Part 31 ( Ellie )

The jersey sits in the passenger seat, neatly folded, the bold white letters of my last name standing out against the dark fabric. It's stupid, how much I've been looking over at it like it's going to say something back.

I drum my fingers against the steering wheel, eyes flicking between the road and the clock on the dashboard.

7:42 PM.

Not too late.

I exhale through my nose, pressing my foot just a little harder on the gas. It's not nerves. I don't get nervous about this kind of thing. But there's something about tonight, about the idea of Juliet wearing my name on her back, sitting in the stands tomorrow, watching me play, that sends a weird little thrill up my spine.

The city lights blur past me as I turn down the familiar streets, the route to her place already burned into my memory.

I reach for the volume dial, turning the music up, something easy, that keeps my mind from running too far ahead. But it doesn't matter. My thoughts are already on her.

I pull up to the building, handing off my keys to the valet. The doorman barely glances at me before opening the door, already recognizing me.

Right.

Because I've been here before. More times than I should have.

I step into the lobby, the marble floors reflecting the warm lighting above, and head toward the private elevator that leads up to her place.

I watch the numbers climb.

By the time it slows, my pulse has settles. The doors open, revealing the private entrance to her penthouse, and I step out.

Jersey in hand.

I knock once.

Twice.

The door swings open, and there she is, Juliet Baldwin, standing in the dim glow of her penthouse, looking like she belongs in a Vogue spread rather than answering her front door.

Her gaze flickers over me, then down to the jersey in my hands, before meeting my eyes again.

"Hey." I murmur.

She hums, a quiet, knowing sound. "Hey."

A beat passes before she leans in, her perfume wrapping around me as she presses a soft, peck to my lips. I sigh into it, just a little, before pulling back, smirking. "That my official welcome?"

Juliet quirks a brow. "Would you like a different one?"

I chuckle, shaking my head, then lift the jersey between us. "Brought you something."

She takes it, unfolding it slightly, her fingers smoothing over the fabric, over my last name. A flicker of amusement, curiosity, maybe something deeper, crosses her face.

Her thumb drags over the stitching before she lifts her gaze to mine. "Looks expensive."

I smirk. "Only the best for you."

Juliet rolls her eyes, but there's the smallest twitch of a smile at the corner of her lips. She steps aside, nodding toward the penthouse. "Well? Are you coming in, or are we doing this at the door?"

I step inside without hesitation, letting the door click shut behind me.

Juliet tucks the jersey under her arm as she walks deeper into the penthouse, her bare feet silent against the sleek flooring.

I glance around, the dim lighting giving everything a golden glow.

Juliet moves toward the open bar, reaching for a bottle of red wine and two glasses. "Drink?"

I smirk, leaning against the counter. "Are we celebrating?"

She casts a glance over her shoulder, pouring the wine effortlessly. "You tell me. Do you think I look good in your colors?"

I huff a laugh, pushing off the counter and stepping closer. "Haven't even seen you in it yet."

She hums, lifting the glass to her lips. "Maybe you should."

I tilt my head, watching her, watching the way her fingers curve around the glass. "You planning on putting on a show, Baldwin?"

She takes a slow sip before setting the glass down. "You brought me a jersey," she says, all smooth and casual. "Would be rude not to try it on."

My chest tightens. I'm trying very hard not to let my thoughts go somewhere completely unholy.

Juliet must see the way I tense, because she smirks, brushing past me on her way to the bedroom. "Give me a second."

I exhale through my nose, shaking my head as I grab my wine. She's ridiculous.

I take a slow sip, letting the warmth settle, before setting the glass down and rubbing a hand over my jaw. This woman is going to be the death of me.

A minute later, she walks back in.

Wearing my jersey.

Just my jersey.

It drapes just past her upper thighs, the sleeves loose over her arms, the fabric hanging effortlessly off her frame. And right there, between her shoulder blades, stitched in bold white letters, Crawford.

I stare.

"Something wrong?" she muses, strolling back toward me like she's not currently trying to take me out.

I drag my eyes up, meeting hers. "Yeah." My voice is lower than I expect. "I have to play a game tomorrow, and now all I'm going to be thinking about is you wearing that."

She tsks, picking up her glass again. "Sounds like a you problem."

I huff a breath, shaking my head. "Oh, you're evil."

She takes a slow sip, eyes glinting over the rim. "You knew that already."

I step closer, letting my fingers brush against the fabric where it hangs loose at her waist. "It suits you."

Juliet tilts her chin up slightly. "Mm. Comfortable, too. Maybe I'll keep it."

I raise a brow. "Oh, you think you can just steal my jersey?"

She shrugs, taking another sip. "Possession is nine-tenths of the law, isn't it?"

I exhale, shaking my head. "Unbelievable."

Juliet smirks and turns, walking toward the couch. I take the moment to recover, following after her. She sinks into the cushions, stretching her legs over the ottoman, completely at ease.

