by Ellie Hall
A burning smell came from the kitchen and ignoring their rivalry, Rachel rushed to the stove.
Concerned, Ryan followed her and then Tobias appeared at his heels.
“I scorched the caramel.” She stood helpless at the stove, fretting.
Ryan set the cookies he’d brought down and surveyed the evidence of baking on the counter. “The chocolate caramel shortbread was always your mother’s favorite.”
“I was going to bring them to the hospital.”
Ryan clapped his hand against his chest. “I’m your honorary Santa, let me fix this.”
Tobias frowned. “You said your mother was hardly conscious. How could she possibly eat a cookie?”
“It’s true that she’s in and out, but she’s been doing a bit better lately. Well, awake more.” Rachel tried not to let herself hope the experimental treatments would be effective because that would only lead to disappointment.
Ryan hovered over the stove, consulting his phone for how to fix burned caramel.
Tobias eyed the football player as though debating whether to try to compete with him over fixing the caramel. Instead, he tugged Rachel to the entryway. “Listen, I want the ring because I want you back. I’ll even get you a ticket back to Miami. I know a guy who works for the airline. You can stay with me. Your mother won’t even know whether or not you’re at the hospital.”
Ryan stiffened and the muscles in his jaw twitched. She felt the room go frosty despite the heat from the oven and stove.
Inflamed by Tobias’s comments and assumptions, never mind that his renewed interest in her probably had to do with Ryan’s appearance, they started to bicker as they so often had.
They’d met through a friend who’d wanted Rachel to double date with her. She’d convinced herself the up-and-coming guy in marketing with a BMW and condo with an ocean view was the guy for her. She’d ignored the fact that he rarely asked her about her progress on her degree, her family, or life outside of their relationship.
She’d set aside the fact that she learned he had major credit card debt. She’d ignored his mother’s incessant comments, insisting her son get married. She’d made the best of the time they spent together because she was so often away on a boat. But when she returned and found him with his coworker, Mia, she’d had enough.
“Where is the ring?” Tobias asked.
A shadow crossed them and Rachel looked up.
Barely concealed fury darkened Ryan’s eyes. “I should go.”
Seeing his back as he walked out the door pained her all over again. “Wait.”
He shook his head. “If, uh, you’re busy, don’t worry about coming to the charity gala, fundraiser,” he rambled.
With the front door hanging open, Rachel watched him leave. That time, he didn’t look back.
Chapter 7
Ryan
As Ryan walked away, Flick and Rachel’s bickering sounded through the door. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself not to go in there and...What? Punch him? Pressure Rachel to tell the guy to get lost? No, it wasn’t his battle to fight and like an idiot, it hadn’t occurred to him that there may have been someone else in her life.
But he wanted to fight for Rachel. For her honor. For everyone to know how wonderful she was. How selfless and kind. What a big heart she had. And in whatever ways he could, he wanted to soften the blow of her mother’s sickness because he knew the pain that came after losing a parent. Or in his case, both parents.
Rachel and her mother were close, and she was clearly going through a difficult time. In the very least, he could be there for her just as she’d tried to do for him after his mother’s tragic death. Instead, he’d pushed her away and it was his biggest regret. He was protecting her. If only he knew how to fix it now.
Also, he wouldn’t mind sinking his teeth into one of those chocolate caramel shortbread cookies. His cookie baking attempt was a fail. Why had he done it? Because something warm and whimsical had come over him when he’d left the Honey Bea and Thistle. Perhaps it was the cozy atmosphere, the Christmas decorations, and the carols playing in the background. Maybe it was because it felt good to surprise her with something as simple and practical as fixing up her vehicle so she was safe. He wanted to take care of Rachel, to support her, and to do whatever he could to make her smile. So he went home and baked cookies. They were the kind from the refrigerated section at the grocery store. He’d simply popped them in the oven, but all the same, they smelled and looked edible. JJ had even nabbed one while they were cooling.
