Quarterback Blitz: Alexandria Griffins, #1

By Frances Stockton

All Anna James wants for her fortieth birthday is a ladies' night out, her plans stalled when she ends up stuck in her griffin costume. As the mascot for the Alexandria Griffins, she never expects to be rescued by the star of her midnight fantasies, quarterback Kyran Black. Dubbed "The Rebel" by the press because of his long hair, tattoos, and playboy stats off the field, he's everything she should avoid…but still craves and Anna agrees to celebrate her birthday with him.

Certain she's too old for him, she intends to guard her heart, but he blitzes her defenses, proving to be so much more than a legendary athlete with a media-driven reputation. But when their romantic weekend evolves into love, a blast from his bad boy past returns with a vengeance, threatening to tear their worlds apart.

Can their love overcome the pressures of living in the spotlight, or will they lose the future they've only begun to build?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Frances Stockton
• Release date: Jul 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393757696

Frances Stockton

My love for storytelling began when I created my first fictional characters, mischievous, identical twin brothers, in kindergarten. Years later, I started to write, completing my first handwritten manuscript when I was in middle school. I confess, the heroine was a cross between a contemporary Laura Ingalls Wilder and Nancy Drew, but when I wrote ‘the end’ I knew I had more stories to tell.  Of course, life intervened, but whether I was in high school, college, working a variety of jobs on my path to earning a degree in History and Secondary Education, I was always writing and reading romances. Finally, I joined RWA and the New England Chapter, becoming an author with Ellora’s Cave until the publisher closed its doors. Now, I am writing under my own name and loving every minute of it. I truly enjoy hearing from readers. Please let me know what you think at [e-mail]

Book preview

All Anna James wants for her fortieth birthday is a ladies’ night out, her plans stalled when she ends up stuck in her griffin costume. As the mascot for the Alexandria Griffins, she never expects to be rescued by the star of her midnight fantasies, quarterback Kyran Black. Dubbed The Rebel by the press because of his long hair, tattoos, and playboy stats off the field, he’s everything she should avoid...but still craves. 

When he suggests they celebrate her birthday together Anna agrees to a sultry, romantic weekend. Certain she’s too old for him, she intends to guard her heart, but he blitzes her defenses, proving to be so much more than a legendary athlete with a media-driven reputation. 

After the weekend evolves into a relationship, a blast from his bad boy past returns with a vengeance, threatening to tear their worlds apart. Can their love overcome the pressures of living in the spotlight, or will they lose the future they’ve only begun to build?

To my readers: Quarterback Blitz was previously released by Ellora’s Cave Publishing. The story has since been substantially revised, reimagined, and retold. That said, it’s my sincere hope that if you read the original, you’ll return to the gridiron with Kyran Black and Anna James. If you haven’t, enjoy Anna and Kyran’s hot, sexy contemporary romance set in the world of professional football, featuring the Alexandria Griffins.

Copyright © Frances Stockton

Cover Design: Syneca

Editing and Formatting Services: WLK Media LLC

Author’s Note: This book is a work of adult romantic fiction and not intended for readers under the age of 18. Any resemblance to people, places, or situations is coincidental. Likewise, though I have a genuine love for the game of football, every effort was made to assure the accuracy of terminology and positions, the role of mascots and cheerleading, and medical situations. Any mistakes made are strictly my own. 

Table of Contents

––––––––

About Quarterback Blitz

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

About the Author

Chapter One

August—Griffin’s Nest Stadium—Alexandria, Virginia

Anna’s zipper was stuck!

Dammit, why tonight of all nights? she asked herself, wishing she’d had one of the cheerleaders unzip the back of the comical-looking mascot’s costume before they’d left. 

Unwilling to give up, she tried one more time to free herself, succeeding only in contorting herself into a pretzel. Fortunately, the eagle’s head and wings were already off, giving her some relief. But, what she needed was freedom, a shower, and the little black dress hanging in her locker.

Realizing she needed help, she headed out of her private changing nook, only to draw up short when someone knocked on the door. Hurrying forward on the chance that one of the cheerleaders returned without her keycard, she opened the door, the tall, dark man of her dreams charging inside the locker room instead.

