Love's Interception

by N Kuhn

  “Yes, it’s mine. I bought it after the last commercial I did.” I gesture towards the car and realize I’m doing the showroom model pose. Lowering my hand to my side, I watch as he walks around the front of the car.

  “Oh yeah, the Dodge one right? I saw it. Nice, a 2010 Charger, V-6 right?” He looks up at me. I had bought it used because it was nice, and I had a little money after paying all my bills from appearing in the commercial. They offered me a deal on a new one, but bills had to come first.

  “Yeah. Can I have my keys please?” I ask him, trying again to get out of here. He looks up at me again with that smile. Walking around the car and stepping right against me, I try to back up, but am pinned to between his hard body and the hunk of metal beneath me. The heat radiating off of his body is intense that my toes curl. My stomach dips, and I feel quite lightheaded. He dangles the keys in my face, still smiling. Leaning down, I think he’s going to kiss me, and I can’t breathe. Closing me eyes, I can’t see him, but feel his breath on my cheek. Then his voice, soft and velvety in my ear whispers to me.

  “You can keep running from me all you like Bree, but I won’t let you get away from me this time.” Dropping the keys in my hand, he moves away and the instant we lose contact, my body chills. The warmth that enveloped us is gone and I feel oddly alone. Finally brave enough to open my eyes, I see him walking away, back towards the field. He looks over his shoulder and winks at me. My knees feel wobbly and I have to grab onto my car to keep myself from falling. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch the glare that Elena is giving me from the entry way. I feel my face get red again. She said to steer clear of the players and I can only imagine what this just looked like to her. Pushing the lock on my fob, I let myself into my car, gladly collapsing into the seat before I hit the ground again.

  I watch as Brent stops to speak to Elena and they both look my way before going back into the stadium. Did he just threaten me? He won’t let me get away? So should I expect another cruel practical joke to scar me for life? It has to be. Especially with Jamie all over him like there’s been no lost time between them, and the crap she started on the field. It’s like I just can’t get away from high school. Why can’t they just let me be? I’m not that awkward kid anymore, yet here I am, wanting to run and hide again. You know what? It’s time I stand up for myself. In no way will I let Brent or Jamie keep me from making this squad. I deserve it. Even if she was Ms. Head Cheerleader, I’ll prove them both wrong. I’m not Bree the Tree anymore. I’m Brianna Woods. Semi-Famous model. If I didn’t let Tommy Hilfiger intimidate and scare me, why am I letting these two? Starting my car, I head back towards home, but decide to stop off at the gym. I definitely will need to be in better shape if I’m ever going to keep up with these routines. That was just a two hour try out. If I make it, I’ll have to do all of that for four hours or more during games. Time to build my stamina, endurance and self-confidence. They aren’t winning this time.

  Chapter 2 – Brent

  Bree Woods. I can't believe she's come back into my life. It's like a dream come true. Although, with her comes Jamie, the very reason she didn't become my girl way back in high school. I've spent the last five years trying to figure out a way to get her back. I was elated to be drafted to my hometown NFL team. But when I found out Bree moved clear across country, it was a major letdown. I followed her modeling and acting career. It was a huge shock to find out she was here, trying to join the cheerleading squad. I can’t believe I didn’t even recognize her. That flaming hair has been in my fantasies for years. It's like fate is giving me a second chance with Bree and I don’t plan on fumbling it this time. I wanted to sink into the ground and die when Jamie bounced between us and latched herself to me. I knew she had a crush on me in school. All the girls did. But after tutoring with Bree, she was the only one I had eyes for. We had so much in common and even though she tried to hide it, I could see her for the beautiful woman she was becoming. Jamie is just another shallow blonde trying to climb her way up in life and using men to do it.

  I heard Jamie had married her first year in college. Some well to do professor she had, but that it ended quickly and dirty when he caught her with his TA. So now she’s living at home with her parents, and apparently, still trying to mess with Bree. Why is it that some girls are so hateful to others? She must be jealous about how beautiful Bree is, and that I don’t want her. How could I want Jamie? She’s fake as can be, right down to the huge paid for chest she’s now sporting. Bree is real, down to earth and she has no fucking clue how hot she is! Her body is killer, and I think today was the first time I’ve really been able to see it in person. No baggy clothes today. She had tight little yoga pants on that clung to every curve of her ass. A tight little tank top too, that curved down just to the top of her breasts, making them look delicious and begging to be licked. Coach got all over my ass about practice. I couldn’t keep my head in it, knowing that she was on the other side of the field bending and grinding and shaking. Damn it. What the hell am I going to do if she makes the squad? I’m already a goner. The heat from her body being so close to me still lingers. It was like an electric shock when we touched. Her eyes had widened in shock, I know she felt it too. She smelled like a spiced apple, and it was enough to make sure I was hard. I’ll never be able to eat apple pie again without getting a hard on.

  Seeing Elena waiting for me at the stadium entrance, I jog over to her, trying to adjust my hard dick, hoping she doesn’t take notice.

