by POSEY PARKS
“Sounds easy enough.” He shoved a heaping spoon of soup into his mouth.
I had to ask. “Why didn’t you come to any of our family functions?”
“Because your side of the family’s in the spotlight. My cousin is Wyatt Oakley, wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, for heaven sakes. I can’t broadcast that to the world. Neither one of us wants heat on us. If you visit us in Jersey, we’ll keep it on the DL. You have enough problems right now. You don’t want to add mob ties to your list of troubles.”
“I guess you’re right. I’d like to bring my girlfriend Lakelyn to meet my family after the season ends.”
“We’d love to have you.”
“Thanks for everything, Nick. Like Bo said, we’re family. We take care of our own.”
**P**
I’d performed like a machine over the last few weeks in training camp. My entire focus was on the game. It was all I had left.
Off the field was an entirely different story. Head in my hands after practice, I sat on the bench, pondering on how badly I wanted to see Lakelyn. My shoulders felt lighter knowing I’d take care of Johnny soon.
“Oakley, nice play out there.” Coach patted my back.
I tossed my gloved hand over my brows, blocking the sun as I smiled up at him.
“Thanks, coach Evans.”
“Meet me in my office.”
My teammate Josh taunted me. “Daddy wants to see you in his office.”
The other guys laughed.
I flipped him the middle finger as I walked off the field.
They were just busting my balls.
I strolled into his office.
“Yes, coach.”
He pecked away at his keyboard behind his desk.
“Have a seat.”
I sat my black helmet in the chair beside me.
“On the field, you’re kicking ass. Looks like you’re ready for our first game.”
“I am, sir.”
“How are you doing off the field?” He tossed his cap on the desk and ran a hand over his blond hair.
“Honestly, it’s been rough. As you know, I’ve lost all my endorsements because of this scandal.”
I rubbed my brow. “And I lost my woman. Those women are lying. I never slept with them.”
“You’re one of my best players. Hire a private investigator to handle the problem. It will keep your stress levels down.”
He slapped the desk. “Because I need you to show up Sunday.”
I had a private investigator, all right. The Pitucco mafia crime family. My family. “You can count on me, Coach.”
**P**
My routine had become mundane. Each day after training, I spent hours lifting weights. Deacon didn’t call once. When he was ready to talk, I’d tell him how much I loved his sister and how I’d do anything for her. Hopefully, one day we’d be able to repair our friendship.
I wouldn’t allow him to shit all over my parade by injecting more insignificant women into my life.
Stakeouts in the Lamborghini didn’t cut it anymore. My height posed a challenge. Rear seats laid flat in my brand-new Suburban Denali I stretched out while I watched hours of game tape. Every now and then, I peeked through Lakelyn’s seventh floor window.
Maxon ratted me out to Rayne. He told her I sat under the streetlamp outside the entrance in a big black truck. Guess she told Lakelyn.
Earlier this week, Lakelyn knocked on the tinted window. I opened the door. She stared at the ground.
Damn, she still couldn’t look at me. Lakelyn placed a navy paper bag covered in bright multi colored circles in my hand. The spices and mushrooms wafted inside my vehicle.
“Thank you.”
She didn’t say a word. Lakelyn turned on her heels and strolled back into the building.
I knew she still loved me. My favorite, creamless wild mushroom soup filled two piping hot bowls. My mother cooked it for me at least once a month. Mom taught Lakelyn, Rayne, and Sylvie how to make it. The soup was so delicious, mom told aunt Aria to put it on the restaurant’s menu. I peaked in the bag. Silverware, napkins, and two cans of coke rested in the decorative bag.
Tonight, I was making a bold move. I didn’t care about the outcome. I only cared about trying to be closer to Lakelyn.
Standing on her doormat again, I took a deep breath, then my knuckles rattled the cream wooden door.
A short pale gray-haired older gentleman across the hall stuck his head out the door, giving me a thumbs up. “Good luck, young man.”
It was clear he eavesdropped on our last conversation. Now that I thought about it, I remember our voices carried down the hall. I wouldn’t be surprised if the entire floor heard us argue.
I smirked and nodded.
Lakelyn opened the door, leaving it ajar. I dipped my head inside.
I stepped inside her condo. The temperature was set on North Pole shivering. Why did she have it so cold in here? I knew it was ninety outside. But damn. She padded back to the red loveseat in her oversized green T-shirt and black leggings. Lakelyn curled under the navy blanket and stared at the TV.
“You can take the couch.” Her eyes didn’t meet mine. A pillow and blanket sat on one end of the sofa.
I kneeled at her side and planted my lips on her forehead. Her body shuddered under me. I could’ve sat on the floor at her side all night, but I’d risk being told to leave.
This brilliant and confident woman brought joy to my heart.
“How are your classes coming along?”
“Good. I’m still at the top of my class.”
“Didn’t doubt your skills for one minute.”
A small smile took her lips.
I sat on the couch and slipped off my shoes. We didn’t feel like us. My drama filled life put us in this predicament.
“Lakelyn, come here.”
