Hale: A Single Dad Sports Romance (Hale Brothers)

Boring. Boring. Boring. I scroll through my feed faster than a cheetah runs after its prey. I ignore cute dogs, food recipes, dances, and—God forbid—books. My to-read list is so long, I’ll need another life to be able to finish everything. So I’ve been staying away from all new book recommendations, even if they’re tempting.

I sigh, lock my phone, and toss it on my bed. Two hours. I just need to wait for two more hours before I pick up Story from school. It’s nothing unusual, except for the fact that her dad is home. Hunter barely talks to me if it’s not about his daughter. Yes, it’s something I wished for a month ago. Yes, it’s less awkward this way, but he makes me feel like I’m annoying and unwelcome, and that’s not how I want to feel when I spend almost twenty-four seven with someone.

When was the last decent conversation we had that wasn’t about Story? Exactly a month ago, when I found him in the kitchen as I put some cheesecake in the fridge. That’s when he decided to bring up my hickey again. He insinuated I have a boyfriend and told me I can go out. Because I’m young. Well, Mr. Hale, if you’d bother to talk to me, you would know how much I love spending time at home. Instead, he made assumptions and dragged his pompous ass out of the room. Asshole.

I plop myself down on my back and stare at the ceiling. I love Story. I love my job; it’s a blessing. Two more months, and I’ll have enough money to pay for my next year of college. I was also able to buy some nice stuff for my little sister; she was thrilled. It’s all good, but…Hunter makes it hard to fully enjoy it. His presence and his emotionless stare play on my nerves even more than the sound of nails across a chalkboard. He’s just weird.

Patting my hand over my covers, I grab my phone again and unlock it. It’s only been three minutes? I’m screwed. I sit up and look around the room. Why should I feel like a hostage in his house? Why do I need to stay locked in here just because he stayed home for some reason? It’s on him if my presence irritates him. He’s free to go to his room and do whatever he pleases. I don’t care.

I scramble off the bed, beeline to my walk-in closet, and quickly take out my swimsuit. We all have our own routines, and swimming has been mine since I started living in this house. I often do laps when I don’t have anything better to do, when everything is ready for Story to come home and I still have time to kill. Why can’t I enjoy that now? It’s ridiculous. He said so himself—I’m free to do whatever I want. And right now? I want to swim.

Once I’m in my one-piece swimsuit, I look at myself in the mirror. It’s all good, but for some reason I don’t like it. I want something else…something more revealing. What. The. Fuck? Piper Meadow Evans, are you looking for trouble? Because it feels like it.

Suppressing all my dirty thoughts, I change into my pink bikini, pull my dress on, grab a towel, and stomp toward the backyard. The house is silent, and I wonder if I missed him leaving for practice or somewhere else. I’m sure he wouldn’t have given me heads-up. So what if he left? Even better.

The second I get to the backyard, I want to be back in my room. Hunter fucking Hale is here, and he just got out of the pool. Water is dripping down his form, and he runs his fingers through his dark brown hair, holding his face up to the sun. My lower abdomen instantly warms, and my clit pulsates. Those pecs, ripped muscles, and rock-hard abs make my mouth water. But who cares?

The right side of his chest is covered with tattoos. They go down his right arm and all the way to his wrist. The mix of thick black lines, geometric symbols, and abstract patterns interlocked into one composition makes me want to look closer.

I drag my eyes down his body, and they become fixed on his crotch—he’s fucking huge!

Hunter lowers his gaze, and our eyes meet. Good thing I could finally focus on his face, because the last thing I want is him seeing me eye his dick. Because I was. Just a heartbeat ago. I’m such a desperate little shit. Memories of the orgasm I gave myself come rushing back, and I’m having a hard time concentrating on what’s happening now.

I bite my inner cheek, squirming in pain, but at least I’m back to reality. Okay, I can do this. I came to swim, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Swim. And maybe eye-fuck my boss, because that’s the only thing that flashes in my mind. It’s like I’m fixated on the idea. Or I’m just feeling unsatisfied and extra horny, and that’s the reason I’m considering jumping his bones. Oh my God. I should’ve agreed to go to the party with Hayden last weekend. I could’ve hooked up with someone and solved my problem. Yet I stayed home, watching movies with Story and my sister, who came over for a sleepover. Yay to Hunter for letting Riley stay, nay to me for ignoring my urges. I’m hopeless.

Giving my boss a tense smile, I saunter closer to the pool. Hunter’s gaze moves down my body, and my nipples pebble immediately. The way I react to him is absolutely brainless, no matter what we’re doing, especially if we’re arguing. When that happens—and it happens way too often for my liking—I get close to an orgasm just by putting the asshole in his place. The weird sensations in my lower abdomen quickly speed up and spread through my body, forcing me to almost come. I’ve never experienced anything like it around any other guy, and I can’t blame it on lack of experience. Just…there is something really exquisite about him, unique and overly erotic, something that awakens so many different emotions within me, so most of the time I feel lost. And today isn’t an exception.

I hesitate, stopping by the pool, and my fingers fly to the hem of my dress. I need to take it off if I want to swim. Easy-peasy, right? Well, yes, but not when my hot boss, aka my best friend’s brother, stands near me wearing only his briefs. Ugh, wrong thought, Piper.

“The water is nice.” I turn my head toward the sound of his voice and meet his gaze.

“I know. I swim almost every day.”

“Really?” He half-turns to me. “I’ve never seen you by the pool.”

“That’s because I prefer to swim in the mornings when I’m not bothering anyone.”

