Tackling Love: A Sports Romance (Tackling Romance Series Book 1)

by Kathleen Kelly

  Skye’s laughter filters down the line. “Whatever he wants. He doesn’t live extravagantly, but he does travel extensively. I try to catch up with him wherever he’s in the world when I take holidays. If it weren’t for him, I don’t think I would have ever left the country. I guess for my next holiday, I’m heading to the UK.”

  “Sounds good. I’ve never been. We could stay in London and go from there.”

  “We?”

  “Well, we’d have to wait until the off-season, but yeah, we. If you want?” I’m holding my breath, waiting for her answer. Skye’s the first female I’ve wanted to spend more time with, to really get to know her, to meet her dad.

  “You know, it could be fun. No one will know you over there, and we could be like a regular couple. Can you do regular?”

  I release the breath I was holding and say, “I think so. I’d like to try regular with you.”

  “I can’t wait to tell Dad. He’ll be so excited.”

  “What about you, sugar, are you excited?”

  “Want me to come over? Show you how excited I am?” Skye says seductively.

  “It’s late. You have school tomorrow—”

  “And… I don’t care. I can be there in an hour. Say, yes, Colt.”

  “Sugar, tomorrow’s another game. All I want is sleep, and if you’re here, sleep will be the last thing I’ll want,” I admit truthfully.

  “So, it’ll be a test… a test to see if we can abstain.”

  I want to see her, and if I’m honest, it’s more than a want, it is a need. I’m nodding, although she can’t see me, and then I laugh. “Okay, Skye, come on over. I’ll tell security to expect you.”

  Within forty-five minutes, there’s a knock at my front door. I’m wearing the only pair of pajamas I own as I wander down the stairs to the front door. Opening it, Skye is wearing pajamas and a long dressing gown, her hair is in a braid, and she’s wearing her slippers. We take one look at each other and begin to laugh.

  “Come in. Come in,” I say, trying to suppress my laughter.

  Skye walks over the threshold, and I shut the door. “Guess we were both thinking the same thing. Nothing too sexy.”

  “Sugar, you’re sexy no matter what, but that old blue dressing gown does help,” I tease.

  “Hey! This was a gift from a student… it’s very comfy. I’ll have you know.”

  “And that’s why I’ve never even seen it.”

  “You have a point. Well, I’ve never seen you in pajamas.”

  “It’s ‘cause I don’t normally wear them. Come on, I’ll show you to our room.”

  “Our?”

  “Well, you are staying, so yes… for tonight, or whenever you stay over, it’s our room.”

  Skye beams at me as I take her hand and lead her up the stairs. My home is huge. It’s five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a six-car garage. It’s styled in a Hampton theme that the decorator picked out, but I like it. It’s homey. I bought the house intending to fill it with my own family one day. I’d like at least four kids, but the more, the better.

  “There’s no carpet in any of the rooms I’ve looked in?”

  “Nah, don’t like carpet. I have rugs, wooden floors are best for animals.”

  And right on cue, my Great Dane, Beau, comes running down the hallway and jumps up on the bed.

  “Oh my God!” shrieks Skye.

  I grin at her and pat Beau ruffling his golden head. “Skye, this is Beau. Beau, this is Skye. Now, be nice,” I warn him.

  Tentatively, Skye holds out her hand to Beau who immediately, jumps off the bed, knocks her to the ground, and licks her face.”

  “Yuck!” yells Skye as she giggles.

  Pulling Beau off, I yell, “Sit.” Beau does as he’s told, and I extend my hand to Skye. She grasps hold and gets to her feet.

  “I think he likes me,” says Skye as she wipes at her face.

  “Yeah, knew he would. The bathroom’s through that door,” I say, pointing behind her.

  “Thank you.” Skye pats Beau’s head as she walks past him, and he takes that to mean he can go too.

  “Beau,” I caution him. He wags his tail and follows her anyway.

  When they come back into the room, I’m already in bed.

  “Want to watch TV?” I ask.

  “No, I’m tired.” Skye undoes her dressing gown, her pajamas are covered in little flowers.

