True Love with the Football Billionaire Groom (Sweet, Christian Football Bad Boy Romance Series Book 2)

by Ellie Hall

  From a bench on the side, Katerina watched, her lips quirking every so often as though imagining him wearing a tutu. If they had one that fit him, he’d have worn it just to see her smile and laugh.

  As Madam Tissot instructed him to sweep his arm across his body, his own smile spread across his face at the recent memory of Katerina and him joking around. The easy rapport. The friendliness. She wasn’t always the stiff, strict teacher she’d been inside the classroom at Blancbourg. She had a playful side too...and was a master prankster, considering how smug she looked as he struggled to plant his foot on the barre.

  All the while, Madam Tissot explained that the practice would help him strengthen his ligaments, improve his balance, and help him maintain focus, which would all help his football game.

  By the time they were done, he was drenched in sweat and wished he could take back the ribbing he’d given other football players who incorporated ballet into their workout regime. He was convinced and would add it to his weeklies.

  As they left, Katerina said, “You did a great job.”

  “Thanks. I always give it my all.” The sweat pricked his skin as they stepped into the cool evening. “I have a newfound respect for ballet dancers.”

  As they passed under a streetlamp, he glanced down at Katerina at the same time she glanced up at him. But they both quickly looked away. Something really was shifting between them and he had to hold onto the playbook for dear life.

  The next morning, after lessons, Connor accompanied Katerina to Intherness’s version of City Hall to find out about registering the manor as a historic site. He didn’t want to brag but felt certain his charm helped the case with the woman behind the desk. Katerina could come off a little shrewd at times and he simply greased the wheels a bit.

  It turned out, if the site was approved, they’d be given an allowance for repairs, conservation, and maintaining the grounds. They’d also have to host an open house quarterly, but Katerina was happy to oblige.

  On the way back to the school, he said, “That went well.”

  “Yeah,” she said vaguely and seemed preoccupied.

  “Ms. Kuznetsova. I think a thank you is in order,” he jested.

  “For flirting with the clerk?” she said.

  Was she upset? Jealous? “You have to admit that it helped.”

  She laughed darkly then stopped abruptly as she pressed her flat palm against her chest. Her head shifted from side to side. “I’m sorry. Where are my manners? Mr. Wolfe, thank you for inspiring the idea to try to get the manor registered as a historic site and joining me to find out how to implement it. I appreciate your courtesy.”

  “A simple thanks would’ve been fine.” He tried to hide the hurt in his voice because she sounded so flat, so emotionless.

  “No, really. I am sorry. That was thoughtless of me.” Her tone had more warmth as she continued. “I’ve been preoccupied with our funding situation. Also, Arthur indicated that Regina has been in my office.” She turned to him. “I know that you’ve been in my office, but she—”

  “I was surprised you didn’t lock it.”

  “I started to, but sometimes I forget. I’m used to not having to worry about that. But Arthur said it has been going on for a while. Why would she sneak in there?”

  “Is she pranking you because if she is, I have a great idea for how to get her back.” He chuckled.

  “If it were that easy, I’d have left a note on her desk that said the exterminator would be by to deal with the rodent problem. She hates mice.” She paused a beat and then added, “Don’t worry. There’s no rodent problem.”

  “Or we could actually set a bunch loose.”

  “That’s going too far,” she said with a laugh.

  He shrugged.

  “She’s the bursar in charge of the budget and every month we fall further and further behind. I can’t find where the money is going. We have a huge advertising budget but no new students—except you guys. We’ve cut so many costs. On top of that, she’s threatened Arthur with letting him go. No way.” Her voice rose several octaves as she got upset. “And our week at the school is over, meaning I have to leave with you to parts unknown. I’d like to say I’m leaving Blancbourg in capable hands, but Regina—” Katerina cupped the side of her face. “Sorry. I don’t know why I’m telling you this.”

