Mandy's He-Man (9 page)

Mandy’s pledge to inform the world caused even more roars of laughter from the delighted onlookers.

Brodie had apparently come to collect JT for the game, and Rookie had wanted to see if Mandy was okay. It gave Mandy the chance to thank the young man for his help, and she offered him some jewellery pieces she thought his wonderful, caring mother would like.

“All the guys could get presents for their girls from Mandy—how popular would all the blokes be then, eh?” Rookie said. The statement brought even more laughter as the strain of the day’s events finally started to wane, leaving even stronger bonds of friendship in its wake.

Mandy would have loved more time with JT, but he had to leave, as did Brodie and Rookie. Caitlin decided to stay to help Mandy decide what to wear. An excited Riley headed off with the men, so the girls were left alone. Mandy didn’t really know what had happened to JT’s dad and June, but they must have left at the same time as the others. It had been another rollercoaster of a day, but Mandy felt deliciously happy now. JT loved her.

Mandy took in what Caitlin was wearing—black jeans, an aqua green sweater, mid-length boots and a long, black wool coat. She noticed also that Caitlin was wearing the earrings Mandy had made, and they twinkled through her friend’s long, auburn tresses.

“What on earth will I wear?” Mandy groaned as she started hauling clothes from her wardrobe and throwing them haphazardly onto her bed in a growing mountain of garments. “I’ve got nothing normal enough…everything is so out there. Black, black and more black! Caitlin, what am I going to do? I won’t fit in with a sporty crowd. Look at you and what you’re wearing. You look so nice, so normal…and I look like some angry panda bear, all spiky and black. God, what was I thinking? I can’t go to a game and sit with JT’s people. I’ll embarrass him.”

Mandy sat down in the middle of her bedroom floor and held her head in her hands, just moments away from a complete meltdown. Tears threatened to flow as she struggled to deal with her fears, and she was enveloped in a growing bout of low self-esteem and crippling self-doubt.

She sensed Caitlin sit down next to her, felt her friend put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

“Oh, Mandy, why would you even think such things? Did you not hear JT profess his love for you, just minutes ago? I certainly did. And nowhere in his declaration of love did he mention that he did not like the way you looked, or dressed, or acted. Normal, you say? I’m almost offended. I don’t want to be normal. I want to be me. And Mandy, you should want to be you—the amazingly talented artist that JT has fallen head over heels for.”

Caitlin stood and started rummaging through the avalanche of clothing Mandy had emptied from her wardrobe.

“This is lovely, Mandy. I’ve always loved this crushed velvet skirt and it will be warm. It gets a bit chilly in the stands at night. This shirt and jacket will fit perfectly. C’mon put this all on.”

Mandy stood and took the skirt out of her dear friend’s outstretched hand, loving the texture of the fabric.

“You think so, Caitlin?” Mandy’s voice hitched a little with emotion.

“I know so. Let’s get you fixed up and head off to the game. If you think you are upset now, just wait till you see what those boys do in a game… It’s scary as.”

Spiking her hair and putting on her makeup, as usual—including doing her eyes as dark as always with plenty of kohl pencil—Mandy looked at her reflection nervously. She had never before cared what people thought of her look. The approval of others had not been a concern until today, but she let Caitlin’s encouraging words ease her fears.

Wearing her favourite pendant design around her neck made Mandy feel a little more confident. It was a large, flat black-and-gold flaked, handmade glass bead on a black leather rope. The gold swirled inside the black in the most spectacular way, as if perpetually moving. She added matching earrings—smaller glass beads with similar gold flake swirls. She’d never questioned her own talent or her designs.

* * * *

Mandy sensed that Caitlin was as nervous as she was, quite jittery and unsettled. They parked in the private parking area at the football stadium, reserved for families of the team members. Finding their seats had not been a problem, since Caitlin had watched the Jets play before and knew her way around. She introduced Mandy to some of the women already seated around them. The group of women consisted of other players’ wives and girlfriends. Mandy noticed that the group was varied. Some women looked as if they had just stepped off a model’s catwalk, while others were more homely-looking.

