by Jacob Chance
The hours working pass quickly and when we lock up and and step outside I place my hand on her arm. “So, Red, I’ll drive you home.”
“Are you asking me if you can give me a ride home? Because it sounded like you were telling me, and I think being the intelligent guy you are you should realize that doesn’t work well.”
“I guess I assumed it was a given since we both worked until closing.”
“Don’t assume anything when it comes to women, especially me.”
“Don’t go getting all prickly on me.” Sliding down her arm, I catch her hand, raise it and press a kiss to the back. “Red, may I please escort you back to your dorm?”
“Yes, you may. By the way, the kiss was a nice touch.” She slips her hand from mine and we begin to walk toward my car.
“You liked that, did you? Just wait, I got a million other moves that are even better.”
“Oh, I’m sure you do.” What the hell? Her mood went from teasing to annoyed in a millisecond.
“Why do you sound bothered by what I said?”
“I’d rather you not use your moves on me. I prefer to know the real you, not the womanizer you’ve been with everyone else.”
“Why do you assume I’ve ever had to try with anyone else? My name alone is enough to get me laid.” She grimaces. “Yeah, I know it’s not anything to be proud of, but if we’re going to date you can’t be throwing my past in my face. We’ve all made bad choices at some point, and if the worst thing I’ve done is have meaningless sex, then I think I’m doing okay.”
“I’m sorry.” She stares up at me with remorse filled eyes. “You’re right, nothing that happened before now matters. We’re starting with a clean slate.”
Opening her door, I wait until she’s seated to push it closed. Making my way around to the driver’s side, I slide onto the leather seat and shut the door. I put the key in the ignition, but I don’t start the engine. Instead, I take a deep breath and spin in my seat to face her. “Are you a virgin?”
“No,” she laughs. “Do I seem like one? Oh God, that’s funny.”
I shrug. “You don’t kiss like one, but you’re pretty closed off. I wasn’t sure if that’s the reason.”
“No, I had a boyfriend I was with for three years, but he never liked me playing football. You know which one I chose when the ultimatum was issued.”
“He made you choose between him and football?”
“Yep. That’s why I have a problem with you telling me what to do. That’s how it started with my ex; little things that I let go, but soon he was trying to control bigger parts of my life. And the worst part is at first I let him. My closest friends began pointing out what he was doing and I didn’t want to see it. I was convinced they were jealous of our relationship. He was adamant it was all motivated by jealousy and I believed him. My play began to suffer as a result and that’s when I realized I had to make a change.”
“What a dick.”
“Yeah he was. He immediately started dating one of the cheerleaders.”
“By any chance was he a football player?”
“He sure was.”
“And I bet you were better than him.”
“Weeell, I don’t want to sound arrogant, but....” she giggles.
“That explains why he acted the way he did, but it doesn’t excuse his behavior. I hope you know I’d never do anything like that.”
“I like to think you wouldn’t, but that’s something you’ll prove to me with time. I never guessed he’d be like that either.”
“Well if it’s any consolation, I love that you’re a badass running back. It’s sexy as hell watching you tear up the field. It makes me respect you even more than I already do, if that makes sense.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know how much work you put into your training and I admire your commitment. There aren’t a lot of girls your age who’d put their passion before having fun. Especially when the level of work it takes to succeed is so immense.”
“Thank you. It means a lot that you think so. Football has been a part of my life for so long, I can’t imagine what it will be like when I’m no longer playing.”
“How did you get started playing?”
“My dad and his friends have always gotten together to watch the Patriots games and most of the time our house was the gathering place. I’ve been watching the games with them since I was a toddler. When the games ended, they’d head out to the backyard to play and I’d watch. Once I was old enough I started to join in. I wanted to win, so my dad and I used to practice. I read anything I could find on running backs and how the most successful ones train. I learned about the best exercises, what drills I should be doing, whatever information I could get my hands on and I absorbed it all.”
“And now look at you.”
“I’ve got this season and next to get football out of my system and then it’s time to let the dream go.”
“Not necessarily. There are semi pro women’s teams you could play on.”
“I know, but what’s the point? It’s not like I can make the NFL. I’ve given this a lot of thought. Football will always be a part of my life in some way, but there are other things I want to pursue too.”
“Like what? What do you want to be when you grow up, Red?”
“My degree is Business with a minor in Exercise Sports Science. I want to own and operate a gym that works with young athletes.”
“It would only be for kids?”
“No, it could be for whomever, any age group. But I want to specialize in training youth and teens. It would be amazing to help them achieve their dreams.”
“I think that sounds like a great idea. And you could back up the training with the science behind it.” I flick a quick glance at her.
Her eyes light up at my answer. “Exactly. You understand what I want to do.” She seems surprised.
“I wish I had someplace like that when I was first playing football. I think it would’ve been beneficial to my play. I had my dad telling me what to do, but times change and science proves what works and what doesn’t. He’s dead set in his methods because they worked for him.”
“But not everyone has the same strengths and weaknesses,” she interjects.
