by MJ Fields
I get back to Joshua’s game with two dozen munchkins for the team to enjoy after they play and two iced coffees for us. I barely have a moment to hand Jenny her drink when an English accent assaults my ears.
“Football is the best sport. It’s important for a young man to have focus and discipline.”
I turn to the voice, unable to stop myself from looking. My timing sucks because the moment I look to him—he looks to me. His smile is expectant, like he knew I’d be here. “Well, hello there.”
Under my breath, I mumble, “Can this town get any smaller?”
“Excuse me,” he says to one of the player’s fathers before stepping over to the grassy space where I stand and laughs. “No. I actually don’t think it can.”
I inhale strength and resolve and pull my big girl panties up. I can be cordial and unemotional. “Your son plays?”
“Of course, he’s right there.”
Obviously, I notice Nathaniel right away. I’d seen them both immediately just moments ago. Even standing by himself, not next to Raff, there is just something almost regal about him. His caramel hair is a bit too long but suits him perfectly. A kind smile on his face as the ball bounces on his knees while chatting with his teammates, who are attempting to do the same thing he is but are unable to continue without the ball dropping to the ground a dozen times. “I see him. He’s really good.”
“Yes, he is. He’s been playing football since he could walk. I coach his team.”
“I can imagine you playing.”
“Damn right, I do. Any man worth his salt can play football.”
I roll my eyes—such a caveman.
“I play this Saturday near Aspen; you should come and watch me. Then we’ll have dinner.”
I press my lips together, wondering why all the noise around us has gone silent. A look over my shoulder and there they all are, moms with their jaws open, listening to our conversation.
We’re standing close. Too close. “Well, Raff.” I clear my throat, taking a step back to make space between us. “Good luck to your son today.”
“Is that all you’re going to give me?” His lips curve up in amusement.
“Yes.”
“Good. Save the rest of our conversation for tonight.”
“Tonight?”
He smiles, that dimple melting me from the inside out. “Our date.”
“Oh, no.”
“You should say yes. And quickly, I might add. Otherwise, I just may make a scene.”
My heart picks up. Under my breath, I snap, “You wouldn’t!”
“To get you to stop fighting this, I just may. Remember, it’s for both of our sanity. No more unwanted set-ups. Or is this date with Rex—”
“That’s not happening no matter how insistent Jenny and Bobby are.” I shake my head.
“Is that a chance you are willing to take?”
I exhale.
“As I mentioned before, I’m not above making a scene to get what I want.” He leans in closer. “We both want.”
I look left and right. Would he? Could he? Before I can think about it more, he licks his full lips and smiles mischievously.
“Ladies!” he calls out behind us.
I gasp as I whip my head around to see whom he’s addressing. Three spandex-wearing soccer moms come running—literally, running to his side. What are they, dogs?
Raff clears his throat, and they all stand to attention. “Can you all convince Nikki here to let me take her out tonight? I asked, and she initially said yes. But it seems her feet have gotten cold. I’ve got to get to field four for our game. But please, do your best, will you? 8 p.m., I’ll pick her up at her place.”
He saunters off, and the silence that ensues feels endless. My face heats. Okay, it doesn’t just heat. It burns like fire. But I remind myself that at least none of these women are ones I grew up with.
Finally, one of the women looks at me like I have two heads. Raising an overly plucked brow, she asks, “You said NO?”
Apparently, that’s all it takes to break the ice. I’m accosted by their voices, each one over the other.
“He’s so handsome!”
“Very wealthy. And the best father. Women in town would give their right arm—”
“No.” The blonde shakes her head. “Forget Holiday Springs. Raff is basically famous in this entire area. He is the most eligible bachelor. Of course, it seems no one in Holiday Springs is good enough for him. He not only owns Blizzards, the only bar in town, but he’s also a silent owner of bars in Vail, Aspen, and Denver. At least, that’s what my Tony tells me. If I weren’t married, I would definitely be all over him.”
“Would you?” The mom to her right puts a hand on her bony hip. “Oh, please. If all of us were single, he would choose me.” The other two women gawk at her. “It’s true! He told me I was a wonderful mother at the summer carnival.”
As if on cue, Nellie saunters over to our group in a white bellybutton bearing crop top and low-slung jeans. Her hair, which used to be a medium length mousy brown, is now long and wavy, highlighted in golden blonde. At the shop, it’s usually held back in a braid. Not here though. It’s blown out in beach waves with no ocean in sight.
The truth is, she grew into a beautiful woman over the years I’ve been gone. Still, seeing her dress and act the way she has been is a bit shocking.
Hell, we’d been friends… sisterly since we were kids, and she was always a sweet girl. It’s like she’s been possessed by a hot evil spirit. A hot evil spirit who is also a complete bitch.
After the underhanded comments grew worse after Raff stopped by yesterday, I have completely ignored her, and she me. Today, we both busied ourselves with stocking the shelves and held off on any talking. But it seems, avoiding her here will be impossible.
“Hi, ladies! I saw all the action while I was getting my coffee and figured I’d stop in and say hello.” She puts her pouty pink glossed lips over her straw, sucking, then asks, “What are you all talking about?”
