He went toe-to-toe with their wide receiver Trevor Shay on a long pass from JW Zeman, their quarterback. Barrett stayed in step and batted the pass away.
"Fuck me," Shay said, as they ran it off.
"Sucking a little wind there, Shay?" Barrett asked.
Trevor laughed. "Bite me, Cassidy. I'll burn you on the next one."
"We'll see."
Shay burned him on the next one.
"Asshole," Barrett said, as Trevor trotted back with the ball in his hand and a grin on his face.
"Wanna see me do it again?"
"Fuck off, Shay."
Trevor laughed.
They trotted back to the line, and this time Drake dropped back in zone coverage, Zeman threw the pass and Drake covered it for an incomplete pass.
At the break, they were called in for a meeting with Allen Quarles, their defensive coordinator. They went over the plays from the previous day and watched films, then had lunch and had some free time.
Barrett met up with Drake at the lounge area.
"Feeling good?" Drake asked.
"Like lightning in a bottle."
Drake grinned. "Yeah, me too. Ready for camp to be done. First preseason game next week. We have a practice game against Miami tomorrow. I can't wait."
"Me, either. Defense is solid and I think we're going to kick ass this season."
"We're going to kick Pittsburgh's ass in game one, that's for sure.
"At home. I'm ready to hear the crowd noise."
As they made their way back outside, Drake slapped him on the back. "Gonna be loud."
"And we're gonna give them a win, start the season off right and kick some ass."
"Hell yeah, brother."
This was what Barrett loved about football season, about his friendship with Drake. They were in sync, they were ready to play, and together, they could do anything.
Including kick some serious ass.
Now was the time for football season.
Thirty-Two
Harmony was nervous as she stood in Barrett's house waiting for him to show up. The transformation had been tremendous.
She'd spent the past week putting the finishing touches on his house. She and Barrett had shopped together and though he'd told her he really hated shopping, he'd given her free rein to pick and choose everything from living room furniture to nearly everything in the bedrooms. He told her he was going to rent out his condo furnished, so everything in this house was going to be new.
She'd never had more fun shopping. He'd probably had a lot less fun, but he'd been a great sport about it. They'd spent many nights after his long days of practice at furniture showrooms.
But, at least to her, it had all been worth it. As she walked around, she could see him occupying the spaces.
Walls were in place, drywall and paint had been completed, as had flooring and the entire kitchen.
The house didn't look at all the same as it had when she'd first walked in all those weeks ago. Of course, that didn't surprise her in the least. Jeff and his team were miracle workers. And she was happy with her design choices. With all the new furniture in place, from artwork to pillows to the flowers on the kitchen table, this home had her personal touch all over the place. But she'd also kept in mind who Barrett was, and she hoped she knew him well enough by now to know his likes and his dislikes, and who he was as a person. That always reflected on her design choices. Barrett was a man--definitely all man. Nothing frilly or fancy for him. But she also wanted the home to be aesthetically pleasing.
She hoped Barrett approved.
She heard his car pull up in the driveway, so she smoothed her hands over her dress, fluffed her hair, then went to the front door and opened it.
She stepped outside, smiling at him as she pulled the door shut behind her.
He cocked his head to the side. "It's not ready?"
"It's absolutely ready."
"Then why are we outside?"
"I'm just . . . delaying."
"Because . . ."
"I'm a little nervous, Barrett."
His brows raised. "You? Nervous? This is a first. Come on, gorgeous, show me what you've done."
"Before we go in, I want you to know if there's anything--anything at all--that you don't like, we can change it. It won't hurt my feelings at all."
He reached around her and turned the knob, then brushed his lips across hers. "I'm sure it's going to be great. Let's go take a look."
Since he'd pushed the door open, she had no choice but to take a deep breath and follow him inside. She closed the door and stood at the entry, waiting for him to take his first look at the remodeled living room.
It was now open and expansive, the once formal living area now not so formal. They'd redone the fireplace so it was more modern with stone, and a TV was mounted above it. Two sofas sat across from each other, with plenty of seating for guests. The room now had French doors that led out to the sunroom. Barrett didn't say anything, just walked through the doors and into the sunroom.
Biting her bottom lip, Harmony followed him.
"Wow," he finally said. "I like this room."
She grinned. "I thought you might."
The sunroom had been created to provide a play area when the weather wasn't so great outside. There was a bar set off to the side, a TV mounted on the wall, tables and chairs at both ends, along with a pool table that would double as a Ping-Pong table. It was a true entertainment area. And beyond the sunroom was the backyard.
"I love the yard," Barrett said, as he stepped through the door.
"I do, too," she said, moving next to him. "I think the landscaper did a great job with planting tall trees and bushes near the hot tub and against the house and surrounding the pool to afford privacy, but still providing enough of an opening so you'll be able to see the water from the family room."
He nodded. "It's perfect."
So far, so good.
They went back in through the sunroom and French doors, then continued through the living room and into the dining room, where there was a large solid wood table big enough to fit the entire Cassidy family and then some.