I sit beside her, resting my arm along the back of the couch. She shifts slightly, her knee bumping against mine.

For a few moments, we just sit there, sipping our wine, the city lights glowing through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It's quiet, easy. A kind of comfortable I don't always get to have.

She tilts her head, running a hand over the fabric of the jersey draped over her frame. "So, what happens if you lose tomorrow?"

I scoff, leaning back against the couch. "I don't lose."

She lifts a brow. "No?"

"Nope." I take a slow sip of my wine. "Not when you're in the stands."

Juliet hums, tapping a finger against the rim of her glass. "Is that so?"

"Mmhmm." I glance at her, smirking. "You're my good luck charm."

She rolls her eyes, but there's the smallest flicker of amusement in them. "Sounds like superstition."

"Maybe." I shrug, setting my glass down. "Or maybe I just play better when you're watching."

Juliet turns slightly, her legs shifting against mine, deliberate. "That's a lot of pressure, Crawford."

I huff a laugh. "Please, you love having that kind of power over me."

She smirks. "I do." Then she takes a sip, eyes watching me over the rim of her glass. "So, what's in it for me if you win?"

I lean in slightly, resting my arm along the back of the couch, my fingers barely grazing her shoulder. "What do you want?"

Juliet pretends to think about it, dragging it out just to make me sweat. "Hmm... a good dinner. A real one, not just whatever post-game junk food you usually get."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Okay. I'll take you somewhere nice."

She raises a brow. "And?"

"And?" I echo, amused.

Juliet smirks, shifting closer, her knee pressing into mine. "And if I really like the game, maybe I'll consider keeping the jersey on a little longer."

I drag my fingers lightly along the fabric where it hangs loose over her thigh. "Baldwin, you say stuff like that and expect me to focus tomorrow?"

Juliet smiles against the rim of her glass before setting it down and turning fully toward me. "Better make sure you win, then."

I smirk, curling my fingers around her knee. "Oh, I will."

And then I lean in, pressing a kiss to her jaw, slow, lingering. Her breath hitches just slightly, and I grin against her skin.

"Gotta make sure I earn that win, right?" I murmur.

Juliet tilts her chin up slightly, her fingers curling at the hem of my shirt. "Mmm. We'll see."

I chuckle, low in my throat. "Wouldn't hurt if you wore it around after the game, too."

Juliet hums, shifting just enough to brush her lips against mine, teasing. "You win, maybe I will."

My fingers tighten around her thigh.

She grins against my lips, then kisses me again. Like she has nowhere else to be but here, tangled up in me.

Juliet breaks the kiss, her hands sliding under my shirt, nails dragging lightly over my abs. I hiss through my teeth, my hips jerking forward involuntarily.

She smirks, dragging her fingers higher, pushing the fabric up. "Sensitive?" she murmurs, leaning in to press her lips to my throat.

I exhale shakily, tilting my head back to give her more access. "You know I am."

Juliet hums in satisfaction, her teeth grazing my skin. I groan, my hands sliding down to her hips, squeezing.

She pulls back, lifting my shirt over my head before tossing it aside. Her gaze rakes over my chest, appreciative, before she leans in again, her tongue flicking out to taste my skin.

I groan, my fingers threading through her hair, tugging lightly. She responds by biting down gently, sending a jolt of pleasure-pain straight to my cock.

"Fuck, Baldwin," I breathe, my hips bucking up involuntarily.

Juliet chuckles, her hands sliding down my stomach, fingers dipping into the waistband of my pants.

I swallow thickly, my eyes slipping closed as her fingers brush over my straining erection through the fabric.

her hand cupping me fully now, squeezing. I let out a low moan, my head falling back against the couch.

She does it again, her palm rubbing over the length of me, slow and teasing. My hips jerk forward, seeking more friction.

"Juliet," I rasp, my fingers tightening in her hair.

She just smirks, leaning in to nip at my jaw. "Hmm?"

"Stop teasing," I grit out, my eyes opening to glare at her.

She just laughs, leaning back slightly. "But where's the fun in that?"

I growl low in my throat, my hands sliding down to grip her ass. I pull her forward suddenly, making her yelp as she lands in my lap.

She grins down at me, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Now what?"

I roll my hips up, grinding against her. "You know exactly what."

Juliet bites her lip, her eyes darkening with desire. She shifts, reaching between us to palm me through my pants.

I groan, my head falling back. "Fuck, baby."

Juliet smirks, working my fly open slowly. I lift my hips eagerly as she tugs my pants and boxers down, freeing my aching cock.

She wraps her hand around it, giving me a few slow pumps. I groan, my hips bucking up into her touch.

"You're so hard," she murmurs, admiring it.

I grin, watching her through heavy-lidded eyes. "For you, it always is."

Juliet licks her lips, squeezing me a little tighter. "Good answer."

And then she's sinking to her knees on the floor in front of the couch, looking up at me from under her lashes as she takes me into her mouth.

