxicating setting which never failed to send the verdant mind and tender heart upon a dreamy course to the Land of Love.

Now that she was older - twenty eight - and less pained by her family’s absence, she wanted to re-visit each of those wondrous sights. See them for a final time before she sold the large and luxurious beach house, as instructed by her financial advisor. It wasn’t that she needed the money, it was just expensive to maintain, especially as a rarely used vacation retreat. If she were fortunate, Miss Winter Gaines might be persuaded not to object to some leisure time alone. 

Why had Winter insisted upon arriving ten days before? After all, this was the Harlow beach house. And, why had the woman insisted, actually demanded, she assume Raven’s identity while here? Was it to conceal her notorious name and reputation while she extracted her current story from an unsuspecting victim, or so the office rumors insinuated? She didn’t know what was truth or merely gossip, as she had not followed Winter Gaines’ career or known the woman for very long. So far, her impression of Miss High and Mighty was not favorable.

Why had Winter dyed her black hair - Raven’s natural color - to a flattering shade of burnt copper? Perhaps because she knew Raven had done the same thing during her last visit, and people might remember her as being a redhead. There was the weekly maid service, grounds keeper, security force, and grocery delivery service; but much of the time, it was different people who performed those tasks. With a matching dusky complexion and forest green eyes made blue with contact lens, Winter was beautiful. Too utterly ravishing to be ignored or overlooked by anyone, particularly her male target. What a wily, talented, and often feared female she was. Did The Queen of Disaster always disguise her image and assume a new name to deceive her object of exploitation?

Why did she choose me to impersonate? They were similar in size and shape. Any local who had glimpsed a photo or seen her in the past might believe the disguised Winter was the Harlow heir to this estate. Raven admitted she already knew or suspected the reason. Every move Winter took made the answer clearer, to carry out her exposé - her total invasion of privacy - of a sports legend vacationing here. A man Winter could never get near, much less get to know, as herself. She didn’t know why Winter had chosen him as her subject, or what she was going to do with and to him. And, as Raven Harlow!

Where did the infamous writer get her awesome power if her portentous stories were in reality mostly lies or exaggerations? Why did CAM allow fictitious and malicious stories to be published in its prestigious magazine? Because Winter made them appear true. She made certain the subjects couldn’t prove otherwise, or sue her or CAM.

During their first two meetings weeks ago at CAM, Winter had presented a glamorous façade and self-assured style which Raven had envied. Yet, Raven had become aware of Winter’s masterful, independent, insolent manner, her ominous guile. Winter - according to recent research and snooping Raven had done - possessed a crafty knack of getting her way, either by disarming or tricking her objective. Could such a skill be learned? Was it necessary to success? It was strange and amazing how even people who disliked and mistrusted the bitch pampered and did her biding. Perhaps they were simply afraid to disappoint or disobey the woman. Without a doubt, Winter Gaines had the power, wealth, position, and skills to destroy anyone she chose. Surely it would be dangerous to select the wrong target? So far, Winter remained safe and secure.

A smile tugged at the corners of Raven’s lips as a feeling of stubbornness and secrecy filled her body. She had been vexed with Winter for the past two days since her own arrival. The brazen Winter had borrowed her house and identity twelve days ago; and now, required her assistance as a lackey, and stolen her peace-of-mind. If she refused Winter any of those demands, her new career would be the price. It would, she had been warned, earn her a top slot on The Black List for all publishers. Not to forget, subject her to Winter’s wrath and revenge. Probably a fictitious exposé on her and her family.

After spending the past forty-eight hours with the audacious and manipulating female, Raven wondered if the price for her compliance was too high to pay. Just how much was her new career worth? Her honor? Her conscience? Thank goodness this would be the only time they would work together on a story, as promised. Although she had been persuaded - as bribed sounded so terrible - to let Winter borrow her beach house and identity, the woman’s appearance had shocked her, as had the new attitude and behavior. The copper colored hair and fake blue eyes were most annoying. She hadn’t been told about them. It meant Winter had researched her. Invaded her past and privacy, without her knowledge or permission or participation.

How dare Winter command her to remain inside her own house. No doubt it was a ploy to keep her deluded and concealed. Winter had ordered her to proof and to type her alleged notes. Raven was certain they had nothing to do with the real article. Winter’s work was no doubt loaded onto her laptop and locked in her briefcase, one which stayed within the woman’s reach.

