Pass Interference

by Cami Checketts

  Lily pulled away.

  “Are we playing football or kissing?” Josh shuddered on the word kissing.

  “Playing football,” Hyde reassured him, winking at Lily. He didn’t seem at all embarrassed that they’d both gotten distracted and kissed in front of their family members. “Go out for a pass, buddy.”

  The football game dissolved into a game of five-hundred with the boys. Lily saw Teresa and Allie carrying food out to the patio. She hurried up the steps to ask if she could help.

  “I think we’ve got it,” Teresa said icily.

  “Can always take help from a cute young thing,” Allie interrupted. “Why don’t you sit down, Teresa. Lily and I will get the rest.”

  Lily followed Allie into the kitchen as Hyde’s mom sat sulkily in a chair.

  “Don’t mind her,” Allie said immediately, handing her a platter of fruit. “She always gets jealous when Hyde dates someone and I don’t think she’s ever seen him kiss someone, except for pictures in the tabloids or online.”

  Lily flushed. “Sorry. That wasn’t planned.” Hyde’s mom obviously didn’t like her. It was a lead balloon in her stomach.

  “It’s not you.” Allie pressed her hand. “You’re adorable and my favorite, by a landslide, of the girls he’s dated. Don’t let Teresa upset you. She’s a great lady, but Hyde is all she’s got, of course she’s going to be overprotective of him.”

  “Okay. I’ll just try harder to make her like me.”

  “Good luck,” Allie muttered then went out through the French door.

  Lily shuddered. She lifted the tray of fruit and followed Allie outside. Hyde was more perfect than any man she’d been around, but she couldn’t come between him and his mom, especially with his mom battling a mental disease that had no cure.

  Chapter 9

  The day had been absolutely perfect in Hyde’s mind, except the way his mom kept eyeing Lily down. His mom had said embarrassing things about some of his girlfriends, when she had no diagnosed mental illness, and things had ended poorly with the girls irrational and ticked at Hyde. But nobody could not like Lily, right?

  The tour of the stadium was great because of how happy Josh and Caleb were. Caleb tried to rein it in a little better, but it was obvious he was loving it and little Josh was in heaven. Lily didn’t hide her enthusiasm and it made Hyde feel about ten feet tall. How perfect was a girl who truly loved football?

  After the tour, they went to Casa Bonita for dinner. The food wasn’t great in Hyde’s opinion, so he was glad he’d eaten plenty of sandwiches and fruit at the little picnic his mom and Allie had insisted on doing when they found out Lily and her brothers were coming earlier today.

  The atmosphere at Casa Bonita more than made up for the bland flavor of the food. Hyde had bought an all-access pass so they could do anything in the restaurant. He figured that was easier than trying to hand them money when they wanted to play one of the games, and making it awkward like he was giving them a handout. This was the day he’d planned for them. He should be allowed to spoil them.

  They cheered for the gun fights and watched the cliff divers then played arcade games until their food was ready. Josh was so excited about everything it made it even more fun for Hyde. He felt sympathetic for Lily’s family plight. They were obviously struggling financially. He didn’t want to buy them things to “throw his money around” like Lily said, but these boys and Lily were so appreciative and happy about everything he did, he felt like he was Mr. Incredible or something.

  Josh woofed down his quesadillas in minutes and asked, “Can I go do the gun fight game again?”

  Caleb pushed aside his tacos and stood. “I’ll go with you.”

  Hyde was impressed with Caleb. He didn’t know many teenagers who would put a sibling first like he’d seen him do time and again for Josh.

  He’d been a little concerned to come to the restaurant, but the boys’ and Lily’s smiles were more than worth the worry over paparazzi and people staring at him or asking for autographs. Really, paparazzi had no reason to be following him right now. They weren’t in season and he wasn’t dating anyone famous. The worst that could happen would be someone taking pictures of them and posting them online. Lily had acted great about the online exposure they’d gotten so far. She seemed too good to be true. His girlfriends in the past had either dated him because they loved the fame or wanted to accelerate their careers. He’d also dated a few who were annoyed by the interruptions of fans and photographers, and he felt guilty about exposing them to what was a part of his life.

