People saw me do stuff like that, but it wasn’t what I was famous for. They knew me to be crazy on the field with a temper on me that couldn’t be tamed. When it came to using it, I didn’t hold back.
When I got the ball in a game that was it, leaving me to do whatever I was going to do with the ball was wise.
I didn’t go around beating people up but when someone rubbed me the wrong way, like this guy here, I had no limit.
Abi’s cheeks colored fiercely as the man continued to stare, and that look of discomfort filled her face again.
I didn’t know what came over me, or what pissed me off more, the fact that this idiot had overlooked me and dismissed me as non-threatening or the way he was looking at Abi.
“Hey, can I help you with something?” I balked at the man, startling him. I twisted around so the other two who were with the guy could see my face. At least they looked cautious, wary of me, but the guy just looked like this was some kind of joke.
“Wise guy! I’m talking to you,” I added.
“Nothing, man. Just chill,” the guy replied with a smile that even I had to describe as creepy.
“Okay, well if you eye-fuck my woman one more time, it’ll be the last you use your eyes.” I couldn’t help it. Maybe that was a little over the top but the guy deserved it.
He might not have looked scared, but he at least seemed to get the message. He turned to face his colleagues who had gone silent.
Feeling satisfied with the effect, I turned back to face Abi and immediately took in the look of wordless surprise on her face.
“What?” I asked, not sure if it was a good surprised look or if I’d just made her mad.
“You. What if he came over here and started something?” As she spoke, I realized she wasn’t mad at me. If anything, she was grateful and was trying not to show it.
“Really, Abi, you’ve seen me on the field, and you know I’m not a man to be trifled with.”
“And since when am I your woman?” she laughed. It was the first time I’d heard that laugh in years. A soft and gentle full-hearted sound that rippled through the air. It was the kind of laugh that could make anyone feel instant happiness.
“You’re welcome, Babydoll.” I smiled at her, and she shook her head.
“Thank you.” She smiled, revealing her perfect white teeth. It was a genuine smile too. The one I remembered from the girl who used to love me. As the waitress came over to take our orders, I couldn’t help but focus on that smile.
It seemed like this was definitely going to be one interesting day.
Chapter 2
Abi
* * *
I straightened up and tried to look cool. I tried to look like I wasn’t more shocked by Scott’s reaction to that creep. In all the time we’d been together, even when things had been good between us, he’d never reacted like that. When guys hit on me , he used to tell me I should be grateful that people found me attractive.
Then, when things started to get really bad, he’d just about quit acknowledging me as his girlfriend. Actually, no. I was the one that had to make it known, and then I’d feel stupid after, especially if I had to pull some skank away from him or make my declaration that I was with him like I was claiming property.
Scott had been a terrible boyfriend, but just now was… well, I didn’t know. That was a natural reaction I’d never seen in him. It was nothing, I supposed.
All it really was, was a nice gesture which I was grateful for because I hated when men looked at me like that, like they were undressing me with their eyes. And, of course, there was no mistake about it when their eyes immediately went to my breasts, which I knew were big, and always attracted a lot of attention.
When I looked at Scott again, he smiled, and I wondered if he was being truthful about what he had said earlier about missing me.
Did he really?
Again, it was mere curiosity. I doubted, with the way he lived, that he had actually missed me. From what I’d heard and seen since I left him, the man lived and breathed women. It was surprising that he actually remembered me , and that song…
Yes, I remembered that song alright, and I wished I didn’t.
Away, by The Cranberries. It was a song that I’d loved and associated with my relationship with him. Those were the good days, the good years. We had nearly four of those. Nearly four solid years out of the seven we were together were it was pure magic. It was the strength of those years that fueled me to stay with him through the last three years that were hell.
In my naïve, younger mind, I’d labeled that song ours . It was always playing in the background when we met up, particularly when we made love. It was hard to think back on those times and hold in the emotion. The truth was that a part of me missed him, too, but it was best that I didn’t acknowledge it.
The waitress came with my toasted rye bread and Scott’s super large plate of what looked like everything on the menu: eggs, bacon, sausages, sautéed potatoes, several slices of toast, grilled mushrooms, and hash browns. It was enough to feed four people and made my little plate of rye toast look like a side dish.
“Abi, what the fuck is that?” He inspected the toast as if it was some sort of alien life form. Disdain filled his blue gaze.
“Rye toast.”
“It looks like shit,” he scowled.
I smirked at him, unable to resist smiling. He always had a way with words and saying things that could make me laugh even when I was well and truly mad at him.
“It’s healthy.”
“You know, I didn’t think this was what you meant when you ordered it.” To my surprise, he called the waitress back. “Can you send this back please?” He pointed to the toast.
“No, it’s fine,” I argued shaking my head at him.
The waitress looked from him to me.
“Like hell. No wonder you have headaches if that’s all you’re gonna eat. Take it back and get her some pancakes and maple syrup. With a little pot of hazelnut chocolate spread, too, if you have it.”
That was what I used to order when we were together. I looked at him, wondering what he could be thinking. He used to tease me when I ordered things like that and tell me it was one sure way to pile on the pounds. Now he was ordering it for me. I allowed the waitress to take the rye toast away.
