“There’s no one else I want to come, other than your family…”
“And they’ll already be there,” he finishes.
“Mm-hmm."
Connor frowns. “Are you sure you don’t want to invite anyone from...”
“No.”
“Not your dad?”
“Especially not my dad.”
I glance out the window to check on Tracey-Ann. She’s disappeared.
“Sorry.” I jump at the sound of Tracey-Ann’s voice. She hugs the table and takes her seat next to Connor. “That took way longer than I thought it would.”
Connor puts his arm back over her chair. “Is everything good?”
“Absolutely. My mom just loves to talk. She called to tell me my cousin is pregnant, but it kind of spiraled into this whole long update about all of our extended family. Anyway, sorry again.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I tell her.
I catch sight of the waiter coming our way. He’s noticed Tracey-Ann is back.
We put in our orders and pour ourselves the rest of the bottle of wine.
I clink my glass against Tracey-Ann’s. “I want to invite you to something.”
She puts her wine back on the table and looks at me with interest. “Oh yeah?”
“To the NFL draft.”
Her eyes widen. “Really?”
“You’re going to be my special guest.”
She looks from me to Connor, then back to me. “Wow. Thank you. Where is it? I don’t know anything about it. And what date is it?”
Connor answers. “It’s in Philadelphia the weekend of April 28th.”
“I’ll buy you a ticket tonight,” I promise her. “You can fly there with me and Connor.”
She blushes and dips her face. “This is sweet, Kade. I’m really happy you asked me.”
Satisfaction washes over me. Seeing her pleased does something unexpected. It makes me want to keep pleasing her. It makes me want to have her with me every single day.
I’ve made the right choice inviting her. I know it for sure.
28
Tracey-Ann
April
I push my shirt’s long sleeves up and adjust my weight in the hard, plastic seat. I can’t stop messing with my clothes and hair. I’m nervous beyond belief.
I don’t know why. It’s not like I’m the one down on the field getting judged. It’s not like I’m one of the people whose entire future will be determined this weekend.
But it sure does feel that way.
The stadium is full of way more people than I thought it would be. There are cameras lined up on the edge of the field and flashes going off left and right. On the far side of the green space are my two guys.
They look like toy figurines from where I’m perched. I purposely sat as far away from the front row noise as I could manage. It hasn’t really helped. Being at the draft is like being at a game. Everyone’s amped up, the players and spectators included. The energy charges the air. You can nearly feel it crackling above the field.
I don’t understand most of what’s going on below me. There seems to be some kind of scrimmaging or something happening. Kade and Connor both were on the field a while ago but I don’t know if that means they’ll be going back out again soon or not.
“Hey there,” a female voice says.
I look to my right. It’s Connor’s mom. With her son’s smile and sparkling blue eyes, she’s just what I need to see.
I met Connor's whole family this afternoon but didn't get a chance to really talk to any of them. The hurried meet and greet happened right in the middle of one of the busiest days imaginable. Straight off flying in early this morning, Connor and Kade had to check in and go get ready for the draft. They wouldn't have eaten lunch if their coach hadn't made them shovel some food down.
“Mind if I have a seat?” she asks.
“Please!”
She plops down in the empty seat next to me and her floral perfume washes across my face. “You looked lonely sitting up here by yourself.”
I shrug. “I’m more of a spectator at these kinds of things.”
“Connor told me you’re a theater major.”
“That’s right.”
What else did Connor tell his mom about me? Prior to coming to the draft the three of us decided to tell everyone I’m Kade’s new girlfriend. It makes sense seeing as I’m the only person he invited to Philadelphia.
“Kade looked happy with you today.”
Her words jerk me away from my thoughts. "Kade smiled?"
She throws her head back in laughter. I join in.
“Close. I think I saw a hint of one there.”
“Well, that's something."
Her face grows serious. “Really. I’m glad he found you. I don’t know if he’s told you this, but… He’s never really had a girlfriend. Now he has you and Connor. He’s a lucky guy.”
She smiles warmly at me. My chest floods with joy.
“I’m lucky too.”
I mean it. The last month with Connor and Kade has been amazing. It turns out having two guys in my life is perfect. Not only is it double the fun, it’s double the support.
With how busy the three of us are, having a relationship with only two people would be extremely difficult. With two people we'd be stretched thin, but with three it's different. If one of my boyfriends is too busy to listen to me unload about my day the other one is there. And if I'm swamped with studying and classes, I don't have to feel guilty about disappearing to the library for the weekend. Connor and Kade have each other to hang out with.
I’m not going to tell Connor’s mom any of this. My relationship with the guys is my own secret. The only other person who knows about it is Lily, and she’s sworn not to tell a soul.
Connor’s mom wrinkles her brow. “Oh.”
“What?” I follow her eyes and look at the field.
“It looks like they’re finishing up.”
My stomach lurches. “They’ve made their selections?”
“For the day.” She pats my knee. “Shall we go join the rest of the family?”