During Winter’s ten days alone here, Raven had researched the unsuspecting topic in CAM’s headquarters and emailed her findings to that closely guarded computer. So, it was obvious that the work Winter was having her do had nothing to do with the final submission. Worse, this situation was approved by their boss, or Raven corrected, her future boss. But Winter had gone so far as to threaten her if she were seen by The Drew Hawkins who might accidentally discover her real identity and purpose for being in Puerto Rico.

Raven fumed at her previous co-author’s haughty, offensive behavior. What difference could it make if she viewed or met the legendary golden idol? There was no one to warn him that Blaine Winters was the real Raven Harlow, while the acclaimed one was actually the too often reviled Winter Gaines. Only Shad Drake - a close friend since childhood who owned the house nearby where Drew was staying - would recognize the real Raven, but he wasn’t around to reveal what was sure to be a nasty ruse.

Raven decided that Winter’s demands and requests were unreasonable and even suspicious. No matter, Winter was in San Juan for the next two-and-a-half days. So, what the wicked witch didn’t know couldn’t irritate her. She hadn’t been told the real reason for Winter’s venture into the city. Raven was doubtful it was for shopping; and Winter didn’t need to research the location for her story. Besides, who would be a better guide than the real Raven Harlow? Perhaps Winter’s target was there, and that was why she hadn’t been allowed to go. What possible harm, Raven mused, could come from a few hours outside on a private and secluded beach? An attack of guilty conscience?

She fretted over these new challenges and changes within her life. Although she wanted them, she was apprehensive, even leery of certain events and people who were making them possible. If only this new career and an envied position on the writing staff of Come Alive Magazine didn’t depend upon the success of this offensive assignment. It didn’t hinge upon her obedient assistance to Winter Gaines. It wasn’t contingent upon the distressing dissection of the Heart of the Lions.

Raven couldn’t help but suspect that her ownership of this particular house was the sole reason for her selection for this monumental first assignment, or for her promised position on that illustrious magazine. That offer was like a dream-come-true.

She had studied journalism and creative writing at UGA, had obtained a Master’s Degree from there. She had taken almost a year off between high school and college to spend time with her family abroad. After losing her parents in a tragic accident a few years ago, she was glad she had been given that special time with them. Following their funerals, she had taken off almost another year to grieve and to get her financial and personal affairs in order. Then, it was back to UGA until graduation with honors.

Since that momentous but lonely day, she had approached several companies for a job, even though she didn’t need one for survival. She could afford to buy some of those companies and hire herself in the top position, but she didn’t want to use the Harlow wealth and prestige to assist her. That was like cheating. Who would take her seriously if she made it to the pinnacle of her desired profession by taking the fast, easy, and non-competitive route? She had to gain respect, experience and make contacts. She had to reach that peak like anyone else: hard work, talent, and dedication. Since she was promised she would write only true stories about people, why did she have to prove herself to CAM in this detestable manner?

Out of the blue, she had received a call from Paul Stevens: editor-in-chief of Come Alive Magazine. His offer was a glorious beginning to a stimulating career in feature writing. She had been perplexed and astounded by a prove yourself assignment, to co-author an article with the famous Winter Gaines. She had been told what was expected of her. She also knew what failure would mean to her future in this competitive field. Could she find the strength and courage to do what was required on this first job, one in which Winter had suddenly become selfish and secretive? One where the rules and deal had been changed by Winter, and approved by her boss.

Paul Stevens had called the day of her arrival to give her bad news. Winter wanted sole author credit and full control of my chosen project. Paul had said he could not refuse her demands or afford to lose her at CAM. The alleged good news followed. She would receive a full contract, private office, payment for her assistance to Winter while here in Puerto Rico and the use of her beach house and identity. She would get her own story assignment as soon as this project ended. Raven couldn’t help but wonder if their claims were truth or fiction, or some of each. Was she being deceived and used, just to get to Drew? Was she naïve and too trusting? Did she want this job, this dream, too badly?

Raven wondered what Winter’s reaction would be if she demanded her rightful share of this assignment as was agreed in the beginning, if she refused to be ordered about any longer, if she insisted upon having her own identity back, if she informed that domineering female that she was not her private secretary or mindless myrmidon. What would happen if she defied the industry giant Paul Stevens and held him to his original, but verbal, offer? She scolded herself for not getting the deal in writing.

Raven cautioned herself against taking drastic actions. It was too early - if ever - to make ultimatums or futile threats. She should bide her time in silence and alert. She  would study this vital female and her legendary approach to a story which could make or break a living pinnacle of masculinity and of the sports’ world. Even if forced to be a part of the distasteful scheme, it still would be a good learning experience. And, her livelihood didn’t depend on this or any job. Besides, if she crossed Winter, the Harlows - dead and alive - could become the subject of a nasty piece. What if Winter did find some skeletons in the family closet, or simply made up salacious lies that could not be proven false? Lawsuits could be long and expensive, and accomplish nothing of value. They could smear the Harlow legacy. She told herself to forget about her troubles for a while, to just lie down and relax, which she did on the huge towel.