“Raff is begging for a date with Nikki.”
“Is he?” She rears her head back, shocked. “That’s so strange! She isn’t Raff’s type at all.”
Jenny laughs out loud, making light of Nellie’s comment as if it were a silly joke.
Stepping into our circle, I breathe a sigh of relief. Savior! I give her a look that says Help!
“Listen, ladies. I’m sure if you were all single, the situation would be different. But as of today, you are all married with children. Can we agree to that?”
They grumble a yes.
Nellie lifts a manicured finger up in the air. “I’m not married. Last I checked, I’m as single as they come.”
“Aren’t you with Sam?” Jenny arches her brow.
Nellie swats a hand in front of her face, dismissing the comment. “Oh, no. He’s just to pass the time until I find someone better suited to me.”
“So.” Jenny clears her throat. “We’re talking about Nikki now.” She puts her arm over my shoulder. “Nikki here is single, and Raff wants a date. I say, she says yes ASAP.”
“Of course, we’re talking about Nikki now. I’d never leave my Johnny. Not even for Raff.” One of the soccer moms smiles. “Okay, maybe for one night. Nah, make that two.”
We all laugh, the mood lightening. But Nellie’s face is stone.
“I just don’t see the two of you jelling. I mean, Raff is this rich, handsome guy. And you’re like, Nikki from the block.”
Jenny laughs out loud. “First of all, it’s Jenny from the block. And I am damn proud!” She snaps from left to right, and we all laugh again.
I know I swore I wouldn’t ever date a man with money, but right now, Nellie feels a lot less like my first cousin and a lot more like my could-have-been mother-in-law. And frankly, I’m sick and tired of being stepped on. I am not plain Nikki from the block, or Jenny—whatever. And I can date whomever I want to.
I step forward. “You guys have convinced me. Does anyone have his number
? I’d like to text him.” I look up at Nellie, daring her to say a word.
“He was our coach last year! I have it!” The blonde calls his number out loud as Jenny hands me my phone. Quickly, I put him in my contacts.
First name: Raff.
Last name: Rich Prick
And then I look at Nellie, again, daring her to speak. She presses her lips together, her voice silent—for now.
Rule Number Nine
Never bet on a game you’re playing
Raff
Beckett gives me a speculative brow raise. I laugh, knowing exactly where he’s going with that look.
Beckett Hawthorne is one of my oldest and dearest friends from our days at Oxford. We used to be wild together, drinking and partying at pubs, finding women for a night. When I fell face first in love, got married, and settled down, he continued to live and thoroughly enjoy the bachelor life. One that I’ve been enjoying thoroughly, as well. Until now, that is.
Still, we’ve remained friends through all of life's changes. He's in town for business but is in Colorado for an undetermined amount of time since taking over his family's US hotel and resorts chain. Coming to watch Nathaniel play football, I mean soccer, is a perk.
“And what was that all about?” He points to Nikki on the other end of the field. “Bloody gorgeous.” He looks at her appreciatively, and frankly, I don’t blame him. She is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.
“That, my friend, was a challenge.” I shrug like it’s no big deal. “And you know how I love a challenge.”
“True. But lately, you’ve seemed to like the easy wins. And it’s been working for you. Why change that? Remember last month when you came for a visit?” He shakes his head, smiling with the memory. Those two blondes, one right after the—”
Cutting him off, I explain, “Well, this one isn’t easy. Or blonde. But if you saw her smile, you’d know she is worth the chase.” I look over to Nikki on the other side of the field. Among thirty women, I can spot her in an instant. And it isn’t the thick, gorgeous auburn hair or her deliciously curvy body. It’s something in her mannerisms that just calls out to me. I can’t stop searching for her with my eyes, and it’s both incredibly frustrating and yet, impossible to shake. Add to that Nathaniel’s ‘gift’ on Hope’s birthday, right after he saw her, and it’s clear to me that she’s something special.
“So, you’re not planning to add her to your fuck buddy circuit?” His voice is a little too loud while using the term “fuck buddy,” and I look around, making sure none of the other parents heard his remark. I elbow him in the side before shushing him, not unlike my grandmother would have at church.
He throws a heavy arm over my shoulder, bringing us close. He whispers in my ear, “Love fucking with you in front of the good old parents of Holiday Springs.”
I throw his arm off, and he laughs louder. “To answer your question, no. I do not plan to add her to my...circuit. She’s not like that.” I walk to the bleachers and pick up a stray soccer ball. Bringing it back to the sidelines, I bounce it on my knee a few times in an effort to pull my attention from her and back to the game. Love this sport.
My eyes catch Nathaniel as he takes the ball from a teammate. The pregame practices are important for warming up their confidence. I clap loudly, urging him on, yelling, “Move left!” He follows my directions easily and dribbles before passing to a teammate.
God, I love my son.
“He’s really quite good.”
“Yes.” I nod proudly, feeling my chest puff out. “He’s a good kid.”
“My Godson? The best.” Beckett lifts the ball from the ground in front of us with his toe and dribbles it between his feet. “Where does the challenge live?”
“Her name is Nikki.” Quickly, hoping he doesn’t hear me well, I add, “Holiday Springs.”