I groan loudly, my head falling back as my fingers thread through her hair. She takes me deep, her nose pressing into the base of my cock as she swallows around me. I force myself to look at her.

"Fuck." I breathe, fighting the urge to fuck her mouth.

She pulls back, licking a slow stripe up the underside of my cock before taking me deep again. I moan brokenly, my hips jerking forward slightly.

She sets a rhythm then, bobbing her head in my lap as she sucks me off. I watch through hooded eyes, the sight of her with my jersey on and her lips stretched around my cock almost too much to handle.

I reach down, gathering her hair in my fist as I guide her movements. She looks up at me, eyes dark and wanton, and it makes my cock throb.

"Fuck, just like that," I rasp, my hips starting to rock up into her mouth.

She moans around me, the vibrations sending sparks of pleasure racing up my spine. I groan, my grip on her hair tightening.

I let her set the pace for a few more moments, enjoying the feel of her mouth on me, before I tug her off gently.

She sits back on her heels, licking her lips. "You didn't want to finish in my mouth?"

I shake my head, reaching for her. "No. I want to fuck you properly."

She smirks, letting me pull her up into my lap again. "Mmm. I like the sound of that."

I grab the hem of the jersey and tug it up over her head, tossing it aside. She's naked underneath, and I take a moment to admire the view.

Her tits are perfect, full and round, her nipples already pebbled. I lean in, taking one into my mouth as my hand cups the other.

Juliet gasps, arching into the touch.

I suck around her nipple before biting down gently. She moans, her fingers threading through my hair.

I spend a few moments worshipping her tits before pulling back. I slide my hands down her sides to her hips, squeezing as I pull her closer.

She straddles me eagerly, grinding down against my straining cock. I groan.

"Fuck. Juliet." I breathe.

Juliet's hand moves between us, but I catch her wrist, my breath unsteady.

"There's a condom in my pocket," I murmur, reaching toward my jeans on the floor.

Juliet smirks, amusement flickering in her dark eyes. "You carry one around just in case?"

I huff a quiet laugh, tugging it free from my pocket before meeting her gaze. "No, I carry one around for you."

She hums, tilting her head slightly. "That so?"

I nod, voice lower now. "Figured if I got lucky tonight..." My fingers brush over her hip as I press closer. "Didn't want to waste time looking for one."

Juliet exhales, her lips parting slightly. "Practical."

I grin, tearing the foil open. "Efficient."

She leans in, her mouth grazing the shell of my ear as she whispers, "Then stop talking and put it on."

And fuck, I do.

I roll it down and my cock and she positions me at her entrance.

She sinks down slowly, taking me inch by inch.

I groan loudly, my hands gripping her hips tightly. "Fucking hell."

She bottoms out with a low moan, I take a moment to just feel her, hot and tight and perfect around me.

Then she starts to move, rolling her hips in slow circles.

I let her set the pace, watching as she rides me. Her tits bounce with every movement, and I reach up to cup them, squeezing gently.

Juliet moans, her rhythm faltering slightly.

I tweak her nipples between my fingers. "You like that, baby?"

She nods breathlessly, continuing to roll her hips. "Fuck yes."

I lean in, taking one of her nipples into my mouth again as my hand continues to play with the other. She gasps, her nails digging into my shoulders.

I can feel her starting to tighten around me, her movements becoming more erratic. I reach down between us, finding her clit and rubbing it in slow circles.

She moans loudly, her hips jerking forward.

I continue to suck on her nipple as I work her clit, feeling her start to unravel around me. She comes with a cry of my name, her walls clamping down around me like a vice.

I groan around her nipple as I come with her, filling the condom. She collapses against my chest, both of us panting heavily.

As Juliet catches her breath, she lifts her head, her fingers tracing lazy patterns along my ribs. Then, with that signature smirk, she murmurs, "Is this fuel enough for you?"

I huff out a breathless laugh, still coming down from it, my hands smoothing over her thighs. "Oh, I don't know," I tease, tilting my head. "Might need a replay tomorrow before the game. Just to be sure."

She hums, nails dragging lightly down my stomach. "So now I'm a pre-game reward?"

I grin, shifting beneath her, voice dipping. "Wouldn't mind making this a pre-game ritual."

Juliet scoffs, rolling her eyes as she leans down, brushing her lips over my jaw. "You'd be useless on the field if I did that."

I smirk, catching the back of her neck, pulling her in for a slow, deep kiss. "Not if you promise me another round after as-well."

She pulls back slightly, her breath mingling with mine, amusement flickering in her gaze. "You really think you can handle that?"

I exhale a sharp laugh, my fingers squeezing at her waist. "Babe, I'd win the whole damn championship if it meant I got to have you like this again."

Juliet shakes her head, chuckling, before finally slipping off me, stretching like a damn cat as she stands. "I'm gonna go clean up."

I watch her disappear through the door.

Yeah. Definitely worth winning for.