Barrett swept his fingertips along the table as they walked by. "I remember choosing this table. I really like it. My dad will like it. And my mom will love these chairs with the pattern on the cushions." He turned to her. "But it's not fussy, so I like it, too."
Her lips curved. Score another one for the dining room.
They made their way into the kitchen, which was one of Harmony's favorite rooms.
Now she saw Barrett really smile. "Yeah, this is totally different, isn't it?"
"Yes. I love the gray granite countertops and the dark wood cabinetry," she said. "Plus, the appliances are all killer. I would love to cook at that six-burner stove."
"I think putting the wine fridge in here was a good idea," he said, opening it up and grinning at the wine stock. "I'm glad you fought me for it."
"I think you'll be happy it's here."
"I'm happy the whole thing is here. It was such a big kitchen, but man it was ugly before. Now it's awesome. I really like the island with all the seating. Good place to throw a party."
She laughed. "Barrett, your entire house is a good place to throw a party now."
"True. I guess I'll have to have one, then."
"I guess you will. Are you ready to head upstairs?"
He nodded, and she followed him upstairs. Two of the three spare bedrooms had been redone with tile floors that looked like wood, as was the rest of the house. It would be perfect for the weather and people coming in with wet feet from the pool. For the spare bedrooms, Barrett had decided on queen beds. The other bedroom had been turned into an office for Barrett. He'd chosen the one with a view of the water, and they'd decided on built-in furniture that fit the room, but left the closet intact so that at any point he could convert the room back into a bedroom.
In the master bedroom, there was plenty of space for a nice, king-sized bed, and sti
ll room for two chairs and a sitting area.
"Wow," he said, noting the light coming in. "Widening and lengthening the windows made all the difference. Now with the French doors leading out to the deck, there's an amazing amount of light in this room. And I'm glad we went with the shutters. Like you, I want it dark in here when I sleep."
"I'm so glad you like it." She was beyond happy, actually. He hadn't once mentioned anything about the decor or the renovation that he disliked.
And when he walked into the master bathroom, he took a deep breath, then let it out. "You were so right about this shower, Harmony. I'm going to love this."
"I agree. I'm actually kind of jealous of that steam shower, Barrett. Steam, multiple showerheads, single spray or multifunction, multiple jets . . ."
"I love when you talk dirty."
She laughed.
He put his arm around her and tugged her against him. "Do you think you won't be using it? Or any other room in this house? It's not like I've been using you for design skills, and now that the house is done I intend to dump you."
Her heart leaped. "So, I don't have to worry about being kicked to the curb now that you're moving in here?"
He laughed. "No. I already have thoughts of dragging you into that oversized shower with me."
He pulled her toward the shower, but she placed her hands very firmly on his chest. "Oh, no. No shower for me. I have a client appointment this afternoon."
He bent and nuzzled her neck, making chill bumps break out on her skin. "Cancel it."
She clutched his shoulders, her body pulsing with sudden need. "So what you're saying is that a walk-through of your new place was a turn-on?"
"No. Walking next to you while you're wearing that hot dress is a turn-on."
He kissed her and she fell into the taste of him, the way his mouth always worked a dizzying array of magic on her senses. She'd been pent up this week, focused on nothing but work. So had Barrett, and they hadn't spent any time together. She missed his mouth on her, the way he always touched her when he kissed her, the way he made her melt all over.
He swept his hands over her dress, then lifted it, cupping her butt. He picked her up and carried her to the bed, laying her down on it.
"What do you say we christen this nice new house the proper way?"
Her lips curved. "Appointment, Barrett."
He bent and licked the curve of her breasts. "I'd rather not make an appointment with you for sex, Harmony. How about I make you come instead?"
The business side of her wanted to object, but then he lifted her dress, drew down her panties and planted his mouth on her sex. The business side of her dissolved in a puddle. Now, she was simply a woman who craved the release her man could give her.
She fisted the comforter in her hands, disregarding the care she'd taken in smoothing out every possible wrinkle. At this moment she only cared about his mouth, his lips and his tongue, and the way he glided smoothly along her clit and pussy, making her clench and lift against him as she catapulted her way toward orgasm.
And when it hit, she arched and cried out, her entire body shaking from the cataclysm of her climax that had been denied for too long.
Barrett stood, grabbed a condom out of his pocket and unzipped his pants. He pulled her to the edge of the bed and slid inside of her in one smooth motion.
Still quaking with aftershocks of that incredible orgasm, her pussy vibrated around his cock.
Barrett leaned over the bed, bracing his hands on either side of her. His soft gaze penetrated her as he stilled his movements, making her quiver with unexpected emotion.
"When I'm inside you like this, I feel like I never want to let go of you. I could stay like this forever."
She blinked back the tears that welled in her eyes, unsure of what to say in response.
She was in love with him, and the emotion tore at her. With Barrett buried deep inside of her, she knew with one hundred percent certainty that he was the only man for her, and always would be.
But she didn't know if what he was talking about was love, or just sex. So she wasn't going to tell him how she felt.
