Forward Progress (Men of Fall Book 1)

by S. R. Grey

  Alas, but the night will be over soon. The sky is brightening, and dawn will arrive in probably less than an hour.

  I nudge Graham. “We should think about getting back.”

  He sighs. “Yeah, I guess so.”

  Slowly we dress, and then I slide over to the driver’s side.

  I start the car, cranking up the heat. We generated so much warmth throughout the night that the cold wasn’t an issue. But now that the lovin’ is done, I’m beginning to feel the freeze.

  When I turn on the headlights, we notice the whole car is covered in fresh snow.

  Graham laughs. “Huh, guess it was snowing all night. I didn’t even notice.”

  “Yeah, neither did I,” I say, snickering. “Wonder why that was?”

  He shoots me a sly grin. “Hmm, yeah, I wonder.”

  He asks then if I have a snowbrush, and I jerk my head to the seat behind us. “There should be one on the floor back there.”

  “I see it.” Graham grabs the brush and says gallantly, “I shall return, my love.”

  After the snow is cleared off the car, we start on our way home.

  Well, to his home. Not mine, not anymore.

  “Poor Paul,” Graham mutters when we’re close to the house.

  “Why poor Paul?” I ask.

  “He’s probably ready to go home by now.”

  “Are you crazy?” I laugh. “We’ll be lucky if we can get him to leave. He’s been going on and on about your theater room and how cool it is for weeks. In fact, now that I think about it, that’s probably the whole reason why he set this little rendezvous in motion.”

  Softly, Graham says, “Nah, I don’t think so, Eden. He’s a good kid, and I think he really wanted us to have this time together on Christmas.”

  “I know,” I acquiesce. “I was just kidding. Paul does really miss your place, though.”

  Sighing, Graham runs his hand down his face. “Damn it, he should’ve been able to stay at the house for the holidays. And you too, Eden.” He snatches my hand and kisses the back. “Especially you.”

  “Graham…”

  We’re near the house but it’s almost light out, so I pull onto the side street where I parked last night.

  “I hate this,” I bite out as I slam the gear into Park.

  “It won’t be for that much longer,” Graham says.

  It’s true, but I have a feeling the weeks ahead will be the longest yet.

  Playing Off the Playoffs

  I hate parting ways with Eden. It feels so wrong. We can’t stop kissing and touching each other, meaning I can’t bring myself to get out of her car.

  But I must. Paul’s knocking on the steamed-up window.

  And dawn has, well, dawned.

  “Hey, you guys, knock it off,” Paul calls out. “Open the door. Or at least let me in. It’s fucking freezing out here.”

  Eden and I break apart and lean back in our respective seats, like nothing’s going on.

  Yeah. Right. We’re not fooling anyone.

  As soon as Eden hits unlock, Paul opens the door and hops in the back.

  Grinning up at us, he says, “Looks like you two had a good night.”

  Eden mumbles, “Smartass.”

  Me, I just laugh.

  We talk for a few minutes, but soon realize time is passing and we should part. The Comets may have given my surveillance team a day off for Christmas, but I can’t see it lasting into today.

  So, reluctantly, I give Eden a kiss good-bye and bump fists with Paul.

  As I’m walking the short distance to my house, I realize Eden and Paul are like my family here in Ohio. Obviously I love Eden, but I care a lot about Paul too. I see him as sort of a little brother of my own.

  It’s then that I know I want them both in my life for the long-term. That means I’m going to ask Eden to move back in with me once this stupid stay-away-from-each-other crap is over and done.

  By the time I reach the house, though I’m sad that I’m all alone again, I feel much better. My time with Eden has rejuvenated me.

  Shit, good thing too.

  I just remembered I have a freaking game in a few hours.

  It’s all good, though.

  Despite being tired as hell, it doesn’t really matter. This is the last regular game of the season, and since we’re already in the playoffs, I won’t be seeing much time on the field.

