Wild Play

by Harper Lauren

  I nodded thoughtfully, knowing that he was right. The problem was that I wasn’t sure if Tasha would want to see me ever again. After I left her in Green Meadows and never even called to ask how her ankle was doing, she probably wouldn’t want to hear from me ever again.

  “Just give it a shot,” Ivan urged.

  I gave him a surprised look, and then actually chuckled. “Are you some kind of mind reader?”

  He laughed, too, patting me on the back. “Just trust me. I’m speaking from experience. You won’t know how it’ll turn out unless you try to talk to her.”

  He stood up and joined the others then, leaving me alone with my muddled up thoughts and feelings. I didn’t have time to see her at that very moment, though, and I don’t think a simple call would be able to fix things.

  I thought of visiting her after practice. I vowed to myself silently that I would at least try to reach out and sort out our relationship—or whatever was left of it.

  The break was over. I felt just a bit more energized as I went back to the field. The thought of my father’s wrath wasn’t enough to make me play better. But thinking of seeing Tasha that afternoon and perhaps figuring out where we’d go next… it gave me hope and strength.

  Coach Ford was eyeing me warily, but I tried not to focus on that. I did my best to bury my fears and doubts and instead imagine a positive meeting with Tasha later. It helped some, I believe. I was able to somehow improve my game again, which made the coach lay off my back for the rest of practice time.

  My heart was thumping abnormally as I knocked on Tasha’s apartment door. Nobody answered at first, which jacked up my nervousness even more.

  I drummed my fingers on the side of my pants as I leaned my back on the wall beside the door, my head running with a million thoughts.

  “Hold on! Coming!” I heard her voice call out from inside. My heart seemed to skip a beat. I stood up straight, rehearsing a few lines in my head, trying to rearrange the message I wanted to express.

  Suddenly, the door opened, revealing the beautiful woman that had captured my heart. Her dark waves cascaded loosely past her shoulders, covering her bare shoulders. Her cheeks were a bit flushed, her eyes bright and cheerful. The radiant smile on her face was enough to melt my heart and render me speechless for just a few seconds.

  The smile froze on her face, though, when she saw that it was me waiting outside. Had she been expecting someone?

  “Uh, hi,” I said uncertainly. “Is this a bad time?”

  “Oh, hey,” she greeted reluctantly, looking quite awkward. “Uhm, I’m actually on my way out.”

  “Oh,” was all I could say. Our eyes locked on each other and I could instantly feel the deep connection there, causing sparks to fly across my body. “I’m sorry. I should have called.”

  “It’s okay,” she said, the smile returning to her face. “Perhaps another time?”

  “Sure,” I said, trying not to show my disappointment. At least she was offering an alternative, and did not look the least bit furious at me. There was a good chance that I could still pull this off. “How about early dinner tomorrow?” I then offered.

  “Uhm, I already have plans,” she said, which made me narrow my eyes before I could stop myself. “Maybe I’ll see you at the game on Saturday.”

  “Uh, sure,” I said. “We can have dinner after the game, if you’re free.”

  “Okay,” she said hurriedly, locking her door before walking away. “Running late, sorry!”

  I found myself stumped, not knowing what to do. But eventually, I followed her to the front of the building. She didn’t go to the parking lot, which raised my suspicions. And as I had suspected, she was picked up by Brad in his rather new car. It was an older model than mine, but that didn’t matter, anyway. He had the woman I wanted, and I was left regretting that I had ever let her go.

  I was quite confused and depressed. I drove around town aimlessly without a clear direction of where I wanted to go. The thought of Tasha and Brad together was driving me insane, and I hated the feeling. I yearned to escape from it, but now I knew that trying to forget her was making things worse for me.

  My phone kept ringing. I wanted to keep ignoring it. When I finally glanced at the screen to check who it was, I was forced to stop the car to answer it.

  “Dad,” I said after tapping the answer button on the touchscreen. “What’s up?”

  “Stryder, I just got off the phone with Coach Ford,” he said sternly. I could tell he was doing his best to control his anger. “What is wrong with you?”

  The question was certainly offensive, but I was sort of used to my father acting that way when it came to football. Nonetheless, it was still irritating and hurtful.

  “Coach suspects a woman,” my father said irately. “Is this true?”

  I sighed deeply. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’m fixing it and getting back on track.”

  “Alright, son,” he answered austerely. “Don’t disappoint me. No woman is worth losing your career over.”

  “Yes, sir.” My heart wasn’t really in it, but I just wanted to put an end to the conversation. At least he didn’t say more.

  That evening, I couldn’t sleep. I felt bad about so many things, and it was exasperating to be so powerless.

  I knew, though, that I had to do well during the championship game—not only for my dad, but because Tasha was going to be there, too. And more than anything, I also wanted the achievement for myself. I’ve already invested so much time and effort into my football career. I didn’t want to lose it in one click.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Tasha

  Once the football was snapped, I saw Stryder run to the side, avoiding massive players from the opposing team who were all trying to smash him. He called out something to the quarterback, his swift expert movements evident even from afar.