For a second, he’d been mad—about his brother getting him into an uncomfortable situation with Rachel by putting the old Christmas gift under the tree, not the cookie theft. However, perhaps it was what he needed to try to make things right as well as ease whatever burden she still carried about the way he’d taken off on her.
Unfortunately, in his haste as he rushed to her house, almost half of the cookies slid off the plate and onto the slushy ground. Next time, he’d cover them with something or use a container.
Much like the day when he’d brought her and the kittens home, he sat in the truck, idling in the driveway. Only, instead of her sitting in the passenger seat, she was inside, fighting with that idiot Flick. The night before, he hadn’t been worried about driving back to the ranch in the snowstorm, but about going inside with her and what might happen. He’d allowed himself to imagine them together again. But he wasn’t good enough for her.
Then again, neither was Tobias Flick.
In the following days, Ryan made preparations for the fundraising gala event for P.U.M.P.E.D and had to stop by the town hall to finalize a few documents for the transfer of the charity. He passed the clerk’s office and popped in to make an inquiry.
As had been happening since he’d returned to town, he was met with familiar, friendly faces and just as many people wanting him to sign a piece of football memorabilia. He was less about the notoriety and more about the game, the comradery among his teammates, sweating on the field, and the clock ticking down. However, he knew a certain amount of fame came along with the territory. With Rachel, he felt like he could be himself, which was a relief. He wanted more time with her. The little voice in his head that sounded a lot like his mother’s told him that was a good thing. But could he? Was he worthy of her? Another voice told him, no, definitely not.
Still in the clerk’s office, a man asked about the Kelly holdings on the mountain. The clock on the wall behind him was actually ticking down. He had to be in Denver in a matter of hours. He politely excused himself and waved to the clerk on the way out, thanking her for helping him with the paperwork he’d completed on a lark.
Halfway to the city, the traffic slowed to a crawl, and he answered a call from the organizing firm he’d hired to arrange for the sound system, the catering, and other details to ensure everything ran smoothly. They’d also handled the décor, which he wanted to be Christmas-football themed.
When he finally walked into the venue, he was pleasantly surprised. Garlands were strung with felt footballs, an enormous tree was decorated with football-related ornaments, and a makeshift fireplace with a flickering fire was hung with stockings designated for each of the student-athletes that P.U.M.P.E.D sponsored. Ryan hoped to double that number the next year.
Tables spread with snacks and appetizers were against one wall, along with a sizable display of Christmas cookies, including football-shaped sugar cookies decorated with red, white, and green icing. They were from Love from the Oven, Rachel’s favorite bakery, back in the village.
He was supposed to meet a few of the guys from the team who were stopping by during a layover on the way to Los Angeles. He was proud of the work he and his father had started and which he continued to do. He imagined they’d be too.
Yes, he’d been born lucky, but he knew how easily it could turn—like the weather or someone’s health. He knew what it was like to struggle. Football had always helped him during tough times. After his mother had passed, he’d poured his
efforts into providing kids with an anchor, an outlet, and a purpose through sports. He funded teams and matched kids in need with mentors, for both boys and girls.
As he took the stage that evening, he explained as much, outlining the purpose of the charity, how much it meant to him, and why it was important to support the kids. “I have been given so much, all of us gathered here tonight have. I want us to pay it forward to future student-athletes who hadn’t been given much in life.”
There was a round of applause.
For one moment, Ryan wished his father could have been there. His voice was tight when he spoke again. “My father and I had kept the organization small because we’d been so hands-on. But now we’re expanding to Los Angeles, where the Bruisers train in the summer, and Boston where we spend much of the season.” From the back of the room, movement caught his eye. Rachel entered, wearing a dark green dress. Then he added, “And to Miami.”
Seated in the crowd, the general manager of the organization raised an eyebrow.
Ryan answered with a subtle nod. “Are you pumped?” he asked, raising his fist and punching the air. It was his signature move when he scored on the field and had caught on when he’d joined the Boston Bruisers. It had become a fan favorite as well.