“Scott, you used to call that kind of food fat food.”
“It’s okay to eat sometimes, it’s definitely better than that shit you ordered. We’re in a diner, doll. Who gets rye toast in a diner?” He chuckled.
“You’re too funny.”
“Glad you think so.”
He started working his way through his feast.
“That is like a mountain of food.” My eyes roamed over his plate.
“Got to keep up my strength. Who knows where the day will take me?” He gave me a sly look.
“Okay, Scott. To each their own.” I raised my brows at him.
“How’s your head?”
“The pain is going.” Thankfully. I didn’t want a repeat of yesterday where I’d taken tablets in time to prevent a full-blown migraine, but it was still bad. I thought I was going to have to suffer through the same today.
“Good.” He straightened up. “So, do you think we could start our re-acquaintance again? Maybe you could do it without the scowl this time?”
I looked at him, stared straight into his eyes that flickered with interest. I decided that I could. The past was exactly that, and we were here for Margo and Cole’s wedding. Chances were I’d never see much of Scott again after this anyway with the exception of his ever-growing popularity with magazines and top brands. I’d seen the Calvin Klein ad on the billboard on the way here and pretended I didn’t.
It would have been easy to make some wisecrack about it if he didn’t look so damn hot on the billboard in just his underwear, stretched out on the white sand of some exotic beach. Tattoos I’d never seen before were on display. They were on the curve of his waist and looked like they continued ac
ross his back. And then there was all that muscle. Ripples of it that could make anyone lose their mind. I’d always been a sucker for a man with muscle, and I loved tattoos
“How are you?” I decided to say with a pleasant smile.
“I’m good. Preparing for the next season.”
“Congratulations on winning the Super Bowl.”
“Thank you.”
As much as I’d stopped keeping up with football news, I knew that. Margo had told me, and the Gladiators were all over the news for weeks. It was kind of something I couldn’t avoid, just like the numerous magazine articles that popped up afterward. I’d seen one too many of him with his host of women. Some of the pictures taken were so outlandish and unreal, scandalous, even. I was just grateful to not be a part of that wild lifestyle anymore. Or, rather, trying to fit somewhere where I didn’t belong because I was trying to make sure everyone knew Scott was with me. It was exhausting.
“What do you predict for this season?”
“We do our best.”
“I guess you’re swamped with promos till then.”
He shook his head. “Not me. I have about three more. Then I’m off to camp to coach for three weeks before training starts.”
“Coach?” I couldn’t imagine him coaching. He’d always loved playing.
“Yeah. Myself and two of the other guys set up a free summer camp for inner-city kids. Basically, kids whose parents’ aren’t able to afford training. We’ll give them a taste of what football is like, and, if it’s successful, I’ll do it every year.” All I could do is look at him. The Scott I knew would never have thought of doing something so nice.
“Don’t look so surprised,” he laughed.
“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just I never imagined you doing something like that.”
“Well, I am. It’s a good thing to do. How about you? I’m sure you have more to add about work. Margo’s told me a lot.”
“I’m enjoying it.” I was vice president of Black Inc, a prestigious advertising company that was only up-and-coming when I first joined. Bradley, the owner and C.E.O, gave me the chance to use my creativity to work wonders. I was one of those people who didn’t quite know what to do with myself after college. I had a business degree with a minor in English. I didn’t exactly use what I learned in my job, but it helped, and I was happy. “It keeps me busy, and I look forward to going in each day. I definitely found my niche.”
“Cool. Looks like we’re both doing good things.”
The waitress came with my pancakes and, boy, did they look tasty.
“Thank you,” I told her before she sauntered away.
“While we’re being friendly, is there any chance you’ll tell me what’s up with Margo?” He looked worried, and since Margo did say she wished she could have her big brother there with her, I thought I could shed some light on what was going on.
“She found out Cole did something and she got upset then decided to do a runner. When she changed her mind, and tried to come back, she realized her bags were missing. Hence, the being stuck in Phoenix with nothing to her name but a few coins for phone calls.”
“Shit.” He sat back against the padded leather of the seat and ran his hands through his spiky black hair. He then leaned forward and rested his hands on the table. “Did Cole cheat on her? Is that what happened?”
Cheat? I didn’t want to say ‘yes’ to that.
“I wouldn’t say he cheated. Cole thought they were broken up.”
“Abi, does that make sense to you? You’re saying you’d be okay if that happened to you?” he asked. I could see the anger building. “You at least wait for confirmation that you’re done with before you jump in the sack with someone.”
“Yeah, sure.” I knew that’s what Scott did, literally. And, as he looked at me I could tell that he knew that I knew. Back when I left him, I didn’t know what hurt more. The fact that he didn’t come after me, or the relieved look on his face that told me he’d go wild and that the first person he’d go wild on was the redhead on his lap. I never needed to see to know.
“Don’t you agree?” A look of shame filled him. “Didn’t you?” That was a typical Scott question, basically asking me how long I waited after our breakup before I slept with someone.
“No,” I replied.
“Well, how long did you wait?”