  A few hours later, it plays out exactly like that—me warming the bench while the backup QB gets in all the reps.

  But my break doesn’t last for long.

  January rolls around, which means it’s playoff time and I’m busier than ever.

  That’s fine. It keeps my mind off how much I’m missing Eden. Plus, it turns out loneliness is a phenomenal motivator. I am fully “on” and engaged at practices, and find myself kicking ass the first playoff game.

  Caleb, the tight end, is my main man. He catches a bunch of short lob passes I throw and runs for great yardage each play.

  He and I are tearing up the field, scoring touchdown after touchdown.

  We end up winning the first playoff game with a score of 41-21.

  The fans go nuts!

  And we move on to week two…

  Preparation for this playoff game is much more intense. It’s against those pesky Dover Sharks, and our strategy of chewing up the field with short yardage plays may not work as well against them.

  The Sharks have done well this season and, like us, have a solid record to show for it. It makes the matchup all the more interesting, apparently to everyone.

  The game is in Columbus since we secured home field advantage with our slightly better record. The city is swarmed with media in the days leading up to the big game.

  Despite the many distractions, my thoughts are on Eden.

  I wonder how she’s doing.

  I hate that I can’t talk to her.

  I guess Paul’s getting ready to go back to school.

  Shit, that’s going to suck for her once he’s gone. She’ll be back to living in that shitty little apartment all alone.

  And it’s the dead of winter.

  Damn, I should be there to warm her up.

  Hmmm, warming up Eden…

  Oh hell, I better think about something else. Last thing I need is a head full of sexy thoughts when we have an important game ahead.

  Speaking of sexy, the Comets are still pushing me as a sex symbol, though not nearly as much. Not because Jock ever said anything, it’s just not going over as well as before. People are finally just appreciated me for being a good quarterback.

  Thank Christ!

  Maybe they team will completely ditch that angle.

  I hope so.

  It’ll make it much more palatable to them when I let them know Eden and I are getting back together—for good and for real this time.

  No, No, NO!

  Graham is doing phenomenally well at the start of the playoffs. Paul and I watch the first game on the new HDTV. We cheer and holler and just generally go nuts when the Comets win.

  I love watching the game with my brother, but unfortunately he has to go back to school the same day as the second playoff game.

  As Paul is packing early in the day, I try to stay upbeat. But he’s been here with me for almost a month and there’s no getting around that I’m going to miss him very much.

  Bad enough I don’t have my man.

  Now I’m losing my brother too.

  With that thought, I let out a sad little groan.

  Paul has just come into the living room and peers over curiously. When our eyes meet, he knows right away what’s up.

  Sighing, he says, “You know, I could totally miss the first week of classes and it’d be fine. Do you want me to call Tanner and tell him to leave without me? You could drive me up to school next weekend.”

  Is he serious?

  “No way.” I shake my head firmly. “I’m not interfering with your schooling.”

  Paul rolls his eyes. “It’s not
like I can’t catch up the week after, Eden. Nothing really happens the first few days back, anyway.”

  We both know that’s not exactly true.

  “Paul, seriously, just go. I’ll be fine.”

  He starts to zip up his big duffel bag full of clothes, then stops.

  “What?” I ask. “Why’d you stop? I just told you it’s all good. I have the game to watch tonight and everything.”

  “I know, I know.” A strange look crosses his face, and then he says, “I just suddenly had a really bad feeling. You sure you’ll be okay?”

  “Hey…” I walk over to him and give him a hug. “The last thing you need is to worry about me. You just stay focused on school, okay?”

  Leaning back, he smiles. He’ll be sixteen soon, and I can’t believe how much he’s grown. Not just physically but emotionally too. My little brother is becoming a man, and it’s growing clearer and clearer that he’s going to be one of the good ones.

  Reaching out, I ruffle his auburn hair. “I’m really proud of you, kid.”