The crowd roared with enthusiasm and also pumped the air, including his teammates, Chase, Gray, Declan, and Connor.
Ryan’s attention skimmed over them as they each took the stage to say a few words, endorsing the cause. Ryan focused on the back of the room as Flick followed Rachel in. He’d like to flick the guy away like a fly. Instead, it felt like a fly swatter crushed him. Why did she bring him to the gala? Granted, he hadn’t asked her to attend as his date nor had he said for her not to bring one, but the guy was an idiot and certainly not worthy of Rachel Moore. She was the most beautiful girl in the room with her peachy skin, her dazzling eyes, and the way her dress flattered her figure.
He hardly had time to think about that as he networked with possible donors to make P.U.M.P.E.D sustainable without the help of the Kelly Foundation. Of course, no one else knew that because it was confidential. But he couldn’t just marry anyone because his father wanted him to. The woman he’d once wanted to call his wife clearly was no longer available despite the hope and longing that had come over him and prompted his inquiry at the town hall.
Ryan’s brother Clark, along with Jimmy, Josh, and Andrew from lunch at the Honey Bea and Thistle, and a few other guys chatted in a circle. Ryan tracked Flick as he schmoozed with the other football players. He should’ve warned Chase, Gray, Declan, and Connor. He tried to catch their attention, but instead, Rachel approached.
Her hips swayed from side to side as she strode closer, wearing gold high heels. Her long, rich red hair cascaded over her shoulders in loose curls. “It’s really great that you’re working so hard to keep the vision you and your dad had going strong.”
“Thanks. It’s something I believe in. I’m really glad that you could make it.”
“So, you’re expanding to Miami too?” Her eyes sparkled.
He nodded.
“I can connect you with some great people down there who might be able to help.”
“As long as they’re not Flick,” he growled. Shoot, had he just said that out loud?
She seemed to recoil.
“What does he do anyway?” Ryan asked.
“He’s an advertisement and marketing strategist.” If there was any warmth in her words, he refused to detect it. “I’m sorry about last night.”
Ryan studied the fourth finger on her right hand. No ring. “He seems...” He couldn’t fill in the blank. Flick wasn’t nice or friendly or charming. “Alive?”
Rachel rolled her eyes. “I’m not talking to you about my love life. Remember, we’re just friends.”
He winced at the word love. Had she loved that clown? “Why him?”
Her eyes followed his. “Did you just think I’d just wait around for you?”
“No, of course not, but you could do better.”
Her lips formed a thin line. “Are you suggesting you know someone?” Her glare was cutting.
“Me? No, definitely not me.” If he’d learned anything from his mistakes, it was that he was not worthy of the woman standing in front of him. He’d earned the titles on the field, the accolades, and the money, but he’d done nothing to win back her affection.
At that, she pressed her lips together then strode off.
Before he could rush after her, Malik Sealey, a guy he knew from college gripped him in a bro-hug. The two reminisced for a few minutes, but Ryan couldn’t help but feel distracted as he tried to discretely find Rachel in the room. When he finally broke away, many of the guests had left for the evening. Overall, he thought it was a success but would have to confirm that once all of the donations had been tallied.
Niles, his father’s good friend and lawyer, nabbed him before he could say goodbye to an older couple and thank them for attending. Niles engaged him in an intense conversation about the decision he was making about potentially forfeiting his inheritance and trying to fund the charity himself.
“Think carefully about your decision, Ryan.” As often happened between close friends, Niles had similar mannerisms as his father, particularly the way his head inclined and he lifted his eyebrow ever so slightly as if to punctuate his statement.