  He peeled her hand from her cheek but didn’t let go, letting their linked fingers hang between them. He dipped his eyes to meet hers. “Maybe you’re telling me because you trust me? Respect me? I’d like to think so.”

  They started walking and it occurred to Connor that it would feel stranger to let go of her hand than to keep holding on so he did. Warmth spread from where his fingers connected to hers and up his arm before blazing in his chest.

  She was quiet for the rest of the walk but didn’t slip her fingers from his until they returned to the school. “We have a meeting with the others. Then I have to pack. I’ve never been to North Carolina.” She sighed.

  “I think you’ll like it. But it’ll be hot. Pack comfortable clothing. Things you don’t mind getting dirty.”

  She cast him a quizzical look.

  “Plan for lots of time spent outdoors.”

  She gazed up at the school, illuminated from within as night settled around them.

  “We may not find magic idea-generating pretzels, but you’re smart and resourceful. I know you’ll come up with a solution and save the school.”

  Her eyes flicked to his. “Thank you. You’re right, Connor.”

  He’d have done a double-take but she was already up the steps and into the school. That was the first time she’d called him Connor. He liked the way it sounded in her accented English. He liked it a lot...and he liked her too.

  Not even at thirty-thousand feet would Conner admit it, but he shared Katerina’s preoccupation as of late. She’d been worried about the school and he had concerns of his own. His stomach suddenly jittered and it wasn’t because he didn’t like flying. He just wasn’t too fond of the destination. No, scratch that. Western Carolina was beautiful—though a bit hot and humid in the summer. The truth was he did not look forward to seeing his father.

  It just so happened that his annual trip home, if he could call it that, coincided with the second week in the Blancbourg program. He’d asked Coach Hammer if he should cancel but was told not unless he wanted to. The Blancbourg program was structured for the teachers to shadow the students in real life after their initial week on campus.

  For the first time since leaving his father’s cabin, he wanted to change plans. He longed for nothing more than to turn his back and never return to the camp deep in the Blue Ridge mountains, but that would mean his father had won. They may have shared the last name Wolfe, but Connor was a Boston Bruiser through and through. It ain’t over ‘til we win. Quitting meant his father won and he wouldn’t have that. Not after everything he’d endured.

  Katerina gazed out the window as the plane touched down. She continued to take in the scenery as he drove the rental Jeep along the winding ribbon of road that drew him farther and farther from what felt like freedom.

  Connor slowed as pavement turned into dirt. He was gripping the steering wheel so tight his arm muscles were flexed and he caught Katerina staring. She’d be seeing a lot more of those in the coming week.

  When he put the Jeep in park, he drew a deep breath. “Okay. It’s showtime.”

  Katerina gazed at the small cabin through the windshield as though she was missing something after that comment—a stage, lights, an audience. There was none of that and no people for miles.

  He got out and went around the passenger side to open the door for her.

  “Thank you,” she said, hopping down.

  He was still being evaluated as her pupil but would have done the gesture anyway. He wanted to—wanted to show her that he was a gentleman. Then his thoughts turned dark. If he were a true gentleman, he wouldn’t have taken her to the camp. Instead, they’d have gone to a luxu
ry hotel. He’d lavish her with the finest chocolates, visit museums, have long dinners, and stroll along a private beach somewhere.

  School rules said wherever he went, she went so she could continue training him and evaluating to report back to the commissioner. If she could get through the next week with him anything was possible. He took on the task every year to prove he could do hard things.

  “What is this place?” she asked, falling into step beside him.

  A rickety screen door opened and slapped the exterior wall of the house. Six feet of aggression stepped outside with his arms crossed and wearing the meanest scowl in the mountains. “Well, well, well. Come to tell me it’s off? You’ve softened up and are getting married?” The man laughed darkly and coughed a couple of times.

  Connor rolled his shoulders. “Nope. Just figured I’d pay you the annual visit.”

  “That’s all I get from the kid after years of being a father.” Dennis Wolfe scoffed.

  “I’m not sure you could call yourself that,” Connor snapped.