  He pretends to be annoyed, mock swiping my hand away. But I know the truth. I see it in his eyes that he appreciates what I’m saying. It makes him feel good.

  So I say it again. “I’m not kidding, Paul. I am so freaking proud of how you turned things around.”

  “Thanks to you, Eden,” he replies softly. “You made it possible for me to go to that school. You always believed in me.”

  “I still do, kiddo.”

  “Thanks,” he whispers.

  A horn honks outside. “Damn,” I say.

  “I guess that’s my ride.”

  Handing him his bag, I tell him, “Go. We’ll talk later.”

  “Yeah, for sure. I’ll call you tonight to let you know I got up there okay.”

  See how responsible he’s becoming?

  “Thanks.” I nod. “That’d be good.”

  I turn toward the window, and though it’s getting dark, I breathe a sigh of relief that it’s no longer snowing. It was really piling up earlier.

  We’ve had so much snow lately, starting before Christmas and straight into January.

  When I turn back around, Paul’s already at the door.

  “Bye, sis,” he calls out. “Love you.”

  “Love you too,” I say as he’s leaving.

  And with that, he’s gone.

  Ugh.

  The apartment instantly feels empty, the awful silence deafening. I’m relieved when it’s time for the game to start.

  Heading off to the kitchen, I gather my provisions. That includes grabbing a big bag of chips and a can of Coke.

  I then make myself comfortable on the sofa and turn on the TV.

  There’s a lot of pregame stuff I normally wouldn’t pay attention to, but today I do. I watch it all with rapt attentiveness, especially when they go to Graham for an on-field interview.

  Damn, he looks so hot in his uniform. His gold football pants are tight, showing off his muscular legs. And with the pads under his jersey, he looks enormous, so very strong.

  I sigh, recalling what it feels like to be under all that strength.

  God, I miss that man.

  When the game starts, right off the bat, one of the Comets catches the kickoff ball and runs it back for a touchdown.

  “Yes!” I fist-pump the air. “That’s the way you start a game.”

  The Comets’ success continues from there, and they end up pummeling the Dover Sharks.

  Graham and the team stay on the field for postgame interviews, and I watch each and every one of them. I only turn the TV off once the guys are heading to the locker room.

  Alone in the silence of the apartment once more, I realize I’ve yet to hear from my brother.

  I check the time.

  Hmm, it’s after ten. He should certainly be up at school by now. Even if he and Tanner stopped to eat, it wouldn’t take this long.

  Worry immediately engulfs me as I recall Paul’s bad feeling earlier.

  “Shit,” I mutter.

  Grabbing my cell, I call my brother.

  But no one answers.

  I try to tell myself that I’m being silly. Paul is fine. He’s probably busy with his friends.

  But then my cell lights up with an unfamiliar number, and I know immediately that something is seriously wrong.

  “Hello?” I croak out.

  “Is this Ms. Eden Vetterly?” the caller asks.

  “Yes,” I whisper, my throat closing.

  “Ma’am, this is the Mansfield Police Department. I’m sorry, but there’s been a car accident involving your brother, a Mr. Paul Vetterly.”

  “No, God, no!” I scream. “Please tell me he’s okay. Please, please, please…”

  “Ma’am, I’m unable to give you any medical info. All I can tell you is your brother, and the driver of the car, have been taken to Mansfield General.”

  I don’t hear anything else, because I’m out the door and in my car in record time.

  F*ck the Team

  I’m celebrating our victory over the Sharks in the locker room with the team when my phone vibrates in the pocket of the jeans I put on after showering.

  I almost ignore it. But then I think about how it could be my sister, Chloe, calling about something important.

  So I dig the damn thing out.

  When I check the screen, I’m stunned to see Eden is the one calling.

  Shit, she wouldn’t contact me, especially not while I’m still in the locker room, unless it was something extremely urgent.

  Stepping out into the hall corridor, I close the door behind me, effectively muffling the raucous sounds of celebration.

  “Eden?” I say into the phone.

