Third and Long

Rules are meant to be broken, especially when your back is against the wall.

Nico Thunder rules the field. As the quarterback of the Bearcats, he knows what he wants and takes it. There’s one exception. Kaja Wright makes him hot in all the right places, but she’s off limits. The rule states no interoffice dating. He can’t get her out of his mind.

He’s been in sticky situations before. Can he get out of this third-and long-situation, or will he be forced to punt before he finds his heart’s delight?

“I’ve also been trying all year to get you to talk to me. I’ve stayed out of trouble. Other than the rule about dating staff, what do you have against me?” Nico rested his hands on his hips.

The khaki pants conformed to his body like a second skin. They’d probably been tailored just for him. Damn it. Why did he have to be so handsome…and off limits?

“I don’t have anything against you.” She shrugged and walked away from him. “You’re a nice guy.”

“Do you see me?” He placed himself between her and the party. “Be honest.”

“I see you.” What the hell did he mean by all this? She wanted to sidestep him, but didn’t. She’d never realized how intimidating he could be when he wanted to.

“You see me as a dick, just like the other players.” He massaged his temples, and his gaze fell. “Christ.”

“If the pigskin fits,” she snapped. She needed space and a chance to breathe. He overwhelmed her.

“I want you to see the real me. The one that’s not causing trouble or getting anyone pregnant. I’ve kept my nose clean.” His voice dropped to a whisper she barely heard over the din of the party. “I want you to like me.”

“You’re staff.” His sincerity touched her. Hell, he hadn’t tried to grope her or anything like the other players. He was a good man, and part of her did like him. But she had to keep him at arm’s length. “You know my rule about dating staff. It’s a big no-no.” He knew better than to put her in this position. He wasn’t worth getting fired.

Nico frowned. He brushed a lock of her hair away from her forehead. The small gesture brought shivers from deep in her being. She bit back a groan. The scent of his cologne wrapped around her—woody and manly. Did manliness really have a scent? She wasn’t sure.