We press through the crowd of people and find Connor’s dad and sister. Getting down to the field is difficult since we’re fighting against the stream of people, but we do it. An announcer is going on about something but I keep my focus on my feet. I’m too worried about what’s going to happen to hear anything the booming voice says.
I want Kade and Connor to get drafted.
I just don’t want to be without them.
There's a real possibility that their football careers could tear the three of us apart for good. All the drama and all the work and, in the end, it could be something as pragmatic as our careers that's our undoing.
I haven’t decided what city I want to move to. I’m not attached to the idea of a big one. I can find a teaching or a theater job in a smaller place.
Connor’s dad stops in front of me. I bump against his back.
“Sorry!” I yelp.
He doesn’t seem to hear me. “They weren’t selected.”
I glance over at Connor’s mom and sister. They both wear pained expressions.
We wait for Kade and Connor at the bottom of the steps. They trudge towards us, sweaty and tired. I catch eyes with Connor and give him a smile. He nods in acknowledgment. Connor’s optimistic. One night of not getting picked isn’t going to get him down. There’s still the rest of the weekend.
Kade, on the other hand, is less than pleased. He averts his gaze from the people around him and scowls at the steps.
“Don’t worry,” Connor’s mom says. “You boys did great. Someone will notice you.”
I grasp Kade’s hand and give it a squeeze. We all make our way out of the stadium and back to the hotel.
My room is right next to Connor and Kade’s, with a connecting door linking us together. The three of us say goodnight to Connor’s family and amble slowly down our hallway.
“You guys were amazing,” I promise t
hem.
Connor wraps his arm around me and pulls me close. “Thanks, babe.”
Kade’s teeth gritting is audible. “Not amazing enough.”
I jump in front of him and force him to come to a halt. “Don’t. Don’t do that to yourself.”
His eyes soften. He cups my chin in his hand and gazes down at me.
“Get some rest,” I whisper. “You’ll do great tomorrow.”
“You’re not coming over to our room?”
I twist his shirt in my hands. “You need to sleep, Kade.”
He sharply inhales, not happy with my decision.
I push a hand under his shirt. “You know what? I’ll come over for a bit. Just to help you wind down.”
“Wind down?”
I suggestively bite my lip. “You’re stressed out. I can help.”
I slip my hand in his and lead him the rest of the way to their room. Connor unlocks the door and I tug Kade across the carpet and to the chair by the window.
Kade falls into the chair. I drop to my knees and push his legs open. He looks down at me through heavy eyelids and smirks. “What exactly is your plan?”
I lightly run my fingers over his crotch. A bulge forms underneath my touch. Kade shifts his weight forward and drops his hands on the chair’s arms.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Connor lay down on one of the double beds. He props his head on the pile of pillows and watches us.
I undo Kade’s pants and pull his dick out. It’s semi-hard, but as I stroke it becomes stiffer. Kade curls his fingers into the chair.
I delicately lick the very tip. Kade’s slightly fruity taste kisses my tongue. Cupping his balls in one hand and pumping the base of his dick with the other, I lick a long line up his length.
I do the same thing to the other side of his dick. He groans and arches his hips up towards me. I take my time, teasing him with delicate touches and flicks of my tongue. His stiff tip pushes against my lips. A thick bead of pre-cum slips out and I lick it away.
The sound of skin slapping against skin comes from the other side of the room. Connor’s undone his pants and pulled his dick out. Eyes closed, he pumps away at it. Seeing the pleasure on his face fills me with a new frenzy.
I press my tongue against the underside of Kade’s dick and slide my mouth down it. He enters my throat and I start to gag. I keep going and take him in all the way. He hisses thinly and grabs the top of my head.
Connor makes a sound of pleasure that I recognize. The slapping of his hand stops and his breathing turns shallower.
I make each bob on Kade’s dick faster. The base of his dick thickens between my fingers. He groans and sticky liquid hits the back of my neck.
I swallow Kade’s release and gently let go of his dick. His head is dropped back against the seat and his face is flushed.
“Feel better?” I ask.
Connor chuckles. “I do.”
I stand up and look at the bed. Connor climbs off of it and shucks his pants. He walks over to me and gives me a kiss. “Stay.”
“No," I whisper. I tap my fingers on his shoulder. I'm aching with the need to be touched by them, but I'm not giving in. This weekend is much more important than any of my needs and wants. Connor and Kade need to focus on themselves right now.
“Rest,” I tell Connor.
Behind me, Kade stands. He pushes my hair to the side and kisses my neck. “Once this draft is over I’m going to fuck you senseless.”
I turn my head and nuzzle his jaw. “I bet you are.”
I ignore the burning of my body and slip away from the two of them. At the door, I blow them a kiss. "Good night."
Connor’s mom wakes me in the morning. Kade and Connor have already been picked up by their coach and gone off for the day. I spend the free time exploring downtown Philly with Connor’s family. Enjoying the morning is impossible, though. All I can think about is Connor and Kade and the stress they must be going through.
At the stadium, the second round flies by. I watch the video board with a crazed intensity. The Vols come up and I can hardly breathe.
Connor and Kade seem to be doing well, but I don’t really know.