No one seemed to show any overt surprise or criticism towards Mandy or her appearance. Some remarked that they were pleased to meet the woman who could tame JT, and laughed. Mandy recognised Laura Harris, the woman from the market, and had quite a long conversation with her about the day, her jewellery designs and life. Laura Harris sure could get a person to spill their guts—Mandy was surprised at how easily she had told this virtual stranger almost everything about her life, except her colours, of course. Mandy hadn’t even told Caitlin about her gift—just JT.

It wasn’t long before the crowd began to get noisy, cheering and shouting as the Jets players—led out by Brodie—took to the field. Mandy caught her breath at the sight of her man running onto the grassy playing arena. JT looked gigantic, his wide shoulders and thick chest so prominent in the tight-fitting, black-and-gold number eight jersey.

Mandy sat with her hands fisted in her lap, grimacing every time JT took off like a torpedo to grab a player from the other team. If that hadn’t been bad enough, Mandy also winced when JT, while carrying the football, was jumped on by as many as four men who tried to drag him to the ground and stop his momentum.

She noticed Caitlin in much the same state of discomfort she was when Brodie, wearing the number ten on his back, repeated JT’s actions, and she understood Caitlin’s earlier comments about feeling upset over ‘what the boys did’. Riley, on the other hand—who had now taken his seat next to Caitlin—was cheering and shouting his obvious approval at the way the Jets were playing. By half-time, when the bedraggled-looking men left the field for a well-deserved break, Mandy was exhausted. Looking around at the other women, she wondered how they could all look so calm.

Mandy also spoke to an attractive, smiling woman named Jenny, whose husband was the number nine. Jenny told Mandy not to worry, assuring her that she would get used to the brutal game eventually. She also explained to Mandy that JT was one of the best props around and trained hard so his body could take the punishment it did. She joked that JT would probably be ‘too sore’ to take out the garbage bin if Mandy asked him to, laughing that her husband always was.

Jenny and a few of the other women commented on Mandy’s jewellery, expressing their views on how talented she was to be able to make such beautiful pieces. Caitlin proudly showed off her earrings, which then led to Laura Harris showing the ring and pendant that her son Mitchell—or Rookie, as he was known by most—had given her just before the game on Mandy’s behalf. Mandy was a little overwhelmed with all the fuss, and was almost glad when the game started again—that was, until the first time JT got slammed to the ground. He bounced straight back up every time as if nothing had happened, thankfully, or Mandy wouldn’t have made it all the way to the full-time siren.

Riley was very happy—the Jets had won. Mandy had been so focused on JT, watching him wherever he was on the field at any given moment, that she’d missed most of the action, so had not known the outcome of the game. Of course, she could have looked at the scoreboard but the thought of the Jets winning or losing had not been uppermost in her mind—JT had. She was just relieved that he and Brodie had made it through the battle in one piece. The group of family and friends surrounding Mandy seemed full of cheer as they talked about whether or not they were heading back to the club for dinner and a few drinks. Mandy wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do now. After the drama earlier, she hadn’t really sorted out any final arrangements with JT.

She must have looked a little lost. Mandy felt Caitlin take her hand.

“Let’s head downstairs, Mandy, to wait for JT and Brodie while they shower and change back into civvies. We’re all going back to the club for the after-game celebration. It’s expected the players will attend,” Caitlin told Mandy, adding cheekily, “I think JT is keen to show you off. Hey, I had to go through show and tell with Brodie. Now it’s your turn. At least you already know me—I was on my own.”

Mandy shook her head and smiled wanly. She and Caitlin had so much in common, each such a novice when it came to this strange brutal game, but in love with two of the game’s most popular players.

Riley was bouncing up and down, wanting to get down to the sheds. Brodie had given him a pass to gain access, so he ran off ahead as Caitlin and Mandy trailed after the other wives and family also headed down to wait for the conquering heroes.

Mandy was impatient—she wanted to see JT, to make sure he was okay. It seemed to take forever before players started to trickle out through the door leading from the dressing area. Mandy recognised Rookie as he came out the door. He was quickly surrounded by many eager fans wanting his autograph, but she was surprised when he headed straight towards her, followed closely by his adoring mob.

“Great game, wasn’t it?” Rookie said to Mandy. “You okay now? You’re certainly looking fine!”

Mandy didn’t know what to say to the heroic, polite young man. She was about to answer him and thank him, again, for earlier when she heard a familiar, loud growl.