He stops playing around, gawking at me. “What happened to never dating anyone from Hope’s hometown?”
“I said that prior to meeting Nikki, and before finding out she and I actually have a lot in common.”
Again, that damn brow raise. “And what’s that?”
“Both of us have that one person, mine Faith, hers her friend Jenny, constantly trying to hook us up every chance they get. I decided I didn’t like the idea of her going out on dates with anyone else.”
“Oh?” He turns to face me completely. “I recognize that look, Raff.” He points to my face. “This feels like more than a…” He pauses, smiling. “Challenge. In fact, this feels like something serious.”
“You think it feels that way, ay? The last thing I’d ever trust are feelings. As you always say, feelings are not real, Becks.” I give him a smirk.
“Firstly, the line goes: Feelings are not real, Raff.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
He gives me a solemn nostalgic smile and says, “It’s the same way you looked when you and I first saw Hope at the pub in Chelsea after a football game. Remember that?”
“Do I.” I blink a few times, trying to picture the scene. The details are hazy now, but I can remember how I felt. Excited. Heart pumping. It was first love, in all its glory. I had no idea the kind of mother she would be or life partner for that matter. Wanting her was all I knew. Future details be damned. I look back at Nikki, guilt settling into my gut.
I then look back to the field just as Nate takes the ball again, moving so fast I have to plant my feet on the ground to not run out onto the field and chase him to the goal. He scores! I want to go wild. Instead, I clap loudly. Pride swells in my chest as I call down the field, “Good play, Nate. Good play.”
“Think you are going to win this challenge?”
“As the Americans say, hell yeah.”
He chuckles. “You know, Beckett, I don’t have to try to egg you on. Although wagers always make things more fun.”
“Nikki will be a little bit more difficult to win over than Hope was. Plus, I’ve got Nate now. Higher stakes. Anyway,” I shake my head, “I can’t put a wager on this girl.”
“Well, that about settles it then. Now that I know you’re falling hard, what’s her story?”
“She’s just returned home after living in Manhattan for years. Grew up here in Holiday Springs. Her family owns Winterfield’s Sweet Spot.”
“Manhattan’s a tough city. Must have spit a sweet thing like her out. Winterfield’s...is that where that girl Nellie works? Mouth like a hoover, that one. Did I ever tell you what she did to me with that peppermint...” He whistles and I shake my head.
Not wanting to hear more about Nellie, I continue answering his initial question. “Anyway, Nikki had a nasty breakup and now despises men with money.”
“Hates money?” He chuckles a bit louder now. “I thought a woman like that didn’t exist! My God. If you can get her, clearly, she’s a keeper.”
“Oh, I’ll get her. Question is, when?”
“I’ll never understand why a lass once scorned shies from a man who has the means and desire to properly take care of her.”
His tone causes me to look away from Nikki to him, confused. “Are you by chance speaking from experience?”
“Aye,” he sighs.
To say I’m shocked is an understatement. “I just saw you days ago, and you didn’t mention a word.”
“Thought it best to mention it to the woman herself, first.”
“Guessing things haven’t gone as planned?”
“Might have scared her a wee bit, but she’ll come around.” He winks.
“What did you do?” I ask accusingly, knowing damn well he’s not one to pussyfoot when going after what he wants.
He shrugs his shoulders. “Took advantage of her attraction for me. Don’t regret it one bit.”
When he looks across the field and I see his eyes on Faith, I shake my head. “Gonna have to stop you right there and remind you she’s Hope's sister.”
“I’m aware of who Faith is. We walked down the aisle together for your wedding. It’s not Faith. It’s the wom
an with her.” He smiles and nods toward Faith.
When I look across the field again, I notice a blonde climbing up the bleachers and sitting next to Faith.
I hum. “I think I’ve seen her around. At the bookstore, maybe.”
“She works at the Hawthorne Hotel in Aspen but lives here in Holiday Springs.”
“That’s quite a drive.”
“We won’t have to weather it for too long. She’ll be mine completely by Christmas.”
I look back at the woman and see she’s spotted him; her eyes widen, and out of my peripheral, I see a wicked grin grace his face.
“Try not to scare her, for fuck’s sake. You look like the goddamn big bad wolf right now, ready to eat her up.”
“I assure you, she’s fully capable of handling my demands.”
Shaking my head, I mumble, “Still putting the cart before the horse, I see.”
He chuckles, and my phone vibrates in my pocket; I reach in and grab it. I hit the text alert and smile as I read it.
917-574-3232
I guess you gave me no other option than to say yes, but if you’re interested in the blonde you and your friend are ogling, please spare me the embarrassment I’ll suffer at the vile behind-the-back banter from all of these soccer moms who want to bed the Brit and his friend. I don’t play that game.
By the way, this is Nikki.
Raff:
Green looks good on you, Red, but you won’t be suffering one bit. I’m not into blondes. See you at eight. I’ll pick you up, just send me your address ~ Rafferty
I look over at her as she receives my message; she shakes her head ever so slightly, but her lips twist up into a cute as hell smile.
I watch as she taps on her phone and look down at mine as I get another text.
917-574-3232