  “Watch your mouth, boy,” Dennis said, ducking back in the cabin.

  Katerina stopped in her tracks. Fear, concern, and something else—anger maybe—streaked across her features. “Is this where you grew up?”

  He nodded. “How’d you guess? The loving welcome? The resemblance?” He sensed shadows filled his eyes by the way she looked up at him. Specters from the past followed him wherever he went, but they straight up haunted him the moment he set foot on the property.

  He placed his hand on her low back and ushered her inside. She was safe as long as she was with him. The physical abuse stopped by the time Connor turned seventeen and then he only had to endure a year more of everything else.

  Connor had to duck to go inside. His head nearly reached the rafters. It was by some act of providence that he shot up four feet the summer before he started senior year. It was by sheer determination of will that he’d grown stronger than his father. Ironic since he’d been the one to push Connor so hard.

  Inside, Dennis sat at a worn wooden table, gazing out the window. He coughed violently and then took a long sip from a glass bottle. He wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve. “Why’d you bring the pretty lady? Come to prove a point? Always thought you were better than me, boy. I’d hoped to have beaten that notion out of you.”

  He sensed Katerina stiffen and then step closer to him. His father wouldn’t do anything with her there, but he angled himself to make her feel more comfortable.

  Later, he’d owe her an explanation. For the time being, he wanted to get the visit over with. “She’s my coach.”

  Dennis let out a long peel of laughter. “That little thing? Little more than a stiff breeze would blow her over.” Typical of him to talk about people as if they weren’t there.

  “She’s tougher than she looks.”

  Dennis lifted his yellow eyes to meet his son’s. “Is she tough enough to survive out there for a week?”

  Connor nodded.

  Dennis tilted his head so Katerina could see him. “Good luck with this weak, no good, piece of—”

  Katerina held up her hands. “That’s enough.”

  “Oh, she speaks?” Dennis’s voice was oily, taunting, a piece of bait to take because the man was always looking for a fight, even in his older years.

  “Yes, she speaks and she has a name. I am Katerina Kuznetsova and when in my presence you will speak with respect.”

  “Or what?” Dennis breathed. “A little thing like you gonna come after me?” He took a long sip from the bottle in his hand as if nothing scared him.

  Even though birds chirped outside, the room went dead silent.

  “No, Mr. Wolfe. I will carry on with my life satisfied by the fact that you are a vulgar, sad, and lonely old man who will never receive the honor he so desperately craves. Who will never have a relationship with his son, an amazing, talented, and intelligent man.”

  No stage. No lights. But mic drop.

  More silence followed.

  Katerina turned, said a long string of words in Russian, and started toward the door. “Connor. Let’s leave this wretched place.”

  Connor took a long look at his father. Where he’d once seen an intimidating, demanding, and intense man, the truth started to take shape in the wake of Katerina’s comments.

  Dennis was a vulgar, sad, and lonely person. Maybe he was hiding pain of his own.

  Connor exhaled through his nose. How had Katerina seen that in less than five minutes? He’d endured eighteen years and a week every year since with the man because he was terrified of his wrath when really it was a mask for something else.

  “See ya,” he said not sure he’d actually see his father again.

  “I see she’s got you trained up good. Go on then, go like the dog on a leash that you are. It’s your life.”

  “That’s right. It is my life and it’s a darn good one.”

  Dennis’s mocking and menacing laugh turned into a deep cough that followed Connor out of the cabin.

  Retorts, snappy comebacks, and words Katerina would scold him for using rose to his tongue, but he didn’t take the bait. He kept his mouth shut. He turned his back no longer willing to endure what he’d believed he’d deserved for so many years.

  He met Katerina who stood by the Jeep.

  The tension in his muscles dissolved.

  “Was this some kind of follow up prank?” she asked.

  “No, that’s still coming.” He was joking, mostly. Gesturing around, he said, “This was my life until I was eighteen. It took another decade, me showing my backside to the world, and being sent to reform school to meet you, and then come all the way back here to see the truth. Thanks, Katerina. I mean that.”