The sun was warm and soft this morning. Her thick mane of raven-black hair, the family trait which had inspired her name, was loosely secured at the nape of her neck by a colored ribbon, the same shade as her dusty rose bikini.

Raven admitted she had been protected from the normal hardships of life, and denied a powerful first love affair. She wasn’t concerned or embarrassed by the fact she was still a virgin in this day and age where few existed beyond sixteen. She just hadn’t met a man who ignited the red hot and mindless passion needed for surrendering herself to him. Did she want sex? Yes. Did she read and think about sex? Yes. Did she need sex? Yes. With just any man she liked and even slightly aroused her? No. To strip naked and throw away her hymen would require a special man. Until then, she could sate herself.

Despite her mental order to evict Winter from her brain for a while, the woman wriggled her way back inside Raven’s head. She wanted confidence and charm. But she had realized she did not want to become like Winter, who was superficial, unrelenting, and coldly calculating. Were such a stunning façade and glorious success worth the price that Winter had obviously and willingly paid to attain them? Would she be forced into behaving in a similar manner until she gained enough prestige to call her own shots on future stories? Would feature writing require her to become devious, insolent, gelid, and intimidating? Could she succeed if she refused to comply with such heavy and risky demands? Yet, once her feet were upon that path, would there come a fork where she could change directions or retrace her steps?

At least she had a few days in which to sort out her feelings and to settle her priorities while Winter was away. If only Mr. Paul Stevens hadn’t sternly stated: Follow Ms. Gaines dictates to the letter if you want to prove yourself to me. If only Winter wasn’t going for blood where a certain beloved, golden giant was concerned. She cringed at the possible damage and pain such a story could inflict.

Drew Hawkins - a human Apollo, golden sun god of ancient Greece. The mere envisioning of him sent her heart and pulse racing as she had seen countless pictures of him. She had seen him on television. She had seen him in magazines endorsing various products, clothing, sports equipment, and more.

She was aroused - hardened nipples and a sensation of heat and moisture below - as she recalled some of his media ads. She licked her lips as her mind’s eye saw him in sexy jeans that showed off the same taut legs and a tight, muscled butt that his snug football pants did. Her upper teeth tugged at her lower lip as her brain recalled the almost shaft revealing underwear as his only garment.

No matter what color the briefs were, the bulge inside them - even limp - left little to the imagination of how well-endowed he was. Many had him holding some type of sports equipment - usually a football or hand strengthening item - while bare chested, speaking in that husky voice that could entice anybody to buy anything he endorsed.

His dark gold hair could be combed to perfection or be ruffled by a fan, hair that made fingers itch to bury themselves in its enticing strands. His teeth were dazzling white and straight, allowing him to send forth a sensuous smile that could melt an iceberg. His tawny eyes and gaze could cause a female to have a climax just having them focused or seemingly focused on her.

His large and deft hands could surely give strokes and caresses to die for, to bring a woman to ecstasy within minutes. Sex appeal, Drew had an abundant supply, more than any male needed to seduce any woman.

Raven squirmed on the towel and told her body to behave, to be nice, to cool down. Could he actually be that handsome and virile and irresistible in person? On television, she had watched his lithe, muscular frame stretching to throw a long pass, or speeding down a green carpet to score a much needed touchdown. She had seen him giving his team new hope and pride. She had seen him swagger off a rain-soaked field of victory in a grass or mud stained uniform.

Dancing body-to-body with many glamorous, famous, and/or wealthy females on the colorful pages of some elite magazine or an entertainment show. The pride in his eyes and stance while accepting another Super Bowl ring, or another team or personal trophy after a normal season of outstanding quarterbacking for the Arizona Mountain Lions.

Surely Drew Hawkins was not the perfect Adonis that his pictures and colorful reputation claimed him to be. Evidently the photos and television screen had some magical way of adding to his agility, his matchless looks, his undeniable virility, his magnificent physique, and his swashbuckling aura. The Heart of the Lions was an accurate epithet for him. He possessed that uncanny, ingenious ability to pull a team together. He could extract their very best - win or lose - on any day. He could imbue the lust for victory and the pride of a tawny, untamed lion within each team member.