Not just any man. Kyran Black. The legendary quarterback with a once infamous bad boy reputation signed as the backup and mentor to the franchised QB for the Alexandria Griffins. 

Hi, Anna, was hoping to find you tonight, he said, flashing his devil-may-care smile. His clean-shaven, chiseled features sexier by the crooked scar that ran down the left side of his chin. On their one and only date, he’d told her he’d taken a deliberate cleat to the face in college, resulting in a fight that had both players ejected. 

Trying not to concentrate on the past, she couldn’t help but look him over, if only to check for new scars or damage since she’d seen him take a terrible hit that ended his season last winter.

No, he looked good. Better than good, he looked sexy, edible, and way too young for her with his damp dark auburn hair falling to his broad bare shoulders. Celtic tattoos wrapped about his massive biceps, an LSU tiger on his chest, along with more scrollwork along his ribs and eight-pack abs, looked delicious. A peek of the deep vee of his obliques tempting her to drool. Man, why did he have to look like sex on a stick when she felt like an icky, tangled mop.

Anna? Are you okay? 

I’m fine. You sure you’re not looking for one of the cheerleaders? she asked, skeptical that he was there to see her.

If I was interested in someone else, that’s where I’d be. Can I stay or not? 

Realizing she’d crossed her arms over her chest, she relaxed a little, lowering her hands to her sides. If I say not, will you leave?

Yes. Promise, I’m here to talk, that’s it, he replied, leaning back against the door, his thumbs hooked in the pockets of his faded button-fly jeans. 

Then my permission depends on why you didn’t bother to put on a shirt. Hell, he did look great, and those jeans with the top button undone and tears in all the right places made her imagine all kinds of wicked things.

A reporter charged into the team’s locker room with a smartphone in hand. Was barely out of my towel before she tried to track me down at my locker to ask how I felt about tonight’s loss.

Ouch, she replied, empathizing with him, the football coach inside of her wanting to talk about the game. The woman in her wanting to know why he didn’t call her after their date. How’d you get away?

Dallas McKay covered for me. He’s bigger and better looking, or so his fans say.

Not to her. Then again, she’d always had a soft spot for quarterbacks over wide outs.

Tonight’s outcome sucks, but it’s the first game of the pre-season and you led a two-minute drill in the fourth quarter that took the game into OT. The defense gave up a big play at the end, not you.

Thanks. Truth is, except for that drive, I’d had a bad night. Last thing I needed to deal with is another reporter asking if I’ve still got it.

You do. Listen, if you give it a few minutes, the captains will give interviews in the press room and you’ll be able to return to the team’s locker room in peace.

Rather talk to you, Kyran said, his intense blue eyes on her face. Isn’t that costume hot?

Yes. The zipper’s stuck. Think you could give me a hand?

Kyran pushed away from the door, bypassing the lounge area separating them. Sure, if you tell me why you’re looking at me like I’ve grown horns and a tail. If you want to check for a pitchfork, be my guest.

That won’t be necessary, she said in a rush, feeling her face heat up at the prospect of touching all that muscle and ink. To be honest, it’s been a tough day and I’d appreciate some help. I’ve places to go, things to do.

Got a hot date, Anna?

Not that it matters, but I got a promotion at work and haven’t had time to date. Just meeting up with some friends.

A promotion? What kind? It’s summer. You’re still teaching and coaching, right?

Yes, since I last saw you, I became the head coach of the JV football team and weekday practices have begun. I’m also scheduled to teach health in addition to ninth and tenth grade Phys-Ed in the fall.

Wow, that’s fantastic. I’m proud of you, he said, sounding as if he’d meant it. Is that why you’re going out tonight? To celebrate?

No, no, umm, sorry, it doesn’t matter. Biting her tongue, she wasn’t ready to tell him the occasion was her fortieth birthday, which meant she was a decade away from fifty! And, there he was looking beautiful and perfect and handsome as sin.

Something tells me it matters a lot. Kyran came closer, moving with the grace of a tiger. To say he was tall was an understatement, he made her feel petite in comparison. Have to admit, never thought a griffin was sexy until I met you.