With the performances done, the teams make their picks for the day. I cross my fingers and look down at my lap.
The announcer says a familiar name. I look up, hardly able to believe it.
Connor’s mom wraps her arm around my shoulder and bounces in her seat. “Kade got picked!”
My hearts bursts. I stare at the screen. It’s true. Kade’s been picked by the Dallas Cowboys.
“That’s great! Wow! cover my mouth with my hands. Tears spring at the corners of my eyes.
We wait anxiously to hear Connor’s name. It doesn’t come.
“There’s one more day,” his sister reminds me.
But for Connor there’s not. He doesn’t get selected by any team.
On the third evening of the draft, we all stand in the parking lot by our rented cars. The mood is a confusing one. On one hand, we're all thrilled for Kade. But we're also bummed for Connor.
Connor’s dad claps his son on the shoulder. “You did good.”
He bows his head in acknowledgment. “Thanks, Dad.” He looks to Kade. “Dallas.”
“Looks like it.”
“You’re not going too far from home in the end.” He grins but there’s something sad about it. “As in not at all.”
I tighten my grip on Kade’s hand. I want to reach out and comfort Connor, but I can’t be too affectionate in front of his family.
“The shop is there for you, Connor,” his dad says. “You’ve always had a great pair of hands. You’re a natural with cars and truck. If you want to be a mechanic, it’s here for you. And, you have other options too.”
“Law school, perhaps?” his mom chimes in.
Connor lifts a shoulder. He doesn’t seem thrilled about either of these suggestions.
Connor’s family gets into one car and I walk to the second one with the guys. Kade opens my door for me while Connor climbs into the driver’s seat. His shoulders are tense and he clutches the wheel. I glance back at Kade, whose lips draw into a tight line.
I want to find the right thing to say, but it doesn’t seem to exist. We drive back to the hotel in silence. It’s our last night together for a while. Tomorrow Kade flies out to Phoenix, Arizona to begin the new leg of his career. I don’t know how many days will pass without me getting to see him again.
And I don’t know if things will even be the same. Everything is changing. It’s for the good, but it’s also terrifying. We’ve just had one month of bliss together. It can’t be over yet.
Connor pulls the car into a spot near the front of the hotel, kills the engine, and just sits there.
“Connor,” I softly say. I don’t know what to follow it up with. I reach over and rub his shoulder.
Kade leans forward. "You did well. You gave it everything you had. And if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been selected. You're the one that pushed me all year."
Connor looks at him. A bit of life comes back into his eyes. “That’s true.”
“Damn right it’s true. I owe it all to you.”
“We’ll both be in Dallas,” Connor muses. His eyes fall on me. “And you’ll be off living your own dream.”
I squeeze his shoulder. “I want to be with you.”
“You have to do what you have to do, Tracey-Ann.”
I feel my mouth fall open. “Are you telling me we should just end things right now?”
“No, not at all.”
My throat burns. “Then why did you say that?”
I press my knuckles against my eyes. I’m getting emotional and losing control. This isn’t how I saw the weekend going. I’m supposed to be here to give Connor and Kade support, not to be a mess for them to take care of.
Kade rests his hand on his leg. “I don’t want to think about being without you, girl.”
“Neither do I,” Connor rumbles.
&n
bsp; I drop my hands. The earnestness on their faces shows how genuine they’re being.
Connor unbuckles himself to face me more. “But you need to do what’s right for you. You went to college for a reason. It was to get a degree and start a career, not to get boyfriends.”
I suck in my bottom lip. There’s no point in arguing. He’s completely right.
With Connor and Kade’s futures close to being cemented, it’s time I make my own choices. Do I go to New York and work in theater there? Do I head to another city, like Atlanta or Los Angeles?
I never imagined myself to be one of those women who put her career aside to be with a man. But a lot I never saw coming has happened.
One thing is for sure. I have serious figuring out to do.
29
Kade
In the elevator, I take Tracey-Ann’s hand. She looks up at me with a smile. I bring her fingers up to my mouth and kiss them. On the other side of her, Connor watches the floors light up.
It’s crazy that I’m about to leave them.
As much as I've dreamed about this day, I didn't fully believe it would come. If anything, I figured Connor would be the one to get drafted. If karma is a real thing, then he’s got lots of good due, given all he’s been through.
My body beats with energy at the thought of joining the Cowboys.
And in Dallas.
If Connor decides to join the family business he’ll be right around the corner from me. We’ll still be going out on weekends and shooting the shit around town. Everything will be the same.
Except for one thing.
The biggest thing in our lives.
There won’t be any Tracey-Ann.
With one year of school left, who knows how much time will pass without us seeing her. By the time she graduates, she might have new plans. Plans that don’t involve me and Connor.
I wanted to sock him because he said that thing in the car about her having to choose her own path.
Damn Connor. Him and his stupid need to always do the right thing.
Selfishly, I want Tracey-Ann with us. It’s where she belongs. We’ve gone through a lot of shit to get her by our side.
Two Jocks Next Door: A Bad Boy MFM Romance Page 16