“Rookie, get away from my woman. Just ’cause you scored a couple of tries doesn’t mean I won’t kick your butt,” JT shouted above the crowd as he headed over to Mandy. In less than a heartbeat, Mandy’s mouth was being crushed under JT’s, and they were serenaded by the whirring and clicking sound of cameras as journalists swooped to take photographs of the couple.

“Aww! Come on, JT… Can’t help a guy for trying. Mandy deserves someone better-looking than you, and I certainly fit that bill,” the cheeky—and obviously tired of living—younger man said, accompanied by mutters of agreement and laughter from his adoring fan club.

“Rookie, don’t push your luck, mate. Although I don’t think JT is even listening anymore. He seems a little distracted. About as distracted as I’m about to be.” Brodie, arm around Riley’s shoulders, had come out just behind JT. He took Caitlin in his arms and kissed her just as soundly as JT had kissed Mandy—obviously not wanting to be outdone!

Rookie, feigning a bored look, turned to Riley. “Hey, Riley, my little mate, let’s leave these old folks to smooch while we go get some food at the club. What do you say? Want a lift?”

Riley looked to be overjoyed at the thought of hanging out with Rookie. He had told Mandy enough times that Rookie was his favourite player, not counting Brodie and JT, of course. Mandy was happy for him when Caitlin nodded in approval, smiling as the boy bounced happily away.

Elated at finally being able to touch JT, Mandy didn’t want to let go of him. Unfortunately, some of his fans weren’t too keen on that idea as they badgered him for autographs. A few reporters also hung around, still after quotes about the game. Mandy and Caitlin stood patiently off to one side, watching their men conversing with the fans, old and young. Caitlin reassured Mandy that this was normal and eventually people would get all they wanted and leave. A few young women seemed to be giving Mandy and Caitlin very unfriendly stares. Mandy just tried to ignore their unmasked animosity.

Finally, JT grabbed her hand, apologising to the last of the fans and saying it was time for him to get to the club. He and Mandy headed towards the car park, leaving Brodie and Caitlin behind. Mandy was going to mention the fact, but before she could JT explained the plan for the night.

“Brodie will stand there all night. He’s going in Caitlin’s car and I’m taking his. I need to spend time with you now, woman. So, what did you think of the Jets’ number eight? Sexy enough for you?”

“Oh, Jon, you were amazing,” Mandy gushed. “I was so worried for you. It’s such a rough game. How can you still be walking? I am going to have to inspect every inch of you
thoroughly
when we get home, just to satisfy myself that you’re really okay.”

The wanton look Mandy directed at JT was full of promise. She heard JT growl again before he devoured her mouth in yet another smouldering kiss, leaving her panting and wanting more. As her panties grew wet and her nipples hardened, she rubbed her body, almost feline-like, against the bulge in JT’s suit trousers until he lifted his mouth from hers.

“Enough… You’re killing me, woman! We have places to be, but hold onto that thought. I will definitely be making you scream my name long into the night as I feast on that warm, tasty pussy. I can just imagine how wet those folds are for me right now. Are you wet for me, Mandy? I’m going for some serious deep purples and crimsons tonight—strong and passionate colours… Are you on board with that?”

The rumbling tones of JT’s low voice caressed Mandy like a warm wind, making her feel even hotter. She squirmed and squeezed her legs together, trying to ease the ache of her needy pussy.

Yes… She was very wet for her man.

Chapter Fourteen

Mandy didn’t know how she would make it through the night—she was so hot and horny. But the evening flew by and proved quite enjoyable. A large group of players and their partners dined together. JT possessively held on to Mandy all night, with either his arm around her or holding her hand throughout the dinner. Mandy was getting very adept at eating one-handed. As the evening drew to a close, Mandy once again found herself in JT’s lap, enjoying the feel of his erection against her, a promise of what the night would bring her if she was patient.

During the night, Brodie made a few speeches to the sponsors, club directors and members of the Jets supporters club. It amazed Mandy that playing rugby league was more than just the game on the field—it was also about making public appearances and saying the right things to the right people. It really was quite an experience for Mandy. She was selfishly glad JT didn’t have to be as busy as Brodie, the team’s captain. Caitlin seemed to handle it all okay, though, and Brodie managed to keep her close by throughout the night.