You’re crazy. There’s nothing sexy about this costume. It’s all foam and padding and the fan inside the eagle’s head died during my last run through the crowd, making it extra hot tonight.

Sorry to hear that. Don’t you have someone to help you with this sort of thing after a game or an appearance for the team?

Sure, but the cheerleaders were in a rush to get out of here and I’ve had to do it alone in the past.

Doing it alone is never as much fun as with someone, Kyran teased, placing his hands on her puffy lion shoulders to turn her about. 

Help or get out of the way, she growled, waiting. Dallas McKay has excellent hands, I’m sure he’d be more than capable.

Ouch! Remind me never to stand in the way of your talons. He was trying to hide his laughter. She could hear it in his deep, gruff-spoken voice that tempted her in a way no man had before or since she’d met him.

I’m harmless. Please, stop laughing at me.

For the record, I’d never laugh at you. But, you have foam, fabric, and part of the jersey caught in the teeth of the zipper. How did you manage to mangle it?

I was in a hurry.

Wouldn’t have been because you were avoiding me, right?

Ah, no, you weren’t on my mind at all. Ha, let him think that. Tonight’s a special night. I’ve got plans.

Hmm, so you said. What do you wear underneath this anyway?

The change in questions made her jerk around to face him. In the summer, a pair of shorts and a sports bra, satisfied? Or, did you think I’d wear lingerie or nothing at all?

Hey now, I didn’t mean that to sound offensive. I was genuinely curious.

Sorry, I’m a little jumpy.

I can see that, he said, shifting around a second to look behind him.

What are you doing, Mr. Black?

It’s Kyran. Looking for a tail. Nope, no tail, horns, or pitchforks.

Thought we covered that already.

Did we? Now that I’ve got your attention, why’d you give me a bogus phone number after our date, Anna?

That’s your excuse?

It’s not an excuse. Swear on my mom’s cooking, I called you the next morning only to find out the number wasn’t in service, he declared, a hint of a Louisianan accent coming to the fore. I didn’t have your home number or address so I figured it’d be best to give you some space until we saw each other again.

That can’t be. I’d gotten a new...oh no..., she said, her voice trailing off. Okay, I admit it, I had to get a new smartphone earlier that day and I was still trying to remember the number. It’s likely I’m at fault and I’m sorry, Kyran.

Why’d you need a new phone and number, Anna?

I’d stopped at a convenience store to get gas on my way to school and my purse was stolen out of my CR-V when I’d gone inside to pay because the pump wouldn’t take a credit card and the next one over was out of order.

Jesus, Anna, you should’ve told me that. I’d have made sure you got home safely that night.

I appreciate that, but by the time I arrived at Griffin’s Nest Stadium for my first practice with the cheerleaders everything was resolved.

By resolved you mean the police caught the thief?

Yes, a few hours later. Turned out to be two employees at the convenience store. They’d gotten several wallets, phones, and purses that morning. The thing of it is, the rest of the day revolved around calling the police, arranging a substitute at school, changing the locks, and discovering my cell phone account had been compromised with an obscene amount of porn.

Sorry that happened, but I’m glad the cops caught the guys, Kyran commented. Still wish you’d have told me.

In my defense, I was a bit thunderstruck by the fact that my favorite quarterback asked me, the team’s new mascot, to join him for coffee. After a day from hell, I’d wanted to enjoy a little heaven with you, she admitted, realizing what she said. 

Kyran smiled like he’d just won the championship game. I’m your favorite quarterback? Tell me more.

"And, feed your ego, I think not. Anna gave him her back. Please, fix the zipper, Kyran. I’m starting to get itchy."

Afraid she’d end up getting hives on top of being stuck in her damn costume, she wondered if she had Allegra or Claritin in her locker. With her fair skin, redness would just look blotchy if she donned her black dress.

Okay, sorry, I’ll behave. Let me take a look again.

She felt him tug and pull to no avail. You really tried to call me? That’s not a line?

I did. I really liked you, Anna, still do. We connected on a level I’d never known with another woman, but I suspected you were a little gun shy for reasons that had nothing to do with me and wanted to give you some space.

You’re right. I’d recently broken up with my fiancé who couldn’t keep his hands off his much younger receptionist. Maybe if we’d gone on another date, I’d have opened up to you about it.