I never expected to feel the slight tug of hurt that gripped my heart. This was a conversation I didn’t exactly want to have with Scott. As great as it was to be free of him, it took me a long time to get over him.
“Three years,” I answered.
When I said it, it sounded strange to my ears. It was three years before I took the plunge to date. The poor guy I’d been with was super sweet, kind, and adorable, but I had no feelings for him. None whatsoever. I broke up with him after six months, realizing that I wasn’t over Scott. Then I didn’t bother with the whole relationship thing. I just serial dated.
The shameful look on his face amplified and reached his eyes.
“Oh,” was all he could say.
“It’s fine; I know it was like five minutes for you.” I cut into my pancakes, suddenly losing my appetite. “You just wanted confirmation, right?” I shrugged.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
I lifted my head and looked at him, surprised by the apology. “You don’t owe me anything. Besides, with how bad things were, I’m sure you didn’t bother to wait.”
“I never cheated on you.” He shook his head.
“Right.” I never believed that, and wouldn’t for one second except for the serious look on his face and in his eyes.
“Abi, I swear on my life and everyone I know that I never cheated on you.” His chest rose and fell as he pulled in a sharp breath. “It’s fine if you don’t believe me. I know I gave you more than enough cause to believe otherwise.”
The nerves on the side of my head tingled with the onset of another headache. I felt like I needed to splash my face with cold water, or just any kind of water. I stood up and said, “Excuse me,” before going to the ladies’ room.
I just needed a moment to myself. Just a moment to think and process things. I walked away before he could say anything.
The room was small with a row of five cubicles. There was a door that led outside. It was open. The sink basin was better than I’d seen in most diners, and at least they had a fruit-scented hand wash and moisturizer. It showed effort. I looked at myself in the mirror and shook my head at my appearance. What was wrong with me, getting all worked up like this over the past?
Being around Scott was stirring up bad memories I’d laid to rest. I was a new woman now, a woman who was stronger than the girl I’d been when I was with him. I just had to keep reminding myself that.
I couldn’t let down the woman who stared back at me from the mirror.
Although I had makeup on, I turned on the tap, allowed the water to run, and then gathered up a handful to splash on my face. The cool water on my skin was welcoming, much-needed. It soothed my mind. I closed my eyes to absorb the sensation and waited for a few seconds before opening them.
Hopefully, I could get through this day. I didn’t even bother to wish we could get to Margo quickly because I knew this wouldn’t be a quick trip. If only I could have gotten a damn flight, I would be looking at a handful of hours, not practically the whole day. Not to mention that we hadn’t really covered much distance yet. Our journey hadn’t even really begun.
I turned to reach for the paper hand towels in the unit next to me and froze when I saw the creepy man from inside the diner standing by the door frame.
He’d been watching me. He still was.
My gaze fixed on the black panther tattooed on the majority of his neck and the nasty scar that mixed in with his beard. This guy was what Margo and I called “rough stuff,” with his large, muscular build, greasy hair, and dirty overalls. He was the kind that looked like he’d seen plenty of prison time and didn’t care if he went back in.
&nbs
p; My skin crawled, and a shiver ran down my spine as his mouth lifted into a crude, sinful smile that made fear sweep through me. It knotted my insides and told me I was in danger.
“Wow, you look even better close up,” he stated.
My throat tightened up and I backed into the sink. “What do you want?”
He moved inside and stopped just in front of me. I looked at him, unable to hide my fear now, and unable to contemplate trying to stay calm. The stench of beer mingled with body odor filled my nostrils as he leaned closer. I coughed. The smell was bad.
His lust-filled eyes made me feel sick. “You, sweet thing,” he replied, his smile widening.
“Leave me alone.” I tried to step past him, but he blocked me. I tried again, to the other side, but he backed me into the wall.
“Those titties of yours sure look good.” He looked at my breasts and licked his lips, making my feel like I’d throw up. “Let’s see if that boyfriend of yours will stop me from fucking you.”
He grabbed me before I could even scream, placing one hand over my mouth and the other holding me against the wall. My scream came out as a muffled cry that no one would hear, and tears poured out of my eyes.
Fear and terror gripped me threatening to paralyze me but I didn’t allow it to. Adrenaline kicked in, and the need for survival made me lash out at him, much to his surprise. His shift in movement gave me the chance to bite down on his hand with all the strength I had in me. I then followed that with a knee to his balls that made him double over momentarily as he released me.
“Scott!” I called for Scott as loud as I could, over and over again, in the few seconds that I had before the creep grabbed me again, now angered by my retaliation.
“You fucking bitch!” He grabbed my arm and tried to drag me towards the door, but he didn’t get as far as he hoped. Scott charged in and grabbed him around his neck. I stumbled to the floor from the impact, hurting my elbows as I landed. Scott roared as he picked the man up, and raised him into the air as if he weighed nothing and as though he wasn’t nearly as tall or big as Scott was. Scott then heaved him through the door and ran outside to finish him off. I had never seen Scott look so angry. He was like a wild animal ready to kill.
Play of Love: The Gladiator Players Box Set Page 27