I slapped the pillow a few times under my head and shook the blanket over my body. She strolled over, remote in hand, and laid with her back to me facing the TV. She snuggled into my big arm under the blanket. Felt good to hold her in my arms again.
“Wyatt?”
“Yeah?”
“I won’t be at the game tomorrow.”
Felt like someone tightened a rope around my neck. I couldn’t breathe. In that moment, I realized my love for her ran deeper than a bottomless ocean. I’d loved her for years. I said those three words out loud for the first time three months ago. How noteworthy.
I kissed her disheveled hair. “That’s fine. I understand,” I lied.
I hated her decision, but I had to respect it.
CHAPTER EIGHT
LAKELYN
The next day, I awoke in my bed. My phone vibrated across the nightstand.
Deacon: I’m coming up. Open the door.
My eyes widened. “Shit, Oak.” I hopped to my feet and ran into the living room.
The pillow and blanket were folded neatly at one end.
He must’ve put me in my bed and left.
A heavy fist rattled my door.
“Coming,” I yelled.
My heart raced in my chest as I peeked out of the peephole.
I didn’t see anyone. Upon opening the door, my eyes gravitated to the Falcons box on the floor.
I grabbed the box and walked back to my bedroom.
“Alexa, call Deacon on speaker.”
He answered on the first ring. “Did you get the jersey?”
“Yeah.” I held the shirt against my body.
“Why did you leave?”
“My date's car broke down. You take forever to get ready, so I had to leave. Meet us at the game.”
“But...”
“Shit, she’s calling back. See you in an hour.” He disconnected the call.
What the hell? I told Oak I wasn’t coming to the game. Oh well.
After a long shower, I climbed into my clothes and ran the flat irons through my hair.
I shot Brock a text.
Me: I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.
**P**
The blistering sun beat down on the back of my neck as I strolled through the sea of tailgaters. The sizzling cheeseburgers and grilled hot dogs danced under my nose. My growling stomach reminded me I hadn’t eaten today.
Sylvie, Tyler, Deacon, and I planned to tailgate a couple of times this season. We’d been known to give away plates of food in the past. Deacon and I would start flipping burgers on the grill, then the chefs would take over. It was great publicity for our law firm. Loved having the silver and white architecture design of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as our backdrop while serving Falcons fans. I remembered when Oak gave me a tour of the stadium. I’d never forget the way his eyes lit up as we stood in the center of the field.
“I can’t believe I get to play football here.”
He pulled me up into his arms and kissed my lips. His large hands swayed my ass. “This is really a dream come true. You were always a part of my reasoning to play for the Falcons.”
I didn’t ask why or say that sounds crazy. My fingers brushed his stubbled jaw. “Being able to watch you play the game in our hometown feels good.”
He crushed my lips even harder that time. Happy, we shared that important moment together.
Back to reality. This week, I’d call my best friends and share the news. My little bundle of joy would be here on March fifth.
I would’ve slept through Labor Day weekend if it wasn’t for Oak stalking me.
Maybe out of all the baby mamas, I was the only woman he longed to be with.
Girl, he doesn’t even know you’re pregnant with his child.
I pondered his situation. The man only pursued me hard over the past two years. If I had homework, he told me to study by his side or in another space nearby. Just as long as I was close to him.
Oak has four baby mamas. I tossed the thought around in my head again. Just didn’t feel real. Maybe I should dig deeper into the women who claimed he was the father.
I knew him the best. This wasn’t like Oak.
Climbing the stairs toward the sea of red and black stadium seats, I tugged at the waistband of my jeans. They choked my stomach. This baby wouldn’t stay hidden much longer.
My nose wiggled as I breathed in the smell of hot dogs and popcorn wafting in the air.
I hoped the button on my jeans wouldn’t pop off after I scarfed down a large container of nachos. Plastering a fake smile across my lips, I climbed the steps toward our seats. Keep the conversation light between you, Deacon, and his date.
My jaw slacked, and I froze in my tracks when I reached the fourth row. My eyes fell on the woman standing next to Deacon.
“Lakelyn, how are you?” she yelled, waving. Her smile was as bright as the sun.
“Excuse me,” I said to the fans sitting in our row, as I stepped past them, moving closer to her.
Since mom and dad didn’t join us today, we had extra seats, which worked out. It allowed me to get away from my brother’s date.
Deacon smiled from ear-to-ear.
She wrapped her arms around my neck. “I promise he only knows you had dinner with Wyatt at the Four Seasons,” she whispered in my ear.
I felt my skin crawling in her embrace.
This bitch betrayed me.
I pried her arms from my neck. My eyes narrowed. “Thanks for the heads up, Bella. I had no idea you were fucking my brother.”
Her mouth gaped.
I folded my arms across my chest, staring between the two of them.
Surrounding fans gawked and whispered.
“Tell me. How long have you two been an item?”
Her fist rocked her hip. “On and off for six months. Lakelyn, I didn’t give Deacon any specifics.”
“How did you know we were related?”
“One evening he said he was on his way to his sister, Lakelyn’s. I told him I had a classmate named Lakelyn. That’s how it all began.”
I stared my brother up and down, then returned my gaze to her. “Did he ask you if I was there with someone?”