Glad you’re talking to me now. Just know something, your ex is an asshole for cheating on you.

For the first time that night, Anna smiled. That’s sweet, thank you. The truth is, not once when I was trying out for the team last season did I think I’d meet Kyran Black, much less that he’d offer a ride on his Harley on a cold winter’s night.

We both know I’d asked you out more than once. We had fun that night, right? The connection we shared, it wasn’t one-sided?

It was the best date of my life. When you didn’t call, I’d thought you realized I was too old for you and moved on. Besides, we’d made no promises to each other and you had every right to do so. But, if I’m to be honest, it hurt a lot more than anything Will did to me.

Aw, sugar, I’m sorry my silence hurt you, he said, removing the phone he’d hooked to his back pocket and holding it out for her. Here, give my friends Alex or Phalen a call, they’ll tell you how often I talked about trying to find you.

Why didn’t you?

Because you said no that night, Anna. What was I supposed to do, violate your decision or your privacy? What kind of man does that? Not me.

Really?

Really. My hope during the off season was to heal so I could get back to Alexandria and reconnect with you and play the game I love. 

Wait a minute, the last time I saw you was on TV when the Griffins played in Malibu and you were taken off the field on a stretcher. What happened to you, Kyran? I was so worried but Griffins’ brass is notoriously secretive and I didn’t want you to get in trouble if I were to try to find the answers.

Understand, this can’t get out or I’ll have reporters and paparazzi speculating whether I should’ve retired a long time ago.

You’ve my word.

During that game, I injured my left knee.

Oh no, did you need surgery?

No, MRI showed it was a grade one sprain, but it was the same that I’d blown out when I was with the Sharks and I stayed in California for treatment with the orthopedic and sports medicine specialist who’d salvaged my career.

I’m so glad you’re better. You’re moving well and you’re not listed on the injury report.

Dr. Hathaway is a miracle worker. Sometime soon, I’m hoping you’ll meet him. Not because I’m hurt, but because I count him as a friend.

How about we call a truce? I’m sure you’re busy and I really do have plans.

Kinda hoping they’ll change and you’ll let me take you out for coffee again. If not coffee, then we can find a diner or a place we can sit down and talk.

I’ll think about it, but I’d have to make a phone call first. If I don’t, my friends will call out reinforcements.

What kind of reinforcements are we talking about?

Tracey’s boyfriend is a cop and Grace is a private investigator.

Maybe I’ll introduce Grace to Phalen Maddox sometime, he’s a PI, too.

You’re assuming I’m going to agree to another date, aren’t you?

No, I’m not. The one thing you’ll always have with me is the choice, the right, to say yes or no, whether it’s a date or something more. My father died when I was twelve, but both he and my stepfather taught me no means no, yes means yes, and there’s no such thing as maybe.

I’m so sorry about your father, Kyran. I’d love to hear more about him.

Thank you, he was the best. Fortunately, I still have my mom, a stepdad who treats her right, a brother and two sisters, and a great big extended family. We’re an odd mix of Louisianan and Bostonian, but she taught us all the meaning of hard work, great cooking, and solving conflict over oatmeal.

Oatmeal? Seriously?

Yes. And, whenever I have a rough day or worry, I make myself oatmeal.

I’d think a guy from the south would choose grits over oatmeal.

Love them, but my mom made the best oatmeal, best food, really. She ran a diner that featured All-American grub, from southern fried chicken, gumbo and jambalaya to New England clam chowder, pot roast, and flapjacks the size of a platter.

I’d like to meet your family and try those flapjacks sometime.

Kyran’s hands brushed her back. Even through foam and fabric, she could feel the strength of his hands. He might be younger than her by five years, but in a game dominated by younger, faster quarterbacks, he could still stand in the pocket and deliver game-winning drives. 

You will when the time’s right. Relax, I don’t bite, he said when she trembled.

Didn’t think you would, she murmured.

He worked on the zipper for a minute and groaned in frustration. Anna, don’t be mad if I tear this.

Go ahead. I have a backup costume to wear while this one is repaired.

Can I have a kiss when I’m done?

Don’t be ridiculous.