  “Oh my God, Graham, thank you for picking up.”

  She sounds breathless and out of sorts.

  I also hear road noise, meaning she’s driving.

  With my heart hammering, I reply, “What’s going on? Are you okay?”

  “Yes, yes, I’m fine. It’s Paul. He’s not.”

  She chokes up, and I try to soothe her. “Calm down, sweetheart. Just tell me what happened.”

  “Oh, Graham, he was on his way back up to school with his friend and there was a-a-an accident.”

  “Jesus.” I run my hand down my face. “Is he all right?”

  “I-I-I don’t know. He’s at a hospital up there. I just got in my car. I’m heading that way now.”

  “Where are you?”

  “I just left my apartment.”

  “Come get me,” I say, no hesitation. “I’m going up there with you. I’m down at the stadium. I’ll wait outside.”

  Totally serious, she asks, “But what about the team?”

  “Fuck the team, Eden.”

  I go on to tell her that I care about Paul and I want to go with her. Besides, she shouldn’t be driving to somewhere a couple of hours away while upset.

  “But more than all that,” I add, “I love you and I want to be there for you.”

  “Okay,” she says softly. “I’m heading over there now.”

  Without telling anyone anything, I go outside.

  Thankfully, the crowds have long dispersed and it’s nice and quiet.

  When Eden pulls up in her Audi, I hop in.

  Leaning over to give her a hug, I whisper, “Babe, I am so, so sorry.”

  “Oh, Graham,” she sobs.

  She’s far too shaken up, so I insist on driving.

  “Okay,” she says, unbuckling her seat belt. “Thank you.”

  Three minutes later, we’re on our way, me praying the whole time that Paul will be okay.

  Paul

  As soon as we arrive at the hospital, I jump out of the car and run for the doors.

  Graham pulls into the first available spot, and quickly catches up to me.

  And then he’s right beside me—as it should be.

  I decide then and there that I don’t care what happens with the team. Let the bastards sue me. Hell, I’ll give back all the damn m
oney if they demand it. But Graham and I are going to be together, in public.

  No more hiding, no more games.

  I look over at him, and with the way he’s looking at me, I know he feels the same way.

  “Take my hand,” he says. “It’s going to be okay, Eden. With us, and with Paul.”

  Taking his hand and squeezing, I murmur, “I hope so.”

  We reach the emergency desk and, after I tell them who I am and why I’m there, they direct us to a room down the hall.

  Heart fluttering in my chest like a bird, and holding on to Graham so tightly I know I must be smashing his hand, I whisper, “He has to be all right. He just has to.”

  “He will be,” Graham says reassuringly. “They wouldn’t let us back here if it was bad.”

  I hope he’s right. I hope he’s right.

  And he is.

  As I step into the examining room, Paul hops off the table. “Eden!”

  I grab him in a tight hug. “Oh my God, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, just a bump or two here and there. Tanner’s okay too. He’s in the room next door. I think I heard his parents arriving a few minutes ago.”

  Breathing huge sighs of relief that both boys are more or less fine, I lean back to verify what Paul’s claiming.

  I scan over him and see it’s true.

  There’s a small bruise on his forehead, but otherwise he seems unharmed.

  Thank God.

  A doctor comes in then and we’re informed that tests have been run since Paul did bump his head.

  “I’m happy to tell you, though, that everything looks fine,” the doctor says.

  “See, sis,” Paul jumps in. “I told you I’m a-okay.”

  “He is,” the doctor confirms, smiling at us, our little cobbled-together family. “You’re one lucky young man, as is your friend.”

  “What happened?” I ask Paul.

  “Ack,” he begins, rolling his eyes. “We hit a damn patch of ice. Tanner wasn’t even going fast. But we slid off the road and sideswiped a tree.”

  I can’t help but gasp.

  And then I hear Graham, who’s hanging back, mutter, “Jesus.”

  He’s right. It could’ve been so much worse.