  “Thank you for what?” Her brows knit together.

  “For unraveling that—” He motioned toward the cabin

  “I don’t understand.”

  “We’ll have plenty of time to discuss it later.”

  He helped her in the Jeep and peeled down the dirt road only feeling a twinge of sadness at the fact that his father wasn’t who he’d always wanted him to be. But on the plus side, it had shaped him into the man he was becoming and for the first time in his life, he felt genuinely happy with who that was.

  The Jeep barreled along more dirt roads, getting narrower and narrower until they passed more Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs lining the sides. At last, he came to a halt, quickly unloaded the gear, helped Katerina out, and while she waited at the entrance, he parked.

  He jogged back to meet her, knowing he’d have a lot of explaining to do.

  She stood under a sign strung up overhead and pointed. “What is this? Where have you brought me? Is this revenge for the ballet class?” Her eyes were narrowed, her lips puckered, and her nostrils flared. She was fired up, livid, and that was the kind of grit needed to make it out there.

  His lips quirked because he liked that version of her too. Maybe especially so.

  Chapter 9

  Katerina

  “This is the boondocks, babe. I can get you the geographical coordinates if you’d like. It’s called the End of the World Enduro. Basically, it’s a weeklong attempt to survive off the land. My father threw me into it when I was about twelve. Almost died the first time. I’ve been coming back ever since.” Conner dropped a backpack on the ground.

  He’d stopped at a storage unit after leaving the airport, but Katerina had hardly been paying attention, enraptured by actually being in the United States. As a ballerina, it had been a dream of hers, but the farthest west she’d traveled was Europe. She was quite content in Concordia but always dreamed of traveling and seeing more of the world.

  After landing in North Carolina, she was in awe of all the brightly lit stores, the long tracts of buildings, and how everything was so modern—at least when compared to where she’d left...and much different than her home in Russia. Well, relatively speaking. The cabin was more rustic than where she grew up but no less unwelcoming. Co
nnor’s father was as brusque as her own father. Katerina’s mother was a matter unto herself.

  “Will he be here?” she asked.

  “Who? My father?” Connor nodded. “Unfortunately, yes, but we won’t see much of him if at all. Thanks again for everything back there, by the way.” He seemed lighter, brighter.

  “That man is despicable. You do not let people treat you that way.”

  “Sadly, he’s been like that since I was a kid. Don’t know what hardened him or if he was always like that, but it’s all I grew up knowing.” He hesitated like he wanted to say more but held back.

  “But you know that it’s wrong?”

  Connor nodded. He picked up some of the gear and started toward her. “You up for this?”

  “I still don’t know what this is.” It was her job to follow in her pupil’s shadow for the remaining weeks of the program, but she imagined a guy like Connor would own an estate or a penthouse apartment, would go to the gym, maybe a few meetings, and otherwise live in the lap of luxury.

  In contrast, people of all ages and dressed in various shades of camouflage milled around. They each had backpacks similar to the one Connor had. The sky was overcast, the air thick, and the hum of energy made the hairs on the back of Katerina’s neck rise.

  “The End of the World Enduro is a challenge for survivalist types and people who want to prove to themselves that they can do hard things. Really hard things like being set loose in the woods for a week without anything but the barest basics.”

  She shook her head slightly not understanding.

  “Imagine the world with no airplanes, cars, or technology. No electricity or running water. No modern conveniences. No money. How would we survive? It wouldn’t be football wins or ballet abilities.”

  She waited for him to go on and answer his own question.

  “By sheer grit, by knowledge, by skills.”

  “And you have these things?”

  He nodded.

  “And for some reason, you thought it would be a good idea to drag me into this? You look at me and think I’m a suitable companion to survive in the wilderness for a week? I’ve never even been to this country. Are there dangerous creatures? Are guinea pigs going to come after me?”