  I couldn’t help admiring his well-built body, images from the past flashing in my mind. I literally shook my head to wield off the intimate memories and instead focus on the ongoing game.

  I had come alone, unsure of what to expect. The past week I had been trying to get my mind off this man. But here I was again, running to see him despite everything. Even though I’d dated Brad twice, once in Green Meadows and then the other night, my heart wasn’t convinced. It had kept pining for Stryder even more.

  Stupid heart, I thought with irritation. He didn’t even call to find out if my ankle had healed already. So why the hell am I here?!

  At one point, Stryder paused while out on the field. He glanced up for a moment and even in the distance, our eyes met and something sparked inside of me. I just couldn’t make myself leave after that. Besides, we had agreed to meet for dinner after the game.

  Stryder didn’t play quite as well as before, but he was still okay. Perhaps that was why the coach kept him on only for one half of the game. Nevertheless, he did fine. I suddenly began wondering what was going on with him, and if it had something to do with us.

  Windfield Warriors almost lost, but luckily picked up during the second half. I cheered with the crowd when we were announced the winner. That was one game down for the championship.

  When I went down the bleachers, my heart suddenly began pounding hard. It went even crazier as I neared the parking lot where I was going to meet with Stryder. Of course, he’d probably take a while longer since he had to go shower and change.

  I saw Stryder’s sedan parked, so I went over there and leaned against the door, looking at the throng of people leaving the stadium. I hadn’t brought my own car today.

  “Tasha Rodriguez?” someone said, making me turn around. A middle-aged man faced me with a grim expression on his face. He looked like an older version of Stryder, so I’m guessing this was his famous old man.

  “Hello, sir,” I said politely. “Yes, I’m Tasha.”

  “Then you’re the woman who’s destroying my son’s football career,” the man accused in a rather cool but harsh tone.

  “Uh, I’m sorry? I didn’t�
�”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you, a stuntwoman who’s been playing with my son,” he continued, emphasizing the word stuntwoman as if it was a dirty job. “You should stay away from him if you don’t want to ruin what he has built all his life.”

  Big ouch. I was speechless for a while, fuming inside but trying to control my emotions. “I think you’re mistaken, Mr. Cooper,” I told him frankly. “I’ve only been supporting Stryder in whatever he wants to do, unlike you who only keeps pushing him toward football. In fact, you may not be aware that he’s actually got the talent of a world-class photographer. It’s a shame he has to throw all that away just because he wants to be the perfect son.”

  His eyebrow twitched, his lips turned into a frown. He was about to say something when Stryder suddenly showed up, looking confused.

  “I’m not really interested in forcing myself into your son’s life,” I went on, feeling insulted and raged. “He was the one who invited me here. But you know what? I do have better things to do.”

  I began to walk away then, but Stryder grabbed my hand. “Wait, Tasha!”

  I turned around and saw his dad place a hand on his shoulder. “Let her go,” the old man ordered.

  Stryder hesitated, which made my heart seem to break another time. It was painful how he couldn’t seem to fight for what he wanted. He would always be trapped in his father’s lair and I surely didn’t want to be involved with someone like that.

  I did not hear from him anymore the whole day. I wanted to cry, but I held back my tears. I wanted to call Brad to help me forget, but that would be so unfair to him.

  I moped for an entire evening, repeatedly looking at my cellphone and willing it to ring despite my anger and pain. I couldn’t even understand why I was this worked up when we didn’t even have a real relationship going. I was wasting too much of my time on someone who didn’t deserve it.

  The next day, I received a call from the crew of the commercial shoot for the energy drink. I couldn’t believe they were organizing an emergency shoot that evening. They wanted to add another sequence.

  After what had happened the previous day, I really didn’t want to see Stryder again, but of course I had no choice. This will be my first job back as a stuntwoman after my minor accident in Green Meadows. I needed the cash.

  You could just imagine the jitters eating at my gut as I went into the local high school football field with my friends Lia and Bella. The place was much smaller than where the pros play, but it will do for the TV ad. We were going to do a motorbike sequence here, which wasn’t allowed in the Windfield stadium.

  My heart almost stopped when my eyes landed on the familiar handsome man that had been messing with my mind and heart.

  “He’s really cute,” Lia murmured, nudging me. “You should give him another chance.”

  I gave her a wary look. “I don’t know, Lia. I think he’s had enough chances.”

  “Well, let’s just see what happens,” Bella said. “Who knows? He might have prepared a grand gesture for you. If not, then screw him! There’s more fish in the sea!”

  We all laughed, although my heart wasn’t really into it. I was falling hard for Stryder, despite my anger at him.

  There were open tents that had been set up near the field, thus making us all visible to each other. I tried not to glance at him as I was being made up by the makeup artist and hairdresser. Soon enough, I was all ready to go in my red biker’s outfit.