Her recent research flooded her mind, trying to ascertain Winter’s and the public’s and her fascination with him. Drew Hawkins possessed another nickname from college: Quick Release. He had gained it from his rapid and accurate release of the football during tight or ominous moments during a game. It had stuck with him after being drafted by the pros.

He was sometimes teased in print or a live interview about his quick release of females. According to some stories that she had read about him and things Winter had told her, Drew was a cocky man who took from rosy-eyed females, but gave nothing in return, except sex, a good time, and/or publicity.

He supposedly was turned off by clingy, possessive women. He was said to be arrogant and volatile when crossed on and off the playing field. Once, he had publicly humiliated a woman who had attempted to blackmail him into marrying her with the threat of a scandal about them, a secret affair and baby that proved to be false. From the way it appeared, he was a confirmed bachelor who defended his freedom with fierce determination.

To be fair, Raven mused, why did the public think such feelings and actions were cruel or wrong? Surely it was most annoying, infuriating, and frustrating to be constantly trailed and groped by countless women, females not of his choosing or pursuit. Was it truly selfish to accept what those many aggressive, wanton females were offering him? Was it real arrogance and conceit to behave as if he were in great demand, as if he were unique and valuable? Weren’t their actions proving those things to him and to an envious public? Didn’t he tire of the constant and invasive media and groupie attention?

Perhaps he was forced into assuming a haughty, insolent air in order to protect his privacy. Was there anyone who knew the real Drew Hawkins, the man beyond the flamboyant image? Hadn’t his interviews revealed a devastating smile, an easy-going manner, a dauntless pride in himself and in his ability, a magnetic charm, and a masterful aura? Could such a vital and captivating man be real? Could he...

A faint shuffling of sand caught her attention. She turned her head to the right just in time to see a blond giant jogging backwards, straight for her! Before she could shriek a warning, he tripped over her and fell on his rear end into the cushiony white sand, flinging tiny granules on her sunblock sticky body. His brawny legs sent the air rushing from her lungs in a loud whooshing sound.

The man flung his muscular limbs over her reclining body and knelt beside her. She was gasping for air to refill her lungs. He pulled her to a sitting position, knowing from past experience that made breathing easier. Her bosom heaved and shuddered as she resumed normal respiration. As she did so, he noticed the color and satiny feel of her caramel shaded skin. It looked flawless and inviting to a man’s gentle caress. As he held her torso upright, he felt the length and silky texture of dark hair that flowed down her back in stygian enchantment. She had a figure that gave a man an instant hard-on. This was the type of woman he could bed instantly, clean or sweaty.

Sorry, Miss. Afraid I wasn’t paying attention to the backfield. Since quarterbacks spend most of their time running backwards, I often work out that way. You hurt anywhere? Can you breathe all right?

He observed her as she removed her sunglasses to reveal the bluest, most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. She was so beautiful that he was certain even a world famous model would envy her delicate and perfect facial features. Even minus make-up, she had a natural glow and beauty that was provocative. Crap, his Johnson was starting to talk to him!

Her looks, above and below the neck, were giving him a woody. Probably because he was currently sex deprived. If hand jobs didn’t count. Damn, if she didn’t stop looking at him like that, this starving lion was going on the prowl soon, and she would be the lucky prey. He was  pleased she stared at him with astonished eyes and parted lips.

Raven was captivated. Of course she recognized the man who had been giving her wet-dreams for days. No doubt the fault of her long and intense research. He was even more handsome in person. She was positive it was more than his crashing over her that had stolen her breath and her wits. She was unable to pull her fascinated gaze from his tanned features and spell-binding tawny eyes. She practically stammered, You’re...Drew Hawkins...Number ten of the Arizona Mountain Lions. She heard an amused chuckle escape him, a sound that caused tingles to dance over her flesh from head to feet.

Drew grinned, revealing those still perfect white teeth from within a full and sensual mouth. His amber eyes glowed with smugness and pleasure, no doubt because of her uninjured state and her recognition. A sudden breeze lifted wisps of dark blond silk and played with them. A small bump at the bridge of his nose spoke of a past break, but added character and shape to it, granting him a rugged and strong visage.

Her entranced gaze traveled his face, aware of a look of curiosity and intrigue that flooded his eyes. The deep cleft in his prominent chin almost begged her to place her forefinger within its enticing groove. Golden fur covered his moist, firm chest. It failed to conceal the strength and power which was encased within those hard muscles and smooth, bronze flesh. Sunlight flickered off the sand scattered across his hard frame. She concluded that his photos and media appearances had not exaggerated his appealing looks one iota. If anything, they had underestimated them and their potency. He was as captivating as a Viking in a romance novel.