Ryan stood there a moment, recalling his father telling him and his brothers about what Susan, his mother, had meant to him. He’d explained that he’d wanted his boys to settle down and have families as though he knew what was coming for him health-wise. Jack had said that the most important thing in life in addition to faith was family. He’d told them that finding true love was essential. One of his brothers asked what true love meant. He didn’t remember who it was because his father had teared up and told the story he’d heard plenty of times about when his parents had met. They’d been at a dance in a church hall back in Tennessee. Then his father added a new part. He’d said, “It was like everything else in the room melted away and she was all that I could see. After dancing with her, and discovering this woman was good, just pure goodness, I knew I would do anything for this woman. Climb mountains, fight a war, become a man. To buy a ranch and raise five rowdy boys to become men. So, I guess the short answer is; true love inspires you to be a better man.” He’d winked at the boys then.
Gathered around the dining room table, Ryan had wondered if his father had been misty or he’d simply had something in his eye.
But one thing stood out to him then as he spotted Rachel across the room chatting with a few girls they’d gone to high school with. True love inspires you to be a better man.
At the same moment, his ears tuned to someone saying her name. He turned slowly. Sure enough, it was Flick. Or, the back of his balding head. “Yeah, I’m here with Rachel Moore. Ryan’s ex-girlfriend.” His tone was slippery, possessive.
Ryan was about to interrupt when Flick said, “We were engaged.”
Andrew asked, “But you broke up? So she’s available?”
Flick shook his head. “She started to get all dramatic about her mother being sick. She dropped everything, including me, to go back to that little town. But I couldn’t stay away. She’s mine. There’s no one like Rachel Moore.”
With alarm, Andrew met Ryan’s eyes at the same time Flick said, “And I can’t wait to get Moore of her.” He wheezed a laugh and went on to make a few other crude comments that Ryan wouldn’t repeat, not even in the locker room.
Thunder sounded in Ryan’s ears. He saw red, no white. It was like blinding lightning crossed his vision as he spun Flick around. “What did you say?” He had his fist lifted, ready to pound the guy. “No, don’t repeat it. Don’t ever say her name again. Rachel Moore is too good for you. If I ever see or hear about you going near her again, I will demonstrate why my team is called the Bruisers.”
Ryan hadn’t realized it, but Chase, Gray, Declan, and Connor were at his back, ready to step in or b
reak it up if things got ugly.
“From now on you will show her and any other woman you encounter respect. Do you understand?” Ryan asked through gritted teeth.
Flick stammered out a reply and fear flashed in his eyes.
At the same time, Rachel strode over, with anger in hers.
Chapter 8
Rachel
“What is going on?” Rachel demanded.
Back in high school, she’d seen a few altercations on the football field, but Ryan had gone too far. Even though Tobias refused to leave, insisting he attend the event with her because he wanted to try again, she didn’t want him to get pummeled.
It was Christmastime and the truth was she didn’t want to show up at the fundraiser alone because it was more than likely that Ryan had a girlfriend or date joining him. She’d let Tobias bring her there with the intention of talking to him afterward and breaking things off, once and for all. But the more she thought about it the clearer it became that he was nothing more than a pest. He’d essentially followed her like a mosquito, seeking out an opportunity to benefit himself and probably eager to punish her because she’d sold the ring. But Ryan didn’t have to bring it to fisticuffs. Her business with Tobias was none of his.
Ryan gripped Tobias’s shirt. “This—” He gritted his teeth, stopping himself from saying more as though only then recalling that he was the host of the fundraiser gala.
“I don’t know what his problem is,” Tobias said, breaking away.
“My problem is you,” Ryan spat. His chest heaved with anger.
“Why? Because you’re jealous I got the girl that you let get away?” Tobias adjusted his tie.
Rachel held up her hands. “Listen, both of you. If this is about who gets to dance with me or win me as though I were a prize, or whatever, no. I have a say in it and I say no to both of you.” The box with the slip of paper sprang to her mind.
“Fair enough,” Ryan said respectfully. “But Tobias, I’d like you to tell Rachel what you said about Rachel Moore—” He stopped himself and shook his head. “No, I don’t want her to hear it. Just know that he’s no gentleman.” He angled himself protectively in front of her.