Come on, it’s not every day I rescue a damsel in distress.

I’m not in distress. Fix it or I’ll find some scissors and do it myself, hero.

Ouch, okay. He suddenly tugged hard, the fabric standing no chance against his strength. Did you think about it, too?

It? You’ll have to be more specific.

Our date, the ride, the coffee, what happened when I took you back to the stadium? 

Of course, I did, you’re intelligent, love talking about football, don’t think it’s crazy for me to be a football coach, and you’re a damn fine kisser, Kyran Black.

So are you, Anna, never doubt it. More tearing followed, the suit falling to her elbows, the need pooling deep within her sex warning her that her panties were damp.

Please, I don’t know what came over me that night, she whispered.

Tell me you didn’t let me go that far with you because you’re one of my fans.

Never, the last thing on my mind at the time was fame or football. At least not until the security guard drove by and gave you two thumbs up.

Did you think that was staged? Kyran’s tearing had stopped, the suit down to her hips now.

No! I didn’t want you to think I was the kind of person who’d have a one-night stand with someone just because he’s famous.

Turn around, sugar, he said, aiding her then gently gripping her shoulders. I want to know something.

Don’t call me sugar, she argued, facing him. He was tall, muscled, and sexier than any man had the right to be, but he was thirty to her forty and way out of her league. What do you want, Kyran?

You, he said, his full, masculine mouth curved slightly up on the left side. The overhead lights reflected his deep blue eyes and scar. He looked fierce, like a predator, yet she wasn’t afraid. If we hadn’t stopped, would it have been one night for you?

Drawing as tall as she could, she stared up at him. It wasn’t every day she could do that with a man. No, it wouldn’t.

Good, because it wouldn’t have been for me, either.

Don’t you see? I was afraid. I’m still afraid.

His big hand came to rest beneath her chin, tilting her head back a fraction. What are you afraid of? That I’d hurt you? Turn to someone else while I’m with you? I’m the first to admit I’ve never been a saint with women, but infidelity isn’t one of my sins.

What are you saying?

I haven’t been with anyone since we met, Anna, not even a date.

You’re Kyran Black. What woman wouldn’t want you?

I’m hoping you do, he countered, her heart taking a little somersault. I’m really sorry for being so quiet while I was in California. If I’m to be honest with you, my pride took a hit, but I’ve always been one to never give up on something that’s worthwhile.

I’m sorry, too. Think we can start over?

How about where we left off? Still scared?

A little, yes. I’m not worried that you’d physically harm me, but sooner or later you’re going to find out that I’m not getting any younger.

Anna, I think you’re beautiful, sweet, open-minded, and fun. You were real with me and I’ve never had the kind of conversation that lingered for hours while the coffee went cold but the looks we shared were hotter than hell.

I believe you, I do. I just...if I say yes to a date with you tonight, what then?

It’s Friday night and I’m off until Monday. Hopefully, we’ll have another one tomorrow and the next day after that.

Yes, but I can count on one hand the men I’ve slept with, and so far, sex has been pretty disappointing. Let’s call it a night, okay?

Going on a date doesn’t mean you have to sleep with me.

Sorry, kinda jumped the gun there, huh?

No, share, talk to me, anything goes. The last thing I’d ever do is judge you. All I ask in return is honesty, same as I will be with you.

Can you give me a few minutes to think about it, please? My friends are waiting for me and it’s important that I let them know where I am.

Wouldn’t be at a strip club, would it?

An all-male revue, she confessed.

Hell, no, you’re not. He frowned, the stubbornness it must have taken to overcome an injury that might’ve ended another athlete’s career reflected by the set of his square jaw.

You don’t own me, Kyran Black.

You’re right, I don’t, but while you’re thinking about your options, hope you’ll remember how this felt, he said, catching her about the waist, their hips coming together as he bent closer, his mouth slanting over hers, kissing her like there was no tomorrow. 

Humming in need, Anna ran her arms up around his neck, her fingers spearing through his long hair. He felt incredible, tasted like sin and cinnamon and male heat. His deep groan promised he knew exactly what he was doing, his hips pushing against hers, making her aware of the length and thickness of his erection.