  “Sexy pajamas.”

  “No, these are not. Are you going to be comfortable in those?”

  “What to do you mean?”

  “Colt, you said downstairs you don’t normally wear them. I won’t mind if you take them off.”

  Grateful to her, I get out of bed, strip and climb back in. “Think you can keep your hands off me?”

  Skye’s brow creases with a frown. “It’ll be an effort, but I’ll give it my best shot.” Then her gorgeous face breaks into a smile. Skye climbs into my bed near me but not touching. Beau jumps up on the bed and lays between us, his head on Skye’s pillow.

  “Beau, down!” Beau raises his big head and barks at me. “Beau, down!” This time he shakes his head and barks louder.

  Skye laughs. “Does he normally sleep with you?”

  “Yes, but not when I have company.” Skye doesn’t say anything, and I instantly realize what I’ve said. “Not that I have company. I mean… I do, but not here. I don’t—”

  “It’s okay, Colt. We both have a past.”

  Sitting up, I look over Beau to her. “Where have you been my whole life?”

  “Can I say something corny like waiting for you?” Skye giggles and places an arm over Beau who grunts in appreciation.

  “Sorry about Beau.”

  “Don’t be, he’s warm and cuddly.”

  “Great, now I’m jealous of my dog.”

  Skye giggles. “Shh… go to sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

  I slept better than I have in a long time. When I wake, my bed is empty with no Skye and no Beau. Looking over at the clock, it reads nine in the morning. I get up and have a shower, my shoulder feels better, and the heat from the water eases out more of the pain.

  Clothes aren’t my thing. I like them, but apart from the sponsored items I have to wear, I pay little attention to my wardrobe, so I throw on some jeans and a black T-shirt. Wandering downstairs, the backdoor is open. Skye is outside wearing one of my old, long-sleeved shirts with the arms rolled up, her hair is loose and wavy as she throws a ball for Beau. She has a cup in one hand, a smile on her face, and has never looked more beautiful than right at this moment.

  “Hey,” Skye calls out as she walks toward me.

  “Isn’t today a school day?” I ask as I wrap my arms around her beautiful body and kiss her.

  “Yes, it is, but I called in sick. I wanted to spend some time with… Beau.”

  I fake shock and then laugh. “Well, he’s kind of special.”

  Right at that moment, Beau gets between us, standing on my foot and drops his ball.

  Laughing, we pull apart, and I ruffle his big head. “Want me to throw the ball?” In response, Beau barks and runs a few feet away. I pick up the ball and throw it as far as I can, the movement causing pain to shoot down my arm.

  “Jesus,” I groan and rub my shoulder.

  “Are you okay?” asks Skye, her brows furrowing.

  “Sugar, I’m fine, but I don’t think I’ll be playing tonight.”

  “Do you have anything I could rub on it?”

  “Yeah, up in the house.”

  Skye grabs my hand and takes me back inside. “Where?”

  “It’s in the second drawer over by the sink.”

  Skye opens the drawer and rummages through all my medicines. “What is all of this for?”

  “Past injuries. Current issues. There are vitamins in there, too.”

  When Skye finds what she’s looking for, she unscrews the lid. “Take off your T-shirt.”

  “I knew it. You wanted to get me naked,” I say with a wink.

>   “Do it, mister,” orders Skye.

  Slowly, so I don’t aggravate my shoulder, I take off my T-shirt.

  “Damn,” says Skye with a sigh.

  “I take it that means you like what you’re looking at?”

  “What’s not to like?” Skye shakes her head and grins at me. “Okay, sit at the table so I can do this.”

  “Any excuse to touch me?”

  “Oh, Colt, I don’t need an excuse.”

  I chuckle and let her small hands work wonders on my shoulder, easing my muscles.

  “I like this,” I sigh, contentedly.

  “Me giving you a massage?”

  “Yes, but not just that. You in my home, in my clothes, even Beau likes you. It feels good, right.”

  “I like it, too,” whispers Skye.

  My eyes are closed, and I smile automatically. “You should stay here more often.”