He began to move within her, easing in and out of her so slowly it was unbearable in the sweetest, most torturous way. She felt every inch of him, and when he pushed in all the way, burying himself deep and grinding against her to rub his body against her clit, she moaned.
"I love those sounds you make," he said. "They make my cock even harder. They make me want to fuck you hard and come in you."
She met his gaze, giving him a slight tilt of her lips. "Wasn't this supposed to be a quickie?"
He grinned down at her. "Yeah, but I can't seem to do it fast when I'm with you. I want to linger, to feel you for as long as I can. To watch you when you come."
He brushed his fingers lightly over her clit, making her gasp. "Yes. Make me come again, Barrett."
"I want you to remember this first time at my house, Harmony. Remember this first time in my bed. No man will ever make you come like this."
She already knew that. His voice was embedded in her heart, his body was enmeshed with hers. There was no one else for her. There could be no one else for her, because she loved him. And as he moved within her and used his fingers to take her to the very height of reason, she fell, his name spilling from her lips as she came.
He dropped down over her and kissed her, pistoning his cock faster and faster, prolonging her climax and making her moan against his lips. And when he groaned with his orgasm, it only heightened hers more.
After they caught their breath, he kissed her, a deep, soul-shattering kiss that made her tremble. He broke the kiss and met her gaze. "Sorry for the lack of a quickie."
She smiled. "I don't think you're sorry at all."
He held out his hand and lifted her off the bed. "You're right. I'm not."
She dashed into the bathroom to clean up, then straightened her dress, which fortunately would de-wrinkle in the Tampa humidity.
They went downstairs, where, unfortunately, there was nothing to drink. She'd stop somewhere before her next appointment and grab something cold.
"So you really like the house?" she asked.
"I really love the house. I'll move in over the next couple of days. I'm already packed."
"I'm so glad."
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, this time a long, lingering kiss that was warm and tender and made her want to cancel her appointments for the rest of the day so she could stay with him.
But she had a job to do. So she pulled away. "I've gotta go."
"Yeah, me too. You're coming to the game Sunday afternoon, right?"
"Of course. Mama and I wouldn't miss it. And I expect you to slay the opponent."
He grinned. "I intend to."
She wanted to say the words. They hovered on the tip of her tongue. But she didn't.
"I'll see you later, Barrett."
"Okay."
Barrett headed back to his condo. He'd spent the past few days packing up the things he was going to take over to the house.
He was just about finished taping up all the boxes. As he looked over the condo, he realized he was not going to miss it. Especially after seeing the renovated new house.
Harmony had done a great job. From the art on the walls to the sheets on the bed, it was perfect, and just as he wanted it.
Now he just had to convince her to move in with him.
She was independent, and it was one of the things he loved about her. So she might not go for it.
First things first, though. He'd have to have that long-put-off conversation with Drake. Once that was out of the way, he could move forward with Harmony.
He wanted her in his life. In his bed. In his future.
He was in love with her. He didn't want to spend any more nights without her.
He just had to get through this first preseason game, and have that talk with Drake.
And then he'd have a big conversation with Harmony about their fu
ture.
Thirty-Three
It was the first preseason game. Barrett always felt like he'd waited forever for the season to start. Now it was here, and he was damn ready for it.
Drake gave him a crooked smile as they dressed for the game. "Defense is gonna dominate today."
"You know it."
"Then we're gonna take the season."
Barrett was pumped, and he felt the adrenaline rush from his teammates.
They gathered for a team meeting and their coach gave them a pep talk, told them what to watch out for in terms of the other team's defense and offense. Then it was time to take the field.
About damn time. Barrett had all this pent-up energy, and he was ready to expend it on some offensive players.
He had a feeling this was going to be a good game. And it was going to end in their favor.
As they waited in the tunnel, he thought about his family, always behind him. The Cassidys were a dynasty. Barrett was proud to be a part of that dynasty.
Tucker had been the first one to text him this morning to wish him luck, and then added: Not that you need it.
He'd smiled. Coming from Tucker, that had been one hell of a compliment, since they mostly insulted each other. But when it came to the sports they played, they always had each other's backs when it was game time.
Flynn had his own first game today. San Francisco was playing Detroit on the road. Flynn had texted him last night and told him he'd better win and not besmirch the family name. That had made him laugh. He'd wished Flynn luck, too, and told him they were both going to kick ass.
Grant wouldn't play until Monday night, a home game in St. Louis. Grant had texted him this morning as well. He told him he'd be watching the game on TV and he'd better not fuck up.
He loved his brothers. Pains in the asses, all of them, but he loved them all.
His parents had called him this morning to wish him luck. His little sister, Mia, had also called, kept the call short and said she'd be watching the game from one of the sports bars in her college town in Texas.
Harmony had called him first thing this morning. She'd had a late client meeting, so they hadn't seen each other last night, and he had to be game ready anyway. But she'd called him, wished him luck and told him she'd be rooting for him and for Drake and the entire team.