Drawing her lower lip between his teeth, he nipped hard, soothing the sting with whisper-light kisses. Damn, he murmured, easing back enough to look down at her, his eyes intense, aware. What you do to me is indescribable. May I kiss you again, Anna? 

Please, she replied, nodding, his mouth reclaiming hers.

His arm about her waist tightened without restricting movement, bringing her into contact with his hard cock, the thickness, the warmth penetrating the material of her costume. Moaning aloud, she welcomed the stroke of his left hand sweeping her hair back behind her ear, his kiss tantalizing, sexy, inviting her to play, to nip, to give and to take.

A whirring sound at the door behind them brought his head up. What the hell was that?

I don’t know. Could have been security checking on us. Great, she hoped not, the last thing she needed was another guard spotting them making out like teenagers.

Without delay, he let her go and went over to the door, opening it to step outside and look both ways. Hallway’s deserted. Maybe the guard was driving by on a cart or something.

It would make sense, since there were a number of golf cart-style vehicles security used to get around the underbelly of Griffins Nest Stadium. For the safety of the players, cheerleaders, coaches, trainers, and staffers, access to locker rooms, medical clinic, and offices were gained after going through security and everyone had to have an ID keycard. 

Probably. Look, I’m going to take a shower. We can talk when I’m done. Okay?

Kyran leaned back against the door again. Go ahead, promise, I’ll wait for you as long as it takes. Unless you’d like some help?

I think I can handle this one alone. Thank you, she said, feeling safer because he was there.

Maybe she was crazy for trusting him so easily, but she never once thought he was the kind of man who’d take advantage of her while they were alone. When she’d said no the first time, he didn’t get angry or attempt to persuade otherwise. He simply asked for her number and made sure she got into her CR-V. Even then, he waited on his motorcycle, the sight of him in his heavy-duty leather jacket and helmet in her rear-view mirror the last thing she saw as she drove to the exit and went off in the opposite direction.

Anything I should do while you’re cleaning up?

Yes. Could you look up the contact information for Tracey Adams or Grace Daniels on my phone and send a text letting them know I’m okay? It’s in my locker.

Sure. Does that mean you’re not going to a strip club after all?

All male-revue, she corrected. Jury’s still out.

You’re going to be hell on my ego, aren’t you?

Not deliberately, I’m still not sure about us.

See that, you said ‘us’. I’ll call that a win. Anything else?

If security comes by again, could you ask for a little extra time?

Yep, he said, watching as she stepped out of her costume and headed for her changing area to grab a towel and a change of clothes.

Disappearing inside the shower room, she went to the last stall on the right, glad to stow her things on a ledge, undress to the skin, and drench herself beneath the powerful spray.

Chapter Two

Freckles!

Anna’s soft fair skin was dotted with tempting little freckles. He’d noticed them on her face from the beginning and wondered if she’d have them all over. Knowing she did, yeah, that was icing on the cake for him.

Hell, Anna James was everything he loved in a woman. Tall, fit, an ass made for sin, breasts just right for his big hands, curves in all the right places, long legs that could wrap around a man’s hips and hold on tight.

Her eyes, vibrant green, had been the first thing he saw when he woke up in the morning, the last when he closed his eyes at night.

Needing to slow down or do something to ease his hard-on, he waited until he heard the shower running before walking toward where Anna had gone. Easily, he tracked down the mascot’s nook, cordoned off to the left side of ten cubicles.

Each was large enough for a cheerleader or mascot to have their own table, chair, mirror, vanity, two-drawer dresser, and locker. It was nice, providing enough room for individuality and comfort.

In the nook, it wasn’t the cartoonish eagle’s head and wings that gave him pause. It was the little black dress hanging from a rod that made him feel as if he’d been blitzed from his blindside.

Damn, he wanted to see her in that dress, not to mention the stockings hanging next to it, garters, and sexy black stilettos. Shit! She really had planned to go to a male strip club. 

Burying the burn of jealousy when he heard a phone chime, he looked through the locker carefully, finding a black purse. Opening it, he saw a smartphone with a black and gold case and took it in hand, the initials of the school where she taught and coached on the back.

Reminding himself that he needed to slow down, he touched the screen, the first thing he