  “Coleson, leave my cheerleaders alone.”

  “Lainey, you know I don’t roll with your girls. But this one you have to make an exception for. That’s Bree.” She looks at me, her eyes going wide. Elena and I became friends very quickly when I was drafted to the team. She’s been the head cheerleader for four years, and is only my age. She’s married to the Offensive Coach for our team, and they both give new players and cheerleaders the same speeches. Do not fraternize. I was one of the few rookies who actually listened. When I had first found out Bree no longer lived around here, I was upset. We had a road game, and Elena sat next to me on the plane. She said I looked like I needed to talk, so she sat there the whole flight and listened to me whine about Bree and my broken heart. Since then, we have a very brother-sister like friendship. Even Coach doesn’t mind about how close we are because he knows I’m not a playboy or a threat.

  “No shit, how ironic. I didn’t realize that was her. I mean, the name looked familiar. But the address on the papers from her agent have an LA address on them. I thought your girl was from here? She’s good. She’s going to make it tomorrow. There are only two girls that I really like, but I have to follow protocol and pick six to give another chance to.”

  “Please please tell me that the other one is not Jamie Brooks.”

  “She is, the girl is good, but has an attitude. I don’t like that, but hopefully she grows out of it. Head cheerlea- Oh crap, you went to school with her too didn’t you? And she’s the one tha- “she stops, just cuts herself off. I’m sure she can tell by the look on my face that she’s right.

  “Yeah, that’s her, and trust me, that attitude isn’t going anywhere. I just don’t want anything in my way this time. Lainey, I’m not letting her go again.”

  “You’re such the romantic, maybe Dan can take lessons from you,” and she grins, knowing that her husband is standing behind her.

  “Coleson, should I be worried about you spending so much time with my lovely wife today? Or is there another reason you couldn’t get the ball out of your hands today?” Coach Rey walks up behind Elena, wrapping his arms around her waist. The smile that spreads across both their mouths has me feeling green with envy. They have such a happy marriage, like they are meant to be together. That’s what I want, and Bree is the only one I want it with.

  “Hey baby, how did practice go?” She twists her body out of his grip so she can look up at him.

  “Well, if Coleson here had paid as much attention to practice as he is to you and your new girls, it woul
d have went great.” Hanging my head, I mumble at the ground. “I’m sorry coach.”

  Slapping his arm, Elena looks up at her husband.

  “You let that boy be. It’s not every day that your first love and heart break marches back into your life.”

  “Ah, the elusive Bree huh? You saw her today?”

  “Yes, actually, she’ll be on the squad when I make it official tomorrow.” Coach Rey looks from her to me. I can tell that’s not good news to him.

  “I promise it won’t affect my playing Coach. I’ll have my head in it tomorrow. It was just a complete shock to see her again.” Patting my shoulder, he laughs.

  “It’s ok kid. If you weren’t the best quarterback the league has this season, I’d be really upset. But you’re a good kid, and stay out of trouble like a lot of our rookies, and you play well. You know when to pull your head out of the clouds. I’ll give you today. But tomorrow, we’re going double hard on the practice, okay? KC will be here to play this weekend and you know that their main focus is going to be sacking you. Pre-Season or not, we need you. We have to make sure you let go of that ball quickly.” Nodding, I look at both of them, smiling, and happy. I’ll have that, soon, Bree just doesn’t know it yet. Saying our goodbyes, I walk over to my Jeep, jumping in and heading home. Time to shower and pay Bree’s parents a visit. This is going to be fun.

  Pulling up into the driveway, I feel more nervous than I did on Draft Day. My stomach is in knots. I haven’t seen Bree’s parents since back then. I had come here after she ran away. Having no clue what happened to make her cry, I went looking for her. Her mother slammed the door in my face that night. She wouldn’t let me see Bree. I had tried every day at school for weeks to talk to her, but she would just ignore me and keep walking or turn the other way when I saw her. I still have no clue what happened, but I know Jamie had something to do with it. We had a great time that day, and then as soon as we saw Jamie, she ran from me. Climbing out of my Jeep, I walk to the front door. The house looks the same as it did all those years ago. Peeling paint, front porch that looks like it’s going to collapse, and an over grown lawn. I never got the chance to really get to know Bree on a more personal level, but it didn’t matter. I fell in love with her, and haven’t been able to pay attention to another girl since then. As I walk up the steps to the door, it flings open before I can even knock.

  “Can I help you?” Mrs. Woods asks, her voice still as timid as it was the last time we met. She’s tall like Bree, but her hair is more gray than the gorgeous red her daughter sports. Even as upset as Bree was, her mom still always had that timid voice while nicely telling me to Fuck Off.

  “Mrs. Woods, it’s nice to see you again. I’m looking fo-,” she cut me off before finishing.

  “Bree’s not here, and Brent Coleson, like the last time I saw you, I wouldn’t tell you where she was if she were. I still to this day don’t know what you did to her, but the hurt that she bared was hard for even me to see.” This woman with her red hair just like Bree’s tucked up into a tight bun, her long plain dress covering her whole body that couldn’t weigh more than a hundred pounds, is more intimidating than any defensive tackle I’ve ever faced. And that’s saying a lot. The players in the NFL aren’t as small as they were in high school.