“Yes, I did,” Deacon bit out, answering for her.
“Bella said you had dinner with Oak. Was she holding out information?”
She didn’t tell Deacon about the bar incident or that I left with Wyatt.
Why didn’t she?
“As much as I like your brother, the only information he received from me was that the two of you had dinner. I don’t know what happened after that. I was working.”
I knew for a fact she saw us leave. My eyes met hers the second Oak turned me around before the elevator doors closed.
“What the fuck is this some sort of girl code?” Deacon’s eyes fell over both of us.
I waved him off as I stepped in front of the seat on the other side of him.
This situation amused my brother. I couldn’t believe he lied to my face. Guess it was fitting. I’d done the same for years.
I glared at Bella from the corner of my eye.
“How often do you have dinner with my best friend?” A wave of heat struck my body as I turned my attention to the field.
Wyatt stretched one hand in the air as he ran down the side of the field, catching the ball. He tucked it under his arm and zig-zagged, dodging two other players trying to tackle him. A third player caught Oak at the fifty-yard line, bringing him to the turf.
“Way to go, Oak,” I yelled, through cupped hands.
I ignored my brother.
He’d been baiting me since L.A. How long had he known I was seeing Oak?
“If memory serves me correctly, I told you not to talk to him because it would destroy our friendship. Guess my little sis didn’t give a fuck if I lost my best friend or not.”
“Deacon, it’s not all about you.”
“Tell me, since Messy Mandy exposed Oak about his four baby mamas where do you stand with him?”
If I wasn’t pregnant, I’d choke my brother.
“Let’s go, Falcons,” I shouted.
“Will you be the kid’s stepmom?”
“Deacon, whatever Oak and I were doesn’t affect your friendship,” I bit out, through bared teeth.
He cupped his hand over his mouth. “Oh, so it’s over?” he taunted.
I clapped my hands. Focusing on the game.
“Did you plan to attend the game?”
Deacon tried pushing all of my buttons.
“I’m here. And still rooting for him.”
“Something tells me you didn’t want to be here today. Especially, since his world blew up in L.A.”
He shook his head. “Can’t believe my own sister fucked me over.”
He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I can’t trust neither one of you. One more thing, how old were you when you started seeing him?”
My heart shattered in my chest. I betrayed my brother. Something I didn’t want to do.
“Answer the question. How long have you smiled in my face while fucking my best friend behind my back?” he roared, in a loud whisper above the cheering crowd.
Tears hit the backs of my eyes, clouding my view. “Years ago, we acted on our feelings then went our separate ways.”
He towered over me. “How old were you, Lakelyn?” he growled. All but foaming at the mouth.
My brother’s usual charismatic, cocky ladies man attitude went out the window.
“Sixteen.”
He threw his hands in the air, then leaned into my view. “Who the fuck are you?”
“You don’t understand. He wanted to tell you so many times, but I asked him not to. Then this summer...”
I dropped my hands to my sides. “We planned to sit down with you in L.A. but...”
“The bombshell broke about his baby mamas.”
Every time he mentioned them, it felt like someone squeezed a vice around my heart.
I nodded, turning my attention back to the field. Oak jumped in the air and palmed the ball.
Clawing my fingers through my hair with frustration, I turned t
o Deacon. “One day, I hope you can move past this slight issue. He’s still your best friend.”
“The fuck he is,” he roared.
“You don’t mean that.”
“Oakley is down,” the announcer’s voice echoed around me.
My wide-eyed gaze shot to the field. I couldn’t swallow. Felt like cotton-lined my throat.
“He’s not moving,” the announcer stated.
“Shit,” Deacon grunted.
The loud chatter throughout the stadium overwhelmed my beating heart.
The Falcons team of doctors ran toward Oak.
“He’s not moving.” My shaky hand covered my mouth.
I side-stepped out of the aisle, then ran down to the field bypassing his teammates.
No tears Lakelyn now isn’t the time. Wyatt needs you.
They peeled his helmet off his head just as I shoved through the crowd, dropping at his side.
“Oak, can you hear me?” I brushed my fingers over his closed eyes before checking his pulse. Still breathing, but he didn’t move a muscle.
“Where was he hit?” I asked, no one in particular.
The referee stepped beside me.
“His upper body took the brunt of the hit.”
The two sports doctors kneeling at Oak’s side continued their exam.
“His shoulder hit the ground pretty hard,” Coach Evans stated, clutching his face staring at his unconscious star player.
“There’s extensive damage to his shoulder. We need to get him to the hospital.” He motioned for the paramedics.
“I’ll ride to the hospital with him.”
The doctor peeked up at coach Evans. He nodded.
Scurrying by Oak’s side en route to the ambulance, I thought back to our conversation in the tub at the hotel.
Wrapped in his big arms, I sat between his legs, resting my head on his broad chest.
“If things were different, where would we live? At your condo or my house?”
“Easy my condo. We don’t need that big house. Not sure why you live there alone.”
“Remember the night you hid from Deacon in the master closet?”
“Yeah, I laid in a bed of plush pillows while I watched my TV shows.”
“You didn’t think it was weird the closet was a cream color instead of a rich mahogany?”