“You can swim whenever you want; you’re not bothering me.” I nod, and he peers at me. “So, are you an early bird?”

I wrinkle my brows and tilt my head. “What?”

“Are you a morning person, Piper?” This time I realize what he means.

“Definitely. There are so many things you can finish faster if you start working earlier.”

Hunter laughs, and the sound scatters all over my skin. It’s deep and a bit husky—and also incredibly sexy. Yeah, Piper, such a great idea to think about your boss like that. It’s not enough you’re dreaming about him at night, waking up with clenched thighs because your pussy is dripping. It’s becoming a huge problem, and I’m not sure how to change it…aside from quitting.

“Any plans for today?” I ask, finally deciding to take off my dress. My hair spills over my bare shoulders the second I’m in only my bikini. I collect my hair into a messy bun as I wait for Hunter’s answer. I put my dress and towel on the sunbed, and my breath gets stuck in my throat when I meet his gaze. The way he looks at me sends shivers down my spine.

“Not really. I have a press conference tomorrow since my first game is on Wednesday. Everyone wants to know what Hunter Hale is thinking. Surprisingly.” He plops down onto the second sunbed. His eyes never leave my face.

“Story’s very excited to go to your first game. She wants to see her dad play,” I say, lowering myself on the edge of the pool and putting my legs in the water. When I look over my shoulder, I lock eyes with Hunter, who sits with his elbows on his knees. “What about you? Are you excited to be back in the game?”

“Of course. I missed being on the pitch. It was my whole life for a very long time, so this break took a toll on me.”

“But the season ends in October and doesn’t restart until February. What are you going to do during the break?” And, most importantly, what am I going to do during his break?

“Well, there will be playoffs in November. And after that, I’ll still be practicing, to stay in shape. I’ve also planned something…for my future, and I just hope everything will work out.” His lips suddenly curl into a grin, and he arches an eyebrow at me. “I’ll still need a nanny for Story. I’ll still need you.”

Oh no, Mr. Hale. No, no, no. Take it back. These butterflies in my stomach drive me up the wall, but at the same time…I can’t help but smile. “Good. Because I love Story, and I love being your—her nanny.”

“Did you almost say ‘your nanny’?” He laughs, putting a hand on his belly.

“You could’ve pretended you didn’t notice,” I huff and slide into the water, boring my gaze into his yet again.

“And let a golden opportunity to tease you go to waste? Nah.” Asshole. But the way he smiles at me makes my heart melt. Hunter is a very handsome man, charming and hot. And he can be absofuckinglutely awesome…when he doesn’t act like a jackass.

“I see you enjoying making me squirm.”

“What’s not to enjoy?” he murmurs, licking his lips, and I trace the movement of his tongue with my heated gaze. I’m hot and bothered all over again, and I’m in the fucking water, where it’s supposed to be cool. “Hayden was right. He said you’re cute when you’re feeling shy.”

“I thought you liked me angry,” I blurt without thinking, and I instantly want to disappear. His gaze darkens, and he takes a long, shaky breath. “I just…we argue a lot, and⁠—”

“I wouldn’t say we argue.” Hunter stands up. “We just don’t see eye to eye sometimes.”

“Yeah…” I trail off, keeping myself above water even if I want to disappear from view.

“Enjoy your swim,” he says.

My eyes zero in on his butt as he pads into the house. Is there any part of him that isn’t perfect? It sure doesn’t look like it. What’s more…he’s bringing out the bad in me, and I’m acting like a brat who thinks that flirting and arguing with their boss is okay.

It’s official: I’m the worst.

I do five laps and realize my head isn’t in it. That was the first decent conversation I’ve had with Hunter in weeks, and then I ruined it with my flirting. The man was just teasing me, but I took it as encouragement. Even if there is some attraction, it’s just because he’s single and I’m constantly around. I don’t need to be a genius to figure that out.

I climb out of the water, grab my towel, and quickly dry my body. With my dress and my wet towel in my hands, I head into the house. Unfortunately, swimming didn’t bring me any solace today. Good thing Hayden is coming over tonight. With him around, things are easier.

I pass Hunter’s room and hear the faint sound of water running. Is he taking a shower? My cheeks feel warm, and I shut my eyes. This is becoming ridiculous, I swear. I need to let out this frustration. The Sabotage show on Saturday can’t come soon enough, because I need to get out and unwind. Staying professional is a must for me, and I intend to do everything in my power to keep my panties on and my thoughts in check. The last thing I want is to think of him again when I masturbate.

I close my bedroom door, go to my bathroom, and open the drawer to take out my hairdryer. My hand hovers over it, ready to seize it and work a little magic, but instead I feel paralyzed. Is this really happening?

I move closer and press my ear to the wall. Listening carefully, I try to muffle my inner voice and all the thoughts it continues to produce, and soon all I hear is the sound of water from Hunter’s en suite. I’m almost ready to move away when I hear it again. A low grumble, a louder groan, and then my name. Again and again and again.

My jaw drops as I press my back to the wall. My eyes are wide and unblinking, and my heart gallops. Hunter Hale is in the shower just behind this wall, jerking off…while calling my name. Does it mean he likes me? Or is he just lonely and sexually deprived? Or both? I don’t know what to think, but I know what I’m going to do.

Slipping my hand under my panties, I touch my clit. I close my eyes at once, as soon as this feeling settles in. It feels too good. Too arousing. Too sensational. Picking up the pace, I fingerfuck myself, listening to Hunter getting off behind the wall.

What if it’s not just him bringing out the bad in me? What if I’m doing the same to him?