After the game, Peyton invites us over. I like that she assumes Julius and I will be together. I sort of love her for that. She shows me to the locker room, pointing to where I can stand and wait for Julius. I hadn’t planned this, but I like the idea of surprising him. She tells me he’s in a press conference but will come out this door after he’s showered. Peyton also warned me that Julius is slow. He likes to take his time and be the last one out.
“Duly noted,” I tell her before she leaves me in the hall. People stroll by, some carrying arms full of equipment and other things. They nod or wave if their hand is free, and I do the same in return. Right now, I feel like a high schooler waiting for her boyfriend to come out of gym class, but I want to be here. From everything Peyton said, Julius had a good game, and I want to be the first non-member of his football world to congratulate him.
Team members come through the door. I smile at each one and chat with Noah when he appears. “Congrats on the win,” I tell him.
“Thanks. Glad you could make it out.”
“Me too. I’m happy Julius invited me.”
“You know,” he says. “You always have a ticket on standby. Say the word, and Peyton will make sure you have a pass.”
“I know, but honestly, it feels awkward. I don’t want to assume.”
Noah lets out a hearty chuckle. “Assume away. Since your arrival, you’ve made my wife smile. You’ve given her a friend who wants nothing but friendship in return. If you want to come to a game, so be it. Hell, if you want to move to our building, I’ll put in a good word with the board.”
“Okay, now that’s pushing it. Have you seen where I live?”
He shakes his head.
“Walk out the main door, and I’m at the water. Granted, the water is the best, but I also love being so close to the park.”
“A couple of the guys live in that complex. They all like it.”
“Oh really? I guess I never assumed more of the team would live there aside from Julius.”
“The owners are good friends with the owner of the Pioneers—they cut the players a deal.” Someone down the corridor calls Noah’s name. He nods and tells me to have a good night and that he hopes to see me at his place later.
It’s getting late, and I start to think Peyton is wrong about Julius. I know there are a lot of men on a football team, but I swear at least a hundred have already come out of the locker room. A few even offered to take me home, while one who I don’t know asked if I wanted him to get Julius. As tempting as his offer was, I passed. But now, I’m second-guessing my decision. I think I’ve held this wall up for at least an hour, if not longer. How long can it take someone to do a press conference and take a shower? What in the hell is he doing in there?
I push away from the wall and step toward the door, only for it to fly open. I startle and jump back. A little “oof’ escapes, and I cover my mouth.
“Hey,” he says, with a grin so wide and bright it could melt the snow. “What are you doing here?”
“Peyton showed me where to wait?”
“Were you about to come into the locker room?” he asks as he looks over his shoulder.
Busted. I nod and feel the heat in my cheeks rise. “I thought maybe you left through a different door. I was going to open it and holler inside for you.”
“Do you want to have a look around?” Julius reaches for the handle on the door and opens it, propping it with his foot. He motions for me to enter. Each step I take is hesitant, almost as if I’m afraid I’m going to get into trouble. Or worse, become a locker room cliché.
This is the first time I’ve ever been in a locker room that wasn’t at the gym or school. I’m pleasantly surprised by how clean it is and am shocked by the space. The room is massive, with a giant Pioneer logo on the floor. The lockers themselves look like cabinets, with shelves, hangers, and cubby holes. Julius leads me over to his space, and inside there are pictures of Roxy and Reggie and one of his parents.
“Wow, this place is huge.”
“It has to be when you have forty-six men trying to get dressed at the same time, plus staff and about fifteen coaches moving about. It can get a little cramped in here.” We continue to walk around. “Once the room is clean, staff will shut the doors. When we return for our next home game, we’ll come in, and all our equipment will be ready to go.”
“What about practice?” I ask.
“We have a practice facility. The equipment manager will make sure our pads, helmets, and other necessities are in our lockers there for our next practice.”
“There are so many logistics that go into this sport. I had no idea.”
Julius nods. “It’s weird because growing up, my parents had to buy my equipment. My mom used to complain about the smell of my pads or the grass stains on my pants. When I got to college, they had managers to take care of everything. It was a nice change, almost like a reward for doing well in high school. Now, it’s ten times more than in college. If I don’t like how something fits, the manager takes care of it.”
“And you just show up and play?”
He shrugs. “More or less. Each guy has a different philosophy. Noah and I are close, and in the off-season, we hang out together, mainly in California. The warmer weather helps with muscle aches and pains. We workout, train, run, do everything we can to stay in shape for preseason. Other guys sit on the couch from whenever the season ends until July, and then it’s a mad dash to get ready.”
Julius guides me into another room. It looks like a spa but isn’t. “This is where we come if we have an on-field injury or need to recoup after a game.”
“Ice baths?”
“Yep, ever had one?”
“No,” I say. “But I’ve seen the commercials. They don’t appeal to me.”
“You get used to them,” Julius tells me. “This is also where we get stim before a game if we need it, and where we get our wrists and ankles taped. Then when the game starts, the training staff is on the sidelines, making sure we’re good through the entire game.”