  “Thanks,” Lily murmured. “This has been the best day.”

  “For them or for you?” Hyde scooted a bit closer on the bench.

  “Both.” She looked up at him from beneath lowered lashes. She was such a natural beauty and he loved that she could play a game of football with him then come to a restaurant and look fabulous in a t-shirt and jeans and not seem uncomfortable that she wasn’t dolled up.

  “I can’t even tell you what this means to Josh though.”

  “I love that kid. I bet he makes your life fun.”

  “My brother, Brandon, teases him because of his exuberance, but I eat it up. It helps me remember to appreciate life and enjoy each moment.”

  Hyde wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “I’m enjoying this moment, that’s for sure.”

  Lily smiled then bit at her lip. That little movement of her lips between her teeth about drove him crazy. He couldn’t resist dipping his head and kissing her. He savored the way her lips felt underneath his, the soft scent of her. She turned into him and he tucked her smaller frame close and they were in their own world.

  “Lily!” Josh’s shocked voice pulled them apart again.

  Hyde chuckled and ruffled the boy’s hair. “I love you, Josh, but your timing stinks.”

  “You … love me?” Josh’s eyes were wide. He pushed Lily aside and hugged Hyde. “I wish you were my big brother, Hyde. Would you marry Lily so we can be together forever?”

  “Josh,” Lily reprimanded.

  Hyde wasn’t sure how to respond. He loved this kid, this family, and he could easily see himself falling in love with Lily, but his life was too complicated with his mom and football to commit to a relationship, especially something this quick.

  Josh stared up at him with hopeful eyes.

  “Let’s go play the tank game again,” Hyde said. He had to look away from the disappointment in Josh and Lily’s eyes.

  Lily schooled her expression quickly, but Josh seemed to droop and Hyde had no way of reassuring the little boy that they could be together forever. Luckily, the tank game got him laughing and it was easy to at least restore the little boy’s grin.

  Chapter 10

  The next week was even better than the previous one. Though Lily was busy with clients most of the day, she and Hyde spent at least two hours together every morning training, and almost every night they had dinner together, either takeout at her apartment or eating the food his chef delivered to Hyde’s house. His mom seemed to be slowly warming up to her.

  Friday night they drove up to Georgetown and he took her entire family out to dinner at Cooper’s then of course they had to walk down to Cake and buy more pastries than any of them could eat. Josh held onto Hyde’s hand as often as he could and talked his ear off. Lily loved every minute of it.

  More pictures of the two of them appeared on the Internet and lots of comments wondering who Hyde’s new girlfriend was, but no overly sensational stories or anything.

  Lily didn’t mind being called Hyde’s girlfriend. She’d dreamed many a time of meeting him one day and having him actually look at her, notice her. Well, he looked at her now and she loved it. How many women got the chance to date their dream man? If she had worries about losing his contract, she pushed them to the back of her mind. Hyde was too cool to do that to her.

  Saturday morning she woke to her doorbell ringing. Glancing at the clock, she fell back down against her pillow. Six
a.m. Who rang the doorbell that early on a Saturday? The annoying sound came again and Wynette banged out of her bedroom. “Whoever that joker is I’m going to rip off his finger and hang it on the doorbell so they know what’ll happen if they try the prank again.”

  Lily laughed, but felt a little concern for whoever was at their door. What if it was an emergency?

  Wynette flung the door open so wide Lily heard it bang against the wall. “How dare you—Oh, Hyde! Come in, come in.”

  “Hey. Sorry to wake you up. I was hoping to surprise Lily.”

  Lily slid out of the covers, padded across the thin carpet, and poked her head around the corner. She couldn’t hide her smile when she saw him wearing a t-shirt and swimsuit, displaying his beautiful biceps and nicely-defined calves. “If anyone else had been at our door Wynette was prepared to do them bodily harm.”

  Hyde blushed and it was endearing. “I’m sorry, Wynette. I texted her to come to the door, but she didn’t answer.”

  “That was you?” Lily should’ve checked her phone. “I was sure it was Sariah annoying me first thing on a Saturday morning. She’s so used to getting up at five, she thinks everyone is awake then.” She gestured to his clothes. “We swimming in your pool?”