Accustomed to being visually examined by females, Drew allowed her the time and opportunity to complete her inspection. He found her action to be arousing and pleasing. This female was enticing. When her softened gaze returned to his obscure one, he asked, And you are? At her continued silent stare, he added, Guest or family of Miss Harlow’s? We’ve already met several times. You are relaxing on her property; so, guest, family, or trespasser? He saw puzzlement fill her azure eyes; her brow knit in suspicion.

Raven wondered what ploy he was pulling on her. How is that possible? she asked, momentarily forgetting that Winter had assumed her identity.

I’m staying next door. Shad Drake’s place. I met Raven when she arrived about two weeks ago. His astute, keen gaze had inspected her from sleek black head to dainty ankle. He was accustomed to and skilled at sizing up an opponent, or selecting a receiver down field without awareness to players right in front of him. She couldn’t have chosen a better color or style of bikini to flatter a figure that needed no help to seize a man’s attention. He was baffled by the lucid distress and disappointment that filled her eyes and voice. Her expression and aura had changed since initial contact. He didn’t know why that information had a curious effect on her.

I see... You... and... Raven... are friends?

Drew surmised a reason for her abrupt shift in moods was feminine competition between two beautiful, but different, women. He wondered if a competition for his attention was already in progress, and he had simply caught this beauty off-guard. He smiled again, targeting her with his gaze of liquid sherry. Casual acquaintances, he cleared the air between them, necessary if he was going to get her out of that skimpy bikini before sunset. You didn’t say, friend or family? He realized she couldn’t have arranged this meeting and wasn’t flirting with him, but she was interested in him; that was apparent to his keen senses.

She caught herself before replying neither. She lowered her limpid gaze from those discerning, disquieting tawny eyes as she muttered a reluctant lie, A friend...

By any chance, you have a name you can share with me? he teased.

She glanced at him, for the first time aware of black smudges placed beneath his eyes to block out the glare of the sun and sand. How had she not noticed them before? Because she had seen him look this way so many times in pictures and on television. Blaine Winters, she answered, and felt the heat of a blush burn her cheeks. Damn, she hated that annoying habit, one she had conquered years ago, until today, until this man.

Drew saw her face glow with what appeared to be guilt and not arousal, serving him a confusing mystery. He was tempted to ask her if she was afraid of him because he observed her withdrawal and anxiety. Perhaps she was shy and nervous about meeting him. Some other time it might have been refreshing to find a beautiful woman who didn’t fall all over him. Today, it was provocative and challenging. She moved as if to leave, but paused when he used a redundant query to stall her departure, Any kin at all to Raven or just a friend?

None. She knew she had answered too quickly and succinctly in a frosty tone. She wondered why he made her feel defensive and ashamed. Was it because she was on a team out to tarnish his golden image? They were strangers. She didn’t owe him an explanation. No kin. Just vacationing for a few weeks. You?

His right hand absently rubbed his left shoulder as his relaxed look waxed sullen. Just vacationing before the pre-season opens.

But that’s only six weeks from now. Shouldn’t you be training?

That’s my business, don’t you think? It was misbehavior he instantly regretted.

She fused a deep scarlet at his brusque chiding, but mainly at her boldness. Absolutely, she panted, starting to rise and needing to flee this quicksilver male.

He caught her elbow to stop her flight. Didn’t mean to sound harsh or act rude. Just a touchy subject. A raw nerve. My shoulder isn’t ready to endure practice sessions yet. He recalled the last game of the past season when a roughing the quarterback penalty hadn’t erased his pain or the - hopefully temporary - damage to his throwing arm. It had cost him and his team the play-offs and possibly the Super Bowl.

Damn, he could have been staring at early retirement, a lousy season, or being traded. He could kick Devonius Chambers’s ass to hell and back for taking that late and illegal hit. Maybe this beautiful piece of tail was what he needed to get his mind off of his resentment and troubles. A good screw should do the trick for a while.

The entire incident and aftermath filled her mind. I’m sorry, Mr. Hawkins. I had forgotten about your accident. Will you be able to play this coming season?

Drew wondered if that was genuine concern in her eyes and voice. If so, why?

Surely you wouldn’t risk permanent injury by returning before your shoulder is properly healed. Surely the team can survive without you until you’re strong enough to play again.

Too late she realized it was unforgivable and unthinkable for The Drew Hawkins to feel or show any weakness or defeat. How dare she - he must be thinking - suggest such an insult to his proven skills and accomplishments. She saw his golden eyes narrow and harden in resentment of his unnecessary injury. If she could only take back those inappropriate words.

"Haven’t missed a season