“I saw them on the sidelines, and one was in the tent thingy.”
“Yes, that’s where we go if the injury is minor. Mostly to keep the media away from what we’re doing and to protect the spectators from seeing our blood gush.”
I set my hand over my stomach, feeling queasy. “I’m happy never to see anything like that.”
Julius takes me to another room. “This is where we shower. We have a schedule. Noah is always first, and the rookies are last. The rest of us fall in line.”
I don’t tell him what Peyton told me—that he likes to take his time. I’m sure if he felt it was important information, he’d share it. I turn to leave, but strong hands on my waist stop me. Julius pulls me to his chest and walks backward until we’re straddling on a wooden bench. It’s wider than the ones at the gym and a bit more comfortable.
“We’re in the room where you boys shower,” I point out.
Julius nods. “I wanted to be alone for a minute.”
“You’re the last one here.”
“The staff is still here and the cleaning crew. People are always around, lurking behind corners and hiding in the shadows.”
I decide to move closer, our knees touching. Julius’s dark hair is combed back, and he smells like clean linen with a hint of Old Spice mixed with his everyday woodsy scent. His baby blue eyes watch me for a sign . . . of what, I don’t know. He doesn’t need my permission to kiss me or put his hands on me. Instead of waiting for him to make a move, I push my fingers through his dark hair and watch as his cheeks turn a light shade of red. His hands are gentle as they cup the back of my legs, gripping the back of my knees. Julius tugs me forward until my legs are wrapped around his waist, and I’m no longer on the bench but straddling him. Those rough hands of his press into my backside, pushing me closer to him.
It’s me who makes the next move. Tilting, I press my lips to his. Soft at first until I feel his mouth open against mine and his tongue tasting mi
ne. I sit up higher on him, feeling his hardness through my jeans. Julius holds me tightly as he kisses me. He tugs at my shirt, and I nod, letting him know he can do whatever he wants. He lifts it and places his hands against my skin, his finger digging into my flesh while I move against him. We both moan, and he breaks away, kissing a path of desire down my neck and across my chest. When his hand cups my breast, my head falls back, and I push harder into him. I want him. I have since he pierced me with his soulful eyes on Peyton’s balcony.
“Julius,” I whisper his name. It’s my way of consenting for more. I want . . . no, I need for him to touch me, to put his lips in places he has yet to explore. But he doesn’t. He continues to kiss me, ignoring the burning I feel deep within. His arm hugs me to his body, and my hips jerk, creating some much-needed friction. Julius groans and his hand finds purchase on my hip, moving me back and forth.
A door slams shut, and he pushes me away. I tuck my head and wipe my face with the back of my hand. It takes me a moment to calm my beating heart and to regain my breathing. Was I really going to have sex with him in the shower room of the stadium? Honestly, I don’t want to know the answer to that question.
I crave him.
Every part of Julius sets my body on fire. His smoldering eyes, big hands, and the way he tilts his head to the side and looks at me like I’m the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Which I know isn’t true. I’ve seen the cheerleaders and his ex. Elena is gorgeous. And let’s be honest, Julius Cunningham could have any woman he wanted.
Yet, I’m the one in the locker room, making out with him. This alone should be enough for me.
“I don’t think anyone is coming in,” he says quietly.
“Will you get in trouble for having me in here?”
“No,” he says while shaking his head. He keeps his eyes focused on the entrance and not on me. I reach for his hand and lock our fingers together. “Are you okay?” he asks.
I look at him in surprise. “I’m perfect.”
He moves toward me and kisses me. “What are you doing tonight?”
“We,” I pause and let the word linger between us, “were invited over to Peyton and Noah’s.”
“Yeah?”
I nod. “I don’t have any plans if you want to go.”
“My family and I usually go out to dinner after a home game.”
“You go,” I say, not wanting to keep him from his children. “And when you get back, if you want, come over to Noah’s or stop by my place.”
“I will,” he says before kissing me again. We make out a little bit longer but nothing like before. The tension between us is intense and whatever is growing between us feels incredibly real.
Julius walks me to my car, where he gives me a goodbye kiss. “I’ll call you later,” he tells me and then helps me in my vehicle.
“Do you want me to drive you to your car?”
He shakes his head and holds out his phone. “I need to make a call.”
“Okay, talk to you later.” I watch him walk away and hold the phone to his ear. I suspect he’s calling his ex, and for some reason, it irritates me. I tell myself to chill. They have children and need to talk about their care, but why not do it when he’s in the car and driving home? Why not spend a few more minutes with me?
Twenty-Four
Julius
The entire drive to the restaurant to meet my parents and kids, I think about Autumn and what could’ve easily happened in the shower room. I knew taking her in there was a mistake, but I wanted her to see where I spend my Sundays. It probably would’ve been better had I done it when I knew more staff would be around. I’m not worried about the cleaning crew, but if one of the coaches walked in or one of my teammates, I’d get a ton of shit.