  “I have a home.”

  “Yeah, sugar, I know. But here there are no reporters, no fans… just us.”

  “And Beau,” quips Skye.

  “And Beau.”

  SKYE

  Colt didn’t train on Monday night. The team doctor ordered more tests but was satisfied there wasn’t any permanent damage. He went to training, and they dissected the last game. Colt invited me to his home after, but since I’d used a sick day to spend the day with him, it was time to catch up on some work, so I stayed home.

  It’s Tuesday now, and the day is over. You know it’s one of those days that never seem to end, instead they drag? Well, that was my day today. The children had a never-ending litany of questions, which isn’t unusual, but today I wasn’t up to it. Tonight I’m going to Colt’s, and I couldn’t wait for the day to be over. As I’m cleaning my classroom, there’s a knock on the door. Turning, I see Tony Wilson, the principal.

  “Hey, Skye, how are you feeling?”

  “Good, thank you, Mr. Wilson.”

  “Skye, I was worried. In all the time you’ve worked here, you’ve never taken a sick day.”

  “Yes, Mr. um… Tony. I’m fine, just a stomach thing.” I avoid all eye contact and start shuffling papers into piles.

  “You sure you’re okay?” Tony asks, moving further into the room.

  I look him in the eye. “Yes, I’m fine. Absolutely fine!”

  “Good. Can’t have our best kindergarten teacher sick. After all, the children and some of the staff missed you.”

  Tony is staring at me with more than concern. Blushing, I grab my handbag out of the drawer and say, “Thank you for your concern. The children kind of wore me out today. I’m going home for a well-deserved break.”

  “Can I walk you to your car?”

  “Oh, no, that’s not necessary. I’ll be fine. I just need to rest. See you tomorrow.”

  Rushing past him, I practically run to my car. I’ve never looked at Tony like that—he’s my boss. When I reach my car, Colt is leaning up against it.

  “Hey, beautiful,” Colt drawls as I get closer.

  “Hey, lover.”

  “You going to kiss me?” asks Colt with a smirk.

  “That depends… is there a tall man with blond hair standing near the entrance to the school?”

  Colt looks over my shoulder and nods. “Yes, but what does he have to do with anything?”

  “That’s my boss, and he was checking on me as I was sick yesterday. I don’t need him jumping to any conclusions about my personal life. And besides, I told him I wasn’t seeing you.”

  “Let me get this straight, you’re keeping me a secret?”

  “The school doesn’t approve of us dating… so, yes, from them I am.”

  Colt pushes off my car and strides toward the school.

  “Colt!”

  He turns around but continues walking backward. “Don’t worry, Skye, I won’t tell anyone. It’s not like we are serious or anything, right?” He turns back around and keeps walking, going straight past Tony and into the school.

  I’m so confused.

  I open my car door and drive home in a daze. This is not how I thought today was going to end. Tears well in my eyes and spill over once I’m inside my home. Stripping off, I take a long, hot shower, trying to wash the day away.

  I thought Colt would understand.

  I love my job.

  His comment about us not being serious has completely thrown me. I certainly thought we were headed that way?

  When the water turns cold, I get out, dry myself and my hair. I check my message machine, but there’s nothing from Colt, only a telemarketer trying to see if I’d be interested in renewing a magazine subscription. I check my cell phone, but there are no missed calls or texts.

  I don’t know what to do.

  Should I call?

  Should I wait for him to call me?

  Confused, I walk into my kitchen and turn on the kettle. Dad always said the universe can be explained or understood with the help of a cup of tea, and I need that right now. Settling on the couch, I check my phone again, but it’s as silent as my home.

  With a sigh, I put on the television and watch the news.

  COLT

  I picked up Blaise from school. It wasn’t my day, but after my conversation with Skye, who’s embarrassed to be seen with me, I called his mom. One of the reasons I like Skye is that she isn’t like every other girl I’ve dated, but her reaction to the principal seeing us together has me confused.

  “Colt, are you listening to me?” asks Blaise, breaking through my wall of reflection.