“Right, not even his own son. He wanted me to be a carbon copy of him and it’s difficult for him to understand I’m not. I don’t want to be.” I’m not much like my dad aside from inheriting the football gene and his blue eyes and that’s the way I like it. Turning the key, I start the engine. “Let me get you home. I have an early practice in the morning and our game’s Saturday, mid afternoon. Will you come? I’d like to take you out after, just the two of us.” She presses her lips together while she thinks it over. Why can’t she just say yes without dragging it out? Waiting for her answer is excruciating.
“Okay. I’ll be there. Where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise. Wear something casual and warm enough to be outside.” I have an idea of what I want to do with her, and I hope she’ll be happy with my plan.
Parking at the curb near her dorm, I jump out to open her door. She takes my hand, rising to her feet and into my waiting arms. “I can’t wait to get you alone, and I don’t mean that in a sexual way. Although, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to mean it in a sexual way. I’m trying to be on my best behavior.”
“I do appreciate that.”
“How am I doing? Am I earning brownie points for trying?”
She pats my chest. “Let’s see how tomorrow night goes before I answer. That will be the real test. But you can kiss me now.” Her hands slide up to wrap around my neck and put pressure on my nape urging me forward. Her touch has me eager to comply.
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Catching her lips with mine, I brush over them, dragging from one side to the other. The plump softness beneath me tests my limits and I force myself to go slow. Unhurriedly, my tongue caresses hers. Fingers teasing the skin on her waist under the bottom edge of her sh
irt, I cup the back of her head with my other hand and continue to learn her taste. Exploring every inch of her mouth feels like the first kiss I’ve ever experienced. This is how a kiss is supposed to be. I’ve never taken the time to enjoy the act itself, and with Grace, I never want to stop.
She curls into my chest as if she can’t get close enough. Growling, I tear my mouth from hers and place a trail of kisses on her neck. “We have to stop, Grace.” I don’t want to get carried away and we are. She nods her agreement and licks her lips. Dropping a final kiss on her mouth, I release her head. My other hand slips free of her waist, clasping her hand. “Let me walk you to the door.”
There are a few people conversing outside her building while smoking cigarettes. Their eyes curiously watch as we approach. I wonder how long it will take for word about Grace and I to get out. Judging from the way they’re staring it won’t be long. Which is fine with me, but how will Grace deal with being fodder gobbled up by the gossipers? I hope she can handle being a topic of interest.
Unfortunately, being on the football team and Lawrence Lincoln’s son puts me in a higher profile situation than if she were dating someone who wasn’t. Then again, who cares what others think as long as we know the truth?
“I’ll see you at the game. After it’s over, meet me outside by the locker rooms. I’ll get out there as quickly as I can. See if Amelia or Leah can wait with you. I hate the thought of you standing outside by yourself.”
“I’m sure there will be others around.” She waves away my concern.
“I can worry about you if I want to.” My fingers tickle her side and she laughs. “Have a good night. I’ll miss you in my bed.”
“How can you miss something you’ve never had?”
“I’ve thought about you being there so many times it feels as though you have.”
She rolls her eyes and squeezes my hand. “Thank you for the ride.” Pulling her into my arms, I hold her tight to me and place a kiss on the side of her forehead.
“Get inside before I drag you home with me.” I set her away from me and when she turns to walk away I slap her on the ass.
She peers over her shoulder at me. “What was that for?”
I smirk. “Your ass was made for smacking. You’re lucky I’ve waited this long.”
Glancing up into the section of seats designated for family and friends, I find Grace sitting with Clancy, Leah, and Amelia. I might have had something to do with him being there. I want her to watch the game, but I don’t want to worry about someone messing with her while I’m playing. Clancy can be the watchdog and spend time with Leah. It’s an ideal situation for both of us.
My eyes connect with Grace’s and we both beam. My chest tightens with an emotion I’m not accustomed to. Is this what like does to a person? Or is this love? Whichever it is, I’ve never experienced it before and I don’t want to lose this feeling. It’s amazing… indescribable. Grace makes me happier than I’ve ever been. For the first time I have it all - school, football, and someone to care about.
I’m not going to do anything to screw this up. She’s already become important to me. I haven’t seen her since work on Thursday night and it seems like much longer.
All day yesterday I searched for her red hair on campus and I thought about calling her, but I never got her number. And while it would’ve been easy enough to get my hands on, holding out until tonight seemed important. I wanted to see our reactions to one another and make sure we’re both in this together. After seeing her smile, I’m confident she’s just as smitten as I am.
It’s hard to believe that two months ago I hadn’t met her yet. I was missing out and I was none the wiser. And if she hadn’t chosen Boston University as her school, we’d never have realized we should be together. I’d probably still be going to every party and meaninglessly hooking up with random girls.
“Are you ready?” Owen slaps me on the shoulder drawing my attention.
“Fuck yeah. We’re going to destroy these guys.”
“I see you invited Grace.”
“I did.”
“So things are going well then?”
“We’ve barely started dating, but so far so good. I’m crazy about her.”
“It looks like it’s mutual.”
I tug my helmet on and do up the chin strap. Owen and I head-butt and I shout, “Let’s do this.”