  He grinned. “Nope. Well, maybe later. Grab a suit and some girl lotion or whatever you need and let’s go.”

  She folded her arms across her chest. “You may be my client, but you don’t get the right to tell me what to do.”

  “You tell me what to do for two hours every day. It’s my turn.”

  Wynette stared at Lily. “Grab your stuff or I’m going with him.”

  Lily laughed at the worried expression on Hyde’s face. “Give me a minute.”

  She hurried to her bedroom, changed into shorts and a tank top, and packed a small bag then went in the bathroom, brushed her teeth, refastened her ponytail, and threw in a few toiletries. Hyde was chatting with Wynette when she returned to the living room. They said goodbye to her roommate, loaded into his sport utility, and drove south to Broomfield and the small Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport.

  Hyde handed a young guy in a uniform some cash and his keys and the kid loaded their bags onto a sleek white jet then drove off in Hyde’s Lexus.

  Lily felt intimidated for some reason. Like she hadn’t been around Hyde for the past three weeks and was all star struck again. The man had his own plane and it wasn’t some six-seater prop plane. He was so out of her league it wasn’t even funny.

  The pilot waited outside the jet, shook Hyde’s hand and then Lily’s as Hyde introduced her. Hyde gestured for her to walk up the steps and her jaw unhinged. The interior was tan and trimmed in wood. There were cream-colored leather captain chairs and a rich brown leather couch. Tables and a buffet off to one side. She’d never felt so out of her league.

  The pilot spoke with Hyde briefly then went through the door to the cockpit and Hyde opened his hands to her. “Where would you like to sit?”

  Lily sank into one of the leather chairs and fastened her seat belt. Hyde sat next to her. He reached over and squeezed her hand. “I hope you like your day.”

  “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ve never been on an airplane, Hyde.”

  “Well, this is going to ruin you for ever flying commercial.” He laughed easily, but she didn’t join in.

  “Is this your plane?”

  He shifted in the seat. “Yes.”

  “And the pilot. Is he yours too?”

  “I use a service. When I need a pilot, they send down someone who’s qualified to fly my jet. They also have stewardesses but it’s such a short flight I didn’t hire one. Cameron referred me to the company.”

  “Cameron?” She drew in a shaky breath.

  “Cruz.”

  Lily leaned her head against the headrest. She was feeling queasy and the plane hadn’t moved. “Hyde, maybe this isn’t such a good idea.”

  “What?” He clung to her hand a little tighter.

  Lily opened her eyes and focused in on him. He was so handsome and so famous and why was this happening to her? Hyde Metcalf, famous Denver Storm wide receiver and his famous friend, Cameron Cruz, the quarterback, with his unreal gorgeous wife, Katherine, who ran a charity that helped inner city kids get out in nature. These weren’t her people. She wasn’t going to mix and mingle with the rich and the famous wearing a Nike T-shirt she’d found on clearance five years ago.

  Lily was from a simple world. Her dad was a forest ranger for crying out loud. Her family was in need of charity from an organization like Katherine Cruz’s, but would never take it.

  “What’s wrong?” Hyde asked again.

  “Us.” Lily mustered out. “All of this. This isn’t me.”

  “I just wanted to give you a special day.” Hyde’s eyes filled with concern. “Please, don’t let this bother you. We could fly commercially, but it takes a lot longer to get through security and then wait for your plane.”

  The plane started to move and Lily grabbed for the armrest, but connected with Hyde’s muscular forearm. He took her fingers between his own and rubbed them.

  “It’s just taxiing out to the runway,” he said.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Can’t it be a surprise?” Hyde asked gently. “Can I please spoil you for one day then we’ll go back to Golden and you killing me at the gym and hanging out with Josh and Caleb? I know this is a little different than what you’ve done on other dates, but it doesn’t have to be weird. It’s still me, Lil.” He stared into her eyes like only Hyde could do. She loved his dark eyes framed by darker lashes.

  Taking a few slow breaths, she squeezed his hand. “I guess I don’t have much choice since the plane is about to take off.”

  She’d no sooner stopped talking than the engine revved and the plane surged forward, quickly picking up speed. The floor rumbled underneath her feet and Lily clutched her hands together, muttering a quick prayer.

  “You say the word and I’ll tell him to take us back. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

  Lily stared at him. The plane lifted off the ground and her stomach elevated with it. She wanted to be with Hyde and it wasn’t his fault that she was having a come apart. It was Lily that was having a hard time wrapping her mind around the money. Gas from this one plane ride would probably cover her brothers’ sports fees for life.

  “I want to be with you, Hyde.”

  He grinned and traced his thumb along the back of her hand.

  “You’ll just have to calm me down when I flip out a little bit at you throwing your money around, mega-stud.”

  Hyde smiled at her attempt to be funny. “I’ll try not to throw my money around, but what’s the best method for calming you down?”

  Lily tilted her head to the side as the plane soared higher into the blue sky and the wheels thumped into the undercarriage beneath them. “I think a kiss would do the trick.”

  Hyde framed her face with his large palms and kissed her. They gained altitude quickly, but that had little to do with the way her heart soared.

  Hyde drummed his fingers against the steering wheel of the rented Porsche as they drove toward his home on Strand Beach in Dana Point, California. If Lily had an almost panic attack about his Gulfstream G650, how was she going to deal with his house? His mom’s house in Golden was a beautiful home and he’d spared no expense updating or maintaining it, but it definitely paled in comparison to his twenty-two million dollar purchase of a year ago. His accountant said he needed all of this real estate for retirement purposes and to help keep the taxes under control. Hyde didn’t love the debt, but his contracts were locked in for five more years and he could easily pay for many multi-million dollar homes.

  He reached the gate, rolled down his window, and used the fingerprint scan and the code. The gate slid quietly open. He glanced over at Lily and, once again, her mouth was falling slightly open. He shook his head. He probably
should’ve just taken her to the public beach, but it was so much more comfortable to have a spot to eat, play in the pool after swimming in the ocean, and have a nice shower before they flew back home. Plus, he didn’t want to deal with people recognizing him.

  He pulled out the garage door opener he’d brought with him and clicked it. The wooden door raised quietly. Parking the red Porsche, he rushed around to get Lily’s door then grabbed both of their bags. “You okay?” he asked quietly.

  “Guess this is why nobody teases you about living with Momma? When your second house is a multi-million dollar mansion.”

  “Do you need another kiss?”

  “Yes. Give it to me quick.”

  Hyde chuckled, dropped their bags in the large laundry room off the garage, and gathered her into his arms. Her soft lips parted under his and he had no problem offering her comfort to deal with his “throwing his money around”. She was strange. In such a great way.

  She broke the kiss and grinned up at him. “So, why did you fly me to sunny California?”

  “Heard about a sad little girl who’d never dipped her tootsies in the sea.”

  “Pathetic, eh?”

  “No, she’s pretty cute and I like being the guy to fulfill all her fantasies.”

  “Whoa. Let’s stick with dreams, mega-stud, fantasies implies an arena we aren’t dipping into anytime soon.”

  “Well, dang. That’s disappointing.”

  She laughed and broke from his arms. “The beach?’

  The few times he’d brought a date to one of his houses, he’d usually give them a tour, but he didn’t think Lily needed to be overwhelmed with that. He directed her through the kitchen and living areas. He could tell she was getting panicky again by the way her head kept swiveling to take everything in. The modern flat cabinets of walnut, granite countertops and backsplashes, and stainless steel kitchen with the huge dining room overlooking the ocean. The different living spaces with leather couches, flat screens, gorgeous landscape paintings and sculptures for decorations. They all had retractable patio doors that led onto the huge patio and infinity pool with the ocean below. Hyde escorted her into the master suite. It was massive with a wood four-poster bed, two sitting areas next to the windows and retractable wall, his and her closets and bathrooms each with their own jetted tub and walk-in shower. He’d purchased the house from a previous owner rather than deal with construction time and decisions, so had no choice in the design. He loved most everything, but the separate bathrooms were weird. When he got married, he wanted to share a bathroom with his wife.