  “Sorry, buddy, what were you saying?” I ask as I change lanes. We are on our way to Burger King for dinner. Blaise’s choice, of course.

  “Miss Carson is making me take the lead in the school play.”

  “That’s cool, isn’t it?” Glancing down at Blaise, he’s staring at me while rubbing his chin and tilting his head to the side.

  “Yes and no.”

  “Okay, buddy, spell it out for me.”

  “I really like acting, but I need to be playing football. If I want to be good, I have to practice.”

  “Why can’t you do both?” I glance over at him, and he’s shaking his head. “Okay, what do you like more? Acting or football?”

  “It’s not about that.”

  “Of course, it is. You have to like what you do, or it’s work.”

  “I want to be like you and Grayson. I want to be able to buy my mom a house and have any car I want. Football will get me that.”

  Realization washes over me as I pull into the parking lot. Blaise sees Gray and me as his idols. What he doesn’t see is all the hours of preparation that go into our profession and all the deals that happen behind closed doors.

  “You know, actors make money, too. Look at Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp or a hundred more I can’t think of right now. But, we all have something in common… we all love what we do and all the hard work that goes with it. I’m telling you, buddy, if you don’t enjoy your job, career, no matter what it is, you’ll regret it forever.”

  Blaise frowns. “I like acting more.”

  “Okay, then that’s what you should do. What’s the play about? What part are you playing?”

  “It’s a remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Miss Carson wants me to play the handsome prince.”

  “Way to go! That sounds awesome.”

  We both get out of the car and walk toward the restaurant. I glance down at Blaise, and he’s still frowning as the door to Burger King flies open, and a group of girls file out. I pull my cap down lower over my face, and not one of them gives me a second glance.

  “Is it really so bad if people recognize you?” asks Blaise.

  “No, buddy, but right now, I want to spend my time with you, and I don’t want anyone getting in the way of that.”

  Blaise grins at me, his chest all puffed up. “Thanks, Colt.” His admiration is short-lived when he spies the menu board. “I want a cheeseburger, fries, Coke, and a caramel sundae.”

  “What? No onion rings?”<
br />
  “Yuck! No, thank you.”

  “Ahh… there they are.”

  “What?” asks Blaise looking confused.

  “Your manners,” I reply while winking at him.

  “Sorry, Colt. Please and thank you,” replies Blaise looking thoroughly chastised.

  “It’s cool. How about you go find us a table while I order?”

  Blaise walks away as I place our orders with a young girl who knows who I am. She can’t make eye contact and drops one of our drinks on the floor.

  “Ahh, Candy? Do you need help?” I ask, flashing her my best grin and pushing my baseball cap up.

  “N-No, Mr. Anders. I’m so sorry, I am a clutz today.”

  “Call me Colt.”

  Candy’s flushed face beams at me as she nods enthusiastically. “Colt, I can do that.”

  “Great.”

  “Why don’t you take a seat, and I’ll bring your order out to you?”

  “Well, thank you, Candy, that would be good.” I wink at her, flash her another smile, and go find Blaise. Being famous sometimes has it’s perks.

  Blaise has chosen a seat near a window that he’s now staring out of. Instead of being excited over this play, he looks uneasy. I take my seat opposite him, and he looks at me and smiles.

  “Okay, buddy, what’s wrong?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you told me you prefer acting to football, but you don’t seem excited about getting the lead.”

  “My mom will have to make my costume.” Blaise looks pained as though this is the worst idea in the world.

  “Mom can’t sew?”

  “No, and we don’t have the money to buy a costume.”

  “How’d you get into Tremont?” I’m confused as it’s an exclusive and expensive school.

  “Mom. She knows the principal, and he got me in on a scholarship.”

  That makes sense. I nod.

  “I have an idea. What if I talk to the school and maybe we could do a fundraiser? I could get the Warriors to come, and—”

  “No, I can’t ask you to do that, and I don’t want you to pay for it either.”

  Blaise’s mouth is set in a hard line, for someone so young, he is very proud.

  “Okay, buddy, so what’s the solution?”

  “I don’t know.”