LARRY SAID I aced the press conference. He had no idea what was going on inside my brain or should I say-sex organs. Sitting next to Aiden Patrickson was a lesson in unfulfilled desire. The man smells. His pores leak some kind of pheromone that grabs your insides, twists, and lights them on fire. Who knew? Most definitely not me. Whatever he bathes in, sprays on, or shampoos with is one hundred percent nuclear. All I could think about was licking him to see if he tasted as good as he smelled. He might have actually helped with the press conference because the butterflies disappeared as soon as I inhaled him.

I'm standing in a toilet stall inside the arena with only a few minutes to spare, and what am I doing? I'm using my phone to Google Aiden Patrickson to see if he sponsors a cologne line. Why, might you ask? Because I'm ordering a case of the stuff and demanding any man I date wear the stuff twenty-four-seven.

I have a whirlwind schedule in front of me and I can't get Aiden Patrickson out of my nose. I check the info on my phone. The man sponsors designer dress shirts and athletic shoes. No damn cologne or soap. I'll discover his secret ingredient sometime in the near future because I plan to invest in the company.

A loud sigh escapes. I need to get over this crush, I tell myself. I'm now Aiden's teammate and it would be no different if I were a gay man. Romance does not belong in the locker room. We're paid too much money to bring something as volatile as sexual relationships into the mix. I'm a big girl and I will control myself.

I walk out of the ladies' room with my self-assurance intact. It's time to meet the team. After that, Rick Dove is sending me back to the airport. I'll be a guest on several New York morning shows beginning at four-thirty tomorrow morning. Sadly, all I want to do is get a full workout in and feel a football on the side of my foot.

Larry and I follow Coach Mitchel and Aiden. This first meeting is taking place in the locker room. I learned during my community college days that separating myself from the guys by using another locker room didn't work. The team building, bitching, impromptu coaching sessions, stress-relieving fights, and celebrations all happen within the hallowed walls of the locker room. It's the one place players can be themselves. My contract gives me a private bathroom, changing room, and shower inside the guys' domain. It won't be available for a few weeks, though. The battle for the same locker room space with our opponents hasn't been fought yet. But it will. I'm either part of the team or I'm not. It's up to me to stand my ground and make them accept me.

My eyes follow Aiden's natural grace as he walks. Maybe walking is too mild of a word for the way he moves. It's a confident athletic stride with his tight ass causing the temperature to rise. Cool air blows from hidden vents and adds a nice jolt every few minutes as it stirs his scent. Maybe hypnosis would help me get rid of this addiction, which seems to be escalating. He hates me and that should do the trick. Really. It should.

We turn the last corner at an arrowed sign designating the double doors ahead as the Pronghorns' locker room. Larry is the last through. "Buck up, kiddo," he whispers when he walks past me. I straighten my shoulders and plaster my very good impression of a natural smile on my face.

The locker room is state-of-the-art and nothing like the one we had in community college. The sweaty odor of men isn't present here. This place is flash and bling with its custom locker stalls, comfortable couches, and plush carpet underfoot. This still doesn't take away from the feelings it instillsinner sanctuary, achievement, family. It's everything I've dreamed of.

Slowly, my new teammates move in closer. Some stand from benches while others stay seated. They all stop talking. No, they don't appear overly happy. It was my idea to have the introduction here. I felt they could be themselves and I could get past the first dose of testosterone.

Aiden moves slightly in front of me. "Guys, this is our new kicker, Jordan Givens." He shifts to the side so they get a good long look. "She's now a Pronghorn."

Silence.

A minute goes by.

"Fuck this shit," says a player at the back of the pack. This opens up a few grunts of agreement and plenty of head nods.

Coach Mitchel looks at me and offers no help. I knew from the first contract meeting I attended that he didn't like the idea of a woman on his team. He wasn't as vocal during the meetings as I expected, though. I guess his silence was statement enough. He and I both know this is my first true test. I move up next to Aiden and smile. "Give me the name of a kicker you look up to," I say.

A few moments of silence greet me. Then, again from the back, "Any kicker who can get the ball through the goalposts."

Several players laugh and I add a few degrees to my smile. "Were you paying attention last season? Pick a game, pick a team. Kickers sucked. It was so bad a sports reporter wore a shirt that said 'Kickers and Punters are People Too.' That was on national television. Kickers didn't do their job and that's because the rules have changed. The game needs players who can get that ball through the goalposts. I'm that kicker and when I prove it, you'll need another prerequisite. Anyone want to try?"

The answer is immediate. "No pussy in the locker room." This comes from a big, and I mean very big, player in the front. It's Mason Jackson, an older, starting defensive lineman. He has maybe another good year or two before he's out. He's one of the few older players on the team.

"Mas" Aiden starts to cut in.

"No, Aiden, I can handle this." I give Mason my full attention. "If by pussy you mean a vagina, it's too late for that, Mr. Jackson. I'm here and I'm paid to kick a ball through goalposts and give the team the best advantage at kickoff. It's a plus not to have a dick between my legs. I assure you it would only be in the way." I flash a million megawatt smile. "You don't need to like it. Hell, you play defense, so you don't even need to defend it. I have something to prove and putting points on the board is how I'll do it."

The media talks about locker room behavior but they have no idea what actually goes on in here when no one but players are inside. There's a camaraderie that unites the team. From discussions about girlfriends, wives, and children to debates about politicsthe locker room is the Holy Grail in sports. You leave your heart on the field when you play. The locker room holds the blood that pumps life back into your empty chest. You'll hear cussing, derogatory terms, and sometimes scuffles to let off steam. But you feel the game in here along with the heartbeat of every player. My "pussy" changes nothing and they need to learn that.

Jackson isn't through with me. "You talk and smile real pretty, girl. The first time a line of players heads your way with destruction on their mind, you'll pack it in and run home with your tail between your legs."

"Hmm," I look behind me and give my ass the once over. "No tail," I say after turning back and facing him. "I know you're saying what ninety-nine percent of the team feels right now." I look around and meet other eyes. "I get it. College boys like to talk about their big dicks and I don't see any of you being different." That gets a few snickers. "What I propose is that you ignore me just like you do all kickers." I zero back in on Jackson. "When it comes to a dick competition, I'm no challenge, so you're safe for now. If you still insist on comparing," I hold up my little finger and wiggle it, "I've learned the louder the objection, the smaller the-mind."

I get a few outright laughs this time.

"Okay, boys." The coach looks at me and says, "Sorry, and girls. Her fifteen minutes of fame will be over in a few days and putting our game faces on will be priority. Stop your gawking and get your ass in the gym. Miss Givens is on her way to New York. You'll have plenty of time to see what she's made of when practice begins Monday."

And just like that, it's over. Coach's word is law even when you're making millions a year. The first quarter of this game is in the record books.