  “Ma’am, I saw Bree today at the Stadium, and she took off before I could ask her to dinner. I’m just trying to catch up a-“

  “No, no, no. My Bree is not here in Buffalo. She’s not here. I would know. You’re lying. Get off my property young man. Haven’t you bothered our family enough?” So Bree didn’t tell her parents she was home. I have to wonder why. What’s going on with her? I have so many unanswered questions and a burning pain that will only quench when I see her again.

  “Ma’am, I’m sorry. I must have been mistaken then. I could have sworn it was her. Please, I’m sorry to bother you. If you do talk to her, could you please tell her I really need to talk to her? I’m just as confused about that day as you are. Please, just tell her I would love nothing more than to see her.” Stepping back from the door, I saw the old woman’s face crack just a little, and a hint of sympathy cross her face. Leaving on a high note, I head to my Jeep and drive away. Apparently I’m not the only one in the dark about that day and what happened. When finally pulling up in front of the house I share with some of the other players, I sit in the driveway, wondering what my next plan of attack is. She obviously didn’t even tell her parents she was back in town. Why the secrecy?

  Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dial the only person I can think of to help me.

  “What do you want now? I haven’t even cooked yet tonight, so there’s no food to mooch.”

  “Elena, I have no appetite right now anyways, so that’s fine,” I chuckle to myself. I do occasionally drop in on them when it’s dinner time. Elena is a fantastic cook and I love not having to eat alone, plus I’m a horrible cook.

  “Listen, I need your help please,” I beg her. I’m sure she can tell by my tone that I’m desperate.

  “What’s going on Coleson? Is something wrong?” I can hear the concern in her voice. “No, yes, no. Damn it. Please, I need to know what contact info you have for Bree. Please. Her parents didn’t even know she was in town. I have to see her.” Elena laughs at me.

  “Brent, do you think that’s a good idea? I mean, if her parents don’t even know she’s here, then that probably means she doesn’t want to be found.”

  “Elena please, don’t make me analyze that day with you again. Please, I promise to never ask another favor again.”

  “Yeah right Brent. I’ll believe that when you don’t show up for dinner tonight.” I hear her sigh and just know that she’s giving in. Papers shuffle on her end of the line. She’s getting it for me. I can’t hide the smile that’s plastering itself across my face.

  “Damn you Brent, if you tell her where you got this information, we’re through. No more dinners, no more chats, nothing. You got that?” I love when she gets spunky like this. For a short blonde cheerleader, she can be like a nasty pit-bull if need be.

  “I love you Lainey.” I’m also the only one who can get away with calling her that. Something Coach always gets mad at me about. I’m like her little brother, so it’s not like he has to worry about anything. We just get along really well.

  “Her agent says here she’s staying at the Hilton in town and it has her agent’s number as point of contact. I do have her cell to reach her for practice tomorrow. But I shouldn’t really gi-”

  “Elena, I swear, if you don’t give me that information, I’m going to tell everyone of your squad that you were the fat kid in school.” Yes, this was something she told me in confidence and is ashamed of, though I don’t know why. She’s beautiful and successful now, so it shouldn’t matter. But for some reason it does to her.

  “Brent Coleson, I hate you.” I know she doesn’t mean it, but she does see how much it means to me to reach Bree. So as she rambles off the number, I try to write it on my hand. She refuses to repeat it so I know I got it right.

  “Elena, I’ll do anything to see her. I’m sorry, but it’s in the name of love. I swear.”

  “I’ll see you in an hour for dinner. If you’re late, you get nothing,” she says then hangs up on me.

  Without even getting out of my Jeep, I call her. The phone rings and rings. Finally after what seems like forever, I hear her voice as she answers. I feel like a stupid high school guy again. My insides clench and my heart races.

  “Hello?” she asks. Her voice is so soft and timid, almost mouse like. There’s nothing mouse like about her, with those womanly curves that I felt pressed against me earlier, her round ass and plump breasts.

  “Bree, please, before you hang up, hear me out.” I hope that pleading with her will get her to stay on the line.

  “Brent,” she says, pausing. “How did you get this number?”

  “I’m good at what I do?” I say, hoping to make her laugh. Nope, not happening. “What do you want?�
� she asks, and I can barely hear her. Her voice is so quiet. “I want to see you. Please? Come have dinner with me. It doesn’t have to be just us, or awkward, we can go to Elena’s.” I inwardly pray to myself that Elena won’t flip out about an extra person. The other end of the line is silent and I fear she hung up.

  “Hello?” I ask.

  “I’m here. The answer is no. Brent, I don’t know why you insist on continuing this joke, but we’re adults now. I don’t want any part of it.” Joke? What the hell is she talking about?

  “Bree, please,” I know I sound pathetic. Almost whining, but I’m desperate. “Please, