“No, not at all. You hardly spend any time with him.”
“That’s not true. I see him just about every day.”
“Training and football don’t count. When was the last time you two hung out?”
I groan. “Colt likes to party. He attracts too much attention.”
“Well, he is the quarterback.”
“He’s a show-off, always has been. And the way his family is, I don’t blame him.”
“They aren’t close?”
“No. And with girls, he always takes the easy path. God help the woman who finally says no to him ‘cause he won’t know what to do.”
Colt comes back and slaps me on the back. “Bruno says your order is up.”
“Where’s Cindy?” I ask as I stand.
“She doesn’t eat anything that Bruno has for sale, so we’re catching up later.”
“Oh, no, trouble in paradise?” teases Diandra.
Colt sits down and shakes his head. “Nope, just a bump in the road.”
“How long is that road? One day or two?” quips Diandra.
Colt blushes. “More like hours.”
I laugh. “Be nice to my girl.”
“He’s always nice, Gray. Can you get me a water, too, please?”
“Sure. Colt, you want anything?”
“Nah, I’ve ordered. Although, if your girl ever gets tired of you…” He waggles his eyebrows up and down.
“Don’t even joke about shit like that.” I punch him lightly on the arm and walk over to Bruno.
“Good to see, ya, Gray!” booms Bruno. “How are things looking for you this year? I saw your last game. The quarterback over there did good, but I kept my eye on you. You did better.”
“Yeah, the quarterback gets all the glory.” Bruno hands me our hotdogs, and I slide a twenty toward him. “Can I get two waters, too, please?”
Bruno turns and grabs them, then leans down and says softly, “Colt is an outstanding player, but he’s not as disciplined as you. Hell, just look at all the different girls he’s had in the past two years. I’ve given up on trying to remember their names.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, the ladies love Colt.”
Bruno is wrong about Colt and football—it’s all he has. If he’s not training or playing, he’s at my mom’s place. She calls him the son from another mother, the child she never gave birth to but has claimed. Colt comes across as a carefree playboy, and the playboy part might be true, but like for me, football is his ticket to a better life.
Walking back to them, they are deep in conversation. Diandra is leaning toward Colt, listening intently to whatever it is he’s saying.
I sit next to Colt, and the conversation stops.
Diandra looks at me, a small frown on her forehead.
“What did I miss?”
“You’re in talks with the New England Warriors?”
I purse my lips at Colt, then stare at Diandra.
“I was going to tell you. It’s why I brought you here, so we could talk.”
“Sorry, man, didn’t know it was a secret.”
I slide a hotdog over to Dee. “It’s not. I just hadn’t got around to telling Dee yet.”
Colt looks sheepish and rubs the back of his neck. “Did I ruin a surprise?”
Dee reaches over and pats Colt’s hand. “No. I knew the scouts and the league were sniffing around.” She looks at me. “And you did say this was going to be your last year of college ball.”
“Yep.” Colt slaps me on the back. “Gray is on track for his five-year plan, and everything is working out, just like he thought it would.”
Internally, I groan. Outwardly, I shake my head slightly at him. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
Colt leans across the table. “If it weren’t for Gray and his mom, I’d be a failure. They taught me you have to have a plan, and you have to stick to it.”
Dee smiles at him. “What’s your plan, Colt?”
“Like Gray, I’m going into professional ball next year. I’ve finally settled on an agent.” Colt stares at me. “You should check him out, his name is Tom Fellow. Seems like a good guy, a straight-shooter.”
“Yeah, I’ve spoken to him. He seems competent, but I was thinking of going with the same agent who represents Jamal McHenry.”
Colt’s eyes widen. Jamal McHenry is the highest-paid linebacker in the league. He has endorsements for a bunch of sports companies and even a deal with Calvin Klein.
“That’s amazing, Gray!” Colt beams at me.
Throughout our conversation, Dee remains quiet. I smile at her, and she smiles back as she picks up her hotdog and takes a bite. Sauce and onion fall out, covering her chin with them. I hold up a napkin, which she takes off me as she nods her head.
“You know, Dee, you’re the only girl I know who eats these,” says Colt. “All the girls I bring here either don’t eat meat, or they order the smallest thing on the menu, or worse, they only order water.”
Dee finishes her mouthful. “You’re dating the wrong women.”
“Yo, Colt! Order’s up!” yells Bruno.
Colt bounds away, leaving me alone with Dee.
“Babe, I was going to tell you about the New England Warriors tonight and ask you what your goals are. It’s not something we’ve talked about.”
“I’ve always known your plan was to go pro.”
“Yeah, but like Colt said, I’ve got a five-year plan. It’s all about to come together, and I want you to be a part of that.”
Dee gives me a hard smile. “You want me to be a part of your plan? Was I always part of the plan? Or was it more like insert female here?”
Holding up my hands, I wave them in front of her. “No, no, no! Nothing like that.” Reaching out across the table, I grab one of her hands. “You have to know what you mean to me. I love you, Dee.”
Her face softens, and the smile becomes genuine.
Colt flops down beside me, dropping some of his food on our hands. “Sorry!” He stuffs one end of the hot dog into his mouth and takes a huge bite. “So good.” Food nearly falls out of his mouth, but he pushes it back in.
Dee wipes the food off her hand, then mine as she shakes her head at Colt.
“Man, my momma would whoop your ass for eating like that,” I berate him.
“What?” he asks again with a mouthful of food, then laughs. “Sorry, man.”
I quirk an eyebrow at him. “I’m going to tell Mom what a mess you are.”
“No fair!” Colt puts down his hotdog. “Your mom loves me. She won’t believe you.”
“She will if I back him up,” replies Dee with a smirk.
“Oh, I see… I see how this is going. Just gang up on poor old Colt.” He points at both of us. “You should be ashamed.” Colt makes a big deal of shaking his head and trying to look hurt.
Dee and I exchange a glance, then burst out laughing. I shove Colt, who grins and picks up his hotdog. It makes me happy that my best friend and my girl get along so well. It cements in my mind that Dee is the woman for me.
We’re back at Dee’s place, and she’s been quiet since we got in the car. She’s in her small kitchen, fussing with the coffee machine.
Walking up behind her, I place my hands on her shoulders and kiss her neck. “Are you okay?”
“What’s your five-year plan?” The words are almost a whisper, as though she’s scared to find out.
“I guess it’s more like a life plan.” Turning her around, I put her hand in mine and pull her toward the couch. Dee sits next to me, nestling into my side. Draping an arm around her, I play with a lock of her hair between my fingers. “The plan, so far, is to win a college football scholarship and get signed, hopefully with the New England Warriors.”
Dee shifts and looks up at me. “So far, it’s all working out for you.”
“Almost. I’m not signed yet.”
“What else?”
“Get a deal. A good deal. Finish my degree, win the Super Bowl and go into private practic
e when I can’t play anymore.”
“That’s it?” Her lips are turned down.
“No. I’ll stop all of it if you don’t want me to. If you don’t see yourself in my future, in my plan, I’ll change it.” I cup the side of her face with one of my hands. “What do you want?”
Dee sits up and turns to face me. “I want to finish my degree. I’ve always wanted to have my own agency. Working for Mr. Brookes has shown me I’m more than capable.” Dee’s eyes land on my chest. “Later, I’d hoped I would get married, have children, and live happily ever after.”
“Insert man here?” I tease.
Dee stands, wraps her arms around herself, and gives me her back. “Don’t tease.”
Standing, I place my arms around her. “I’m not. Not really.”
Reaching up, I sweep her hair off her shoulder, exposing the side of her neck. I place kisses there, causing her to shiver. Dee twists in my arms, her lips crashing onto mine.
“I love you, Grayson Moore.”
Pulling back, I smile at her. “Ahh, we’ve found one thing we can agree on. We love each other.”
Walking her backward, I smile down at her as she allows me to manhandle her toward the bedroom. Dee’s hands move to my belt, and she has it undone and my zipper down with her hand stroking my cock as we walk through the doorway.
“Woman, the things you do to me.”
“I could stop?”
Sucking my bottom lip in between my teeth, I shake my head. “Don’t you dare.”
Dee sits on the bed, and my jeans and underwear hit the floor with a loud thud. Her mouth lowers onto my cock, and my fingers immerse themselves in her hair, guiding her up and down. One of Dee’s hands cups my balls, and I growl in appreciation.
The familiar tingle hits my balls, and I know I’m close. With a groan, I pull away from her and push her back onto the bed. My only thought is that I want to bury myself inside her. Roughly, I remove her panties and push up her skirt. Dee opens her legs, and I ease myself into her tight, wet pussy. Dee gasps, her nails digging into my arms. Embedded inside of her, I place her legs on either side of my head and then slowly withdraw my cock. Dee smiles up at me, and I slam back into her.
“Gray!” cries Dee.
“Too hard?”
“No, do it again.”
When she doesn’t protest, I pump in and out of her twice in quick succession. I continue my assault. This isn’t lovemaking, this is claiming. I meant what I said, I love her, and from this day forward, she’ll be mine forever.
Dee’s pussy spasms around my cock, taking me by surprise. She likes it rough. Grunting, I spill my seed inside of her. “Dee!” I groan in pleasure.
When the last remnants of the orgasm subside, I pull out of her, and Dee whimpers.
“Did I hurt you?”
“Lord, no. That was unexpected but felt amazing.”
Holding my hands out to her, we go into the bathroom. I turn on the shower and walk in under the icy spray. Dee waits until the water heats before she joins me. I soap up a washcloth and wash myself, and it’s then I realize we didn’t use protection.
“Shit.”
Dee looks up at me. “What?”
“I didn’t put on a condom.”
“I’m on the pill.”
Relief surges through me. “I’m glad one of us was thinking. That’s the last thing either of us needs right now is a child. It would ruin everything.”
“I know. I want to live with you for a few years and get to know you properly before we bring a child into the mix.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were on the pill?”
“Safety first. It’s always better to have two layers of protection, and besides, contraception shouldn’t all be on me.”
Pulling her to me, I kiss her. My girl is smart, and she knows a child right now isn’t what’s right for us. Unlike some of the other girls around campus, Dee isn’t looking for a payday. Dee only wants me.
DIANDRA
I’m late. It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m supposed to be at Minerva’s house for dinner. I’ve felt nauseous all day. Nothing seems to settle my stomach. The thought of eating a huge dinner causes my stomach to roll. I stop walking and lean up against a pillar near work to steady myself.
“Are you okay?”
Turning around, I find one of the agency’s newest clients looking at me with concern.
“I think I have a stomach bug.”
“You’re Diandra, yes?” He takes me by my arm and guides me toward a bench.
“Yes. I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name, Mr.?”
“Tyson Reed, call me Tyson.”
I nod, and my mouth waters, a sure sign I’m going to vomit.
“Oh my God,” I mutter as I put my head between my knees.
“Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t look good.”
I’m sucking in mouthfuls of air to keep myself from losing my lunch all over Mr. Reed. He’s some sort of self-made billionaire who wants another firm to look after his interests here in town.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Diandra, let me take you home.”
Slowly, I straighten into a sitting position. “I’m supposed to be going out to dinner.”
“Something tells me you aren’t going to make it.”
Groaning, I let my head fall back with my eyes closed. It’s winter, and the cold air makes me feel slightly better. “I think you’re right.” Opening my eyes, I find Tyson peering over me. “I’m not dying, promise.”
“You look green. Let me take you home. My driver is just over there.” He points to a black limousine not twenty feet from us. “It’s no trouble.”
“My boyfriend and his mother are expecting me.” I shake my head. “Who gets sick at Christmas?”
“Apparently, you do.” Tyson stands and offers me his hand, which I gratefully take as I sluggishly get to my feet. Swiftly, he puts his arm around me and guides me toward his limousine.
“I’m sorry to be such a bother.”
“Nonsense. I get to give a beautiful woman a ride home.” He chuckles. “Even if she’s a nice shade of green.”
Smiling at him, I climb into his car and settle into the leather seats. Maybe it’s because I’m not feeling well, but they are the softest seats I’ve ever sat in.
“Diandra, what’s your address?”
“I’m over on Boylston Street, Boylston Apartments.”
Closing my eyes, I feel the car move. Tyson doesn’t make small talk, for which I’m grateful. The drive from work to home is less than fifteen minutes. The car stops, and my eyes fly open.
“You fell asleep.”
“I’m so sorry. I never get sick.”
“Don’t be sorry,” Tyson assures me as my door opens.
His driver is standing there, hand extended, waiting to help me out of the limousine. Nausea sweeps through me as I exit the car. I lean heavily against the back of it, breathing deeply.
“Give me your keys,” orders Tyson.
Reaching into my bag, I dig through all of my belongings and eventually find my keys. Tyson takes them, then he puts an arm around me and helps me into my building. When we get inside my apartment, Tyson takes my bag, putting it on the small table near the door. I feel so tired—just putting one foot in front of the other is an effort. Stumbling, I walk into my bedroom.
“Let me help you take your coat off.”
I do as I’m told and then flop onto the bed. Tyson kneels in front of me and slips off my shoes.
“Thank you. I’ve never felt like this before.”
Tyson chuckles. “It’s every man’s dream to be told that in a woman’s bedroom, but under these circumstances, it falls flat.”
Next to my bed is a picture of Gray and me. Tyson picks it up as he stands.
“Your boyfriend is Grayson Moore?”
“Yes.”
“Damn.”
I frown at him. “Do you know Gray?”
“I’m the owne
r of the New England Warriors. We’re in negotiations to sign him.”
I smile weakly. “He’s a good linebacker, you’ll be lucky to have him.”
“He certainly is a lucky bastard. He’s got a long career ahead of him and a captivating girl to go home to.”
“Gray doesn’t live here.”
Tyson pulls his cell phone out of his pocket, taps a number, and then puts it against his ear. I’m confused as to why he’s still here. All I want to do is sleep.
“Grayson?” He pauses, listening to Gray. “Yes, it’s Tyson Reed.” Another pause. “I’m at your girlfriend, Diandra’s place. I’m afraid she’s not well. I think she has a stomach bug. She’s a lovely shade of green.” Tyson nods and then hands me the cell phone.
“Gray?”
“Babe, why didn’t you call me?”
“I’m sorry. Mr. Reed drove me home from work. I don’t think I’m going to make it tonight.”
“Do you want me to come over?”
I shake my head. “No, I don’t want you catching this. I’m sure I’ll be fine tomorrow.”
“I’ll have dinner with Mom, then come over.”
“You really don’t have to.”
“No, but I want to.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “Mom says hello, and she’ll see you tomorrow. I love you, Dee.”
“I love you too.”
Tyson takes the cell phone off me and puts it back to his ear. He smiles at me as he speaks to Gray.
“Her firm is handling some business for me. It was simply a happy coincidence.” Tyson nods. “Good night, Gray.”
“Thank you, Tyson, for seeing me home.”
“Do you have a bucket?”
Frowning, I ask, “Why?”
Tyson looks around my bedroom. “You don’t look well and might not make it to the bathroom.”
“Oh.” Tyson smiles, and I shake my head. “No, I don’t.”
“Do you mind if I have a look in your kitchen?”
I shake my head, and he walks out of my bedroom. Laying back on the bed, I pull a blanket over myself and close my eyes. I’m so tired, and my stomach, for now, seems to have settled.
My last thought is how nice Tyson Reed is to help a virtual stranger and that it’s unusual, especially considering he’s not known for being nice. He’s a ruthless business executive. He even talked my boss into giving him a discount.
Tackling Life: A Sports Romance (Tackling Romance Series Book 2) Page 5