  I climbed onto one of the bikes, my adrenaline rushing--- partly from anticipation of the stunt and partly from Stryder’s presence. He was standing to one side, watching me intently. I could sense that he wanted to talk, but I didn’t want to give him any opportunity. Besides, we were ready to begin.

  “Hold it!” the director suddenly shouted. He motioned for the football players to go into the center where we stuntwomen were already positioned on motorcycles. “Join the females, gentlemen. Let’s do tandem rides this time.”

  I took in a sharp breath, my heart beating wildly.

  The assistant actually paired us up. I felt my heart skip a beat when Stryder sauntered toward me. I stood up to give him room.

  “Tasha…” he began in a whisper, his eyes penetrating into mine. “I’m hoping we can talk later…”

  I looked away without a word. He climbed onto the bike and placed his hands on the handles. I took my seat behind him, getting a whiff of his musky perfume. I wanted to lay my head on his back, to feel his closeness and hear his heartbeat.

  He revved the engine. The director told us to get ready, so I had no choice but to wrap my arms around his waist. I could feel the tension growing between us as we waited for the go signal.

  “Go!” we heard the director yell.

  Stryder took off in a split second, speeding up along the edges of the field. I held tightly, feeling my hair extensions whipping behind me in the wind.

  “Cut! Cut!” the director said into the megaphone. “Go back to the starting point!”

  Stryder slowed down. “Are you okay?” he asked me.

  “I’m fine,” I answered curtly as we moved back to the beginning position.

  “You guys are too stiff and serious,” the director told us. “Loosen up and have fun! This is a joy ride!”

  “Yeah!” Alex shouted, punching the air and making the others laugh.

  “That’s the spirit,” the director said. “Okay, again. Take two.”

  This was going to be very challenging. How could I possibly pretend to be having fun when I was stuck with the man who kept on twisting my heart in pain?!

  The second take was better. I wasn’t much of an actress, though, but hopefully I pulled it off.

  We had about five more takes after that. Toward the end, I was actually beginning to lighten up and get into the mood, especially when the director decided to play an upbeat song in the background. It helped a lot in establishing the mood she wanted for the scene.

  When it was finally over, I quickly headed back to the tent to have the hair extensions taken off. I could feel his eyes on me. He’d attempted to follow me, but he was stopped by an assistant. He had to do another sequence along with the other football players. This time, we weren’t needed to stand in anymore for the cheerleaders who were going to do the actual scene.

  From the corner of my eye, I could see Eve flirting openly with Stryder. He wasn’t responding, though, but was instead throwing glances in my direction. My whole being ached to be with him. Perhaps I really should just give him a chance to explain himself.

  “Looks like someone else just can’t get over you,” Lia suddenly whispered, motioning to the bleachers.

  My eyes followed hers and I saw Brad heading down, a bouquet of roses in his hand. Oh, crap.

  The gesture was certainly heartwarming, but I didn’t appreciate being made a spectacle on the set, especially since I was just an extra.

  When Brad handed over the flowers, the girls made a noise, unfortunately making some of the crew members look at us. I dragged Brad far away from the set, but not before seeing Stryder staring at us.

  “You shouldn’t have come here unannounced,” I hissed, pulling him toward the exit door.

  “But I wanted to surprise you,” he said with a sheepish smile. “Sorry if I caused a distraction.”

  “It’s fine,” I said. “I really appreciate the surprise and the roses, but next time let’s just meet outside of my job, okay?”

  “Okay,” he agreed with a shrug. Then suddenly he gave me a suspicious look, his eyes narrowing. “Did you talk to Stryder?”

  “No, why?” I replied, annoyed that he wanted to know.

  “Nothing, I just assumed you don’t want me around because of him…” he started.

  “So you purposely came to check on us, to spy on me?” I asked with disbelief, my infuriation building fast. “What did you want to prove with that gesture?”

  “Hey, no, that wasn’t just my reason,” Brad said defensively. “I wanted to make you smile, of cou
rse. I just felt like doing something nice for you, Tasha. You know how much I still love you.”

  I gave him a warning look, crossing my arms across my chest.

  “Okay, I also wanted to show him that we’re good, you and me,” he admitted. “So he’ll back off.”

  I didn’t speak for a while, weighing his words and actions in my mind. Then sighing, I said, “We talked about this already, Brad. I’m not ready to jump back into a relationship with you. I can only offer you my friendship for now.”

  “You’re just confused because of that no-good guy,” Brad insisted. “I know you still love me, Tash. You and I belong together.”

  He grabbed my arm and started pulling hard. “Let’s just get out of here, okay…”

  I planted my feet hard on the ground and yanked my arm away. “No, Brad,” I said firmly and much louder this time. “I don’t need to go with you now.”

  Suddenly his eyes filled with rage and a whole lot of other emotions I couldn’t understand. Without any warning, he seized my shoulders and leaned forward to kiss me on the lips. I pushed him away with all my might, but he pressed harder, trapping me inside a forced embrace. I struggled, pounding on his chest and shoulders with my fists.