Elena’s name pops up on my console and I groan. During the game, she called and I tried to call her back, but she sent me to voicemail. I want to do the same now, but it’ll do me no good to ignore her.
“What?” I bark out as I answer.
“Is that any way to greet your wife?”
“Soon to be ex-wife,” I remind her. “Besides, we’re separated. I’m not sure you can refer to yourself as my wife anymore.”
“Legally, we’re still married, Julius. If something were to happen to you, I’d be the first one they call. I’d decide the best care for you.” Her words turn my stomach. I can see it now, me in a wheelchair, unable to speak for myself, and her dictating my care. I need to change all my paperwork tomorrow. I can’t put it off any longer.
“Thanks for reminding me to change all my paperwork with the league.”
“Whatever,” she says. “Are the kids in the car?”
“You know they’re with my parents, and Reggie has his phone if you need to talk to him.”
“How would I know the kids are with your parents? I don’t know your schedule, Julius.”
My mouth drops open. Is this woman for real? “For as long as you’ve known me, Elena, you know where I spend my time between mid-July and February if I’m lucky. My schedule has never changed. It’s not like I switch jobs often.”
“Well, I forgot.”
I sigh and rub my face with my free hand. Traffic is heavy for a Sunday. I had hoped most people would be home by now, which is the main reason I like leaving the stadium so late. I loathe traffic.
“So, what did you need?”
She huffs, and I fear the worst is about to come out of her mouth. “The movie I signed on for is having budget issues, and I’m wondering—”
“No,” I say, cutting her off.
“No? You don’t even know what I was going to ask.”
“Let’s see, you’re either going to ask for money or ask me to finance this side job of yours. The answer is no.”
“Julius, you still have to support me.”
“I do. I pay for the house you live in, and I pay for your car, as well as your insurance.”
Elena huffs again. “Listen, I’m trying to do things the right way here. I’ve spoken to a lawyer, and he’s assured me there are loopholes in the prenup. He said it’d be easier if we work out some sort of support deal instead of dragging this out in court.”
My teeth grind against each other, and my pulse races. The grip I have on my steering wheel causes my hand to cramp. It’s taking every bit of self-control not to hang up on her. Part of me wants to give her the money she wants so she’ll go away. The thing is, she’ll never be gone because of the kids, and I’m not keeping their mother away from them. I’m not that kind of person. The other half of me wants to fight this out in court. I know the prenup is ironclad. I insisted on it because I heard so many horror stories of college athletes getting taken by their wives. When I suggested Elena sign one, she didn’t even balk. I never questioned why Elena didn’t have a problem with signing one because at the time I thought she was in this marriage for the long haul.
“I really don’t know what you want me to say, Elena. You had an affair and documented it through social media. You didn’t try to hide the fact, and never mind what I witnessed the last time I was in our home in L.A. I’m at a loss here, so help me figure things out.”
“I want what’s due to me, Julius. It’s not fair. You have all this money, and you’re being a prick about it. Why can’t you just pay me off like the other guys do?” She’s getting heated. I can sense the frustration in her voice.
“You know, if you had come and told me you weren’t happy, and we decided to separate, I’d be more amenable. But you cheated. You brought another man into our bed without any consideration of how that would make me feel. You flaunted your new relationship right under my nose and somehow thought I wouldn’t find out, which blows my mind. Did you really think someone wouldn’t tag me in a picture of my wife making out with another man?”
“You don’t need to yell.”
“I’m not yelling.” Except I am. I can’t help it. She infuriates me.
“I need the money to survive.”
“Then get a job, E
lena. Sell the house. I don’t know what to tell you. But I’m done having this conversation. Send me the name of your lawyer so I can give their information to mine. Tomorrow, I’ll take care of all of this. You don’t even have to pay for the divorce. I’ll do that. You’re on your own for lawyer fees though.”
“Julius—”
I hang up. I’m done listening to her and whatever excuse she can muster. I expect she’ll end up getting her way, though. Elena will drag me to court, and it’ll be my luck that we end up with a sympathetic judge who doesn’t like pro athletes.
* * *
My parents agree to take Roxy and Reggie back to their place for a sleepover. I need some adult time after the conversation with Elena. I promise to be at my parents in the morning for breakfast, with clean clothes, school supplies, and a ride to school. As I drive back to my place, I think about Autumn and what she’s doing at Noah and Peyton’s. Is she thinking about me? Missing me? Or is someone there monopolizing her time? Thinking about her talking to someone else gets my blood boiling. I’ve never been the jealous type, but all this shit with Elena has me on edge and questioning everything. Deep down, I know not all women are like my ex, but her actions aren’t helping me think otherwise.
I pull into the garage of my complex and drive to my parking spot. After I shut my SUV off, I sit there for a minute, contemplating my future. I see nothing but lawyers fighting over my kids and my bank account. All Elena had to do was ask for a divorce, but no. She had to go and cheat.
Fourth Down: A Beaumont Series Next Generation Spin-off Page 17
