When Fools Rush In

Chapter 16 - Scoring at the Etihad

They had sat on the floor of the shower for what felt like hours, kissing and stroking each other in a post-coital haze as the water ran around them, their legs jellified and their hands shaky following the intensity of their orgasms. Eventually they reached for the shampoo and conditioner bottles and washed their hair together, finally standing up to rinse the products out. Lucy had lost all sense of time or awareness. It was only when she stumbled through to the bedroom, wrapping a towel around her hair, that she realised it was nearly eleven o'clock.

"Shit!" she exclaimed, "I really can't get to the Etihad any later than half eleven!"

Jack was behind her, his towel wrapped around his middle, his damp hair falling over his eyes as he nuzzled his face into the back of Lucy's head.

"Mmmm aren't you staying for breakfast?" he murmured.

"I can't - I need to dry my hair and get myself ready, and it's going to be fifteen minutes in the car on top of that."

Jack sighed, "can't you be a bit late?"

Lucy laughed, turning round to face him. "No you silly billy, it's match day and I'm in charge of the press box and everything, plus you need to get your own arse in gear - it's the gala dinner tonight - don't you need to take your suit with you?"

"Oh yeah...I guess so, there won't be time after the match to come back here...plus me mom and dad will want to see me after the game, they said they should be comin' for the game itself."

Lucy leant forward and kissed him softly on the lips. How she loved his lips, so juicy, so kissable. She would rather spend all day kissing him.

"Well the drinks reception starts at six thirty," she said, "which is why I'm taking my dress with me."

"What ya wearin' then?"

"Not saying," grinned Lucy, "but what I do know is you'll be taking it off later."

"I can't wait," smiled Jack, "gonna take you back here as soon as I can." He squeezed Lucy's waist. Every touch of his sent shivers down her spine.

"Now I just need your hairdryer," said Lucy, poking him in the ribs playfully, "and you go and get yourself something decent to eat - don't want you fainting on the pitch."

Reluctantly, Jack let go of her to fetch his hairdryer. As usual, he was excited for matchday, hoping to get as much game time from Pep as possible - but in the back of mind all he really longed for was for it to all be over so he could sneak Lucy back home again.

***

City drew with Brighton 1-1 at the Etihad. It had been a frustrating game for Lucy to watch from the press box, with no end of chances for City that weren't converted into the back of the net. City's only goal just before half time had been the result of Jack's assist to Mahrez, who had found himself in the box at a crucial moment. Jack had then been subbed off for Sterling at 65 minutes. He had looked subdued walking off, frustrated that he hadn't been able to put one away himself. Lucy felt her heart ache for him as she looked on, the secret ache unknown to the journalists and other officials in the room with her. 

Immediately after the match ended, Lucy reached for her phone, knowing it would be the first thing Jack would check back in the changing room.

Lucy - You were brilliant again, don't think you should have come off xx

Jack - Yeah bit pissed off about that but that's Pep for ya. So where are you? xx

Lucy - Press box obvs but I can take a break now the match is over, don't you need a shower?

Jack - Need to see you first ;-)

Lucy - How?!

Jack - Come down to room 12 on the first floor