Chapter Eighteen
Grace
“Go. Go,” I yell, my heart pounds and adrenaline races through my veins as Trevor sprints toward the end zone. Once he crosses the goal line I jump to my feet screaming, “Whoo. Way to go Terriers.”
Trevor pumps his fist, points in my direction and then bows as if to say that’s how it’s done. Jumping up and down on the balls of my feet with Leah and Amelia, we celebrate the touchdown that has put this game solidly in the win column for the Terriers. After they successfully kick the field goal, they’re up by fourteen points with less than one minute to go. We all take to our seats once more.
“Are you girls coming to our party tonight?” Clancy asks in his deep rumbly voice, but he directs his question at Leah.
“What do you think, Amelia?” Leah questions, but I can tell she wants to go.
“We can go for a bit,” Amelia replies, giving Leah an out if things aren’t going how she’d like.
“Don’t forget I’m meeting Trevor and we’re going to do something.”
“Where are you guys going?” Leah asks.
“He wouldn’t tell me.” I did as he asked and wore my favorite Terrier’s hoodie and my most comfortable jeans. I left my hair down and took the time to apply a little makeup, but I didn’t want to put on a facade. I want him to know the real me and I’m not going to pretend to be someone I’m not.
“You better fill us in when you get home,” Leah orders.
“I might beat you guys back to the dorms. You’re the ones going to a party.”
Clancy puts his arm around Leah. “If I have anything to say about it she might be out all night.” Leah titters and slaps his chest with the back of her hand. “I’m not spending the night with you no matter what.”
“A guy can hope, can’t he?”
We focus back on the field in time for the opposing team to take a knee, the final play of the game. We cheer loudly and watch as the Terriers jog off the field. Trevor raises his helmet over his head and flashes a grin my way.
“That was a great game. They’re looking really strong,” Clancy remarks.
“They really are,”I agree.
“I think if they can maintain where they’re at, they have a chance to win the division,” he continues.
“That would be amazing. They have some steep competition.”
“Would you guys mind if I grabbed a slice of pizza on the way to the party? It’s dinner time and I’m starving. I don’t want to drink on an empty stomach.” We can always count on Amelia to be the practical thinker of our group.
“Works for me. Should we get going?” Leah’s impatience to spend time with Clancy is obvious.
“I’m going to head down to wait for Trevor.” I exchange hugs with Amelia and Leah.
“Where’s mine?” Clancy opens his arms wide.
I laugh and step into them, patting him on the back.
“Be good to my boy. Don’t break his heart.” His unexpected words take me by surprise. I never really looked at the situation from Trevor’s side. Could he be just as worried, and feel as vulnerable as I do about letting someone in?
As he releases me I stare up into his brown eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t. Are you going to tell him not to break my heart too?”
“I don’t need to, he’s crazy about you.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I’m about to introduce you to one of my favorite places. I come here when I need to get away or just chill by myself.” Trevor explains as we walk along a paved path that winds along the shore of the Charles River. The scenery is picturesque.
“And you
’re sharing it with me?”
“I am. Do you feel privileged?”
“I do, actually. But what if I’m one of the people you want to get away from? Then what?”
He shakes his head and smiles lazily. “I can’t see that happening, Red. Have you ever been to the Esplanade before?”
“My parents brought me to a few movies at the Hatch Shell when I was little. And they’ve gone to watch The Boston Pops perform on the Fourth of July a few times now.”
“That must be incredible to see in person with the music and fireworks complementing one another. You’ve never been?”
“No. I didn’t want to when I was younger.”
“Would you like to now?”
“Yeah, I think it would be awesome to see the fireworks in person. They always look so amazing on T.V.”
“Maybe we can go next July.” Is he really looking that far into the future for us? That’s somewhat comforting to hear. Players don’t usually make long-term plans.
“Maybe,” I answer vaguely. I have to keep up my one day at a time mentality or I’ll get swept up in all the Trevorness. He’s sweet, charming, funny, attractive, talented, intelligent, and the list can continue infinitely. He’s the guy who makes you plan for the future and forget about all the reservations you initially had.
“I’m taking you to the East Dock on the Esplanade. We’re going to have a picnic and hang out. The docks are basically a wooden version of a beach along the Esplanade and Charles River. That’s how everyone uses it.” We stroll further, my eyes are locked on the blue water of the river until we come to a T-shaped dock. “A month ago this place was loaded with people sunbathing and hanging out. Now that it’s the end of September it’s better. I prefer to come here when no one else is around.” Trevor ushers me in front of him and the wooden planks under my feet are solid. The sight of the surrounding water wraps around me like a comforting hug. I’m instantly more relaxed.
“Let’s sit on the blanket and if your ass gets sore we can move to the adirondack chairs.” He points to a group of wooden chairs off to the side. Setting his black backpack down on the worn wood, he shakes the folds out of the blue blanket he brought. I step forward to assist him in spreading the material out smoothly and then sink down to sit cross legged. Trevor moves his bag to the middle of the blanket and sits down beside me. “I hope you like subs and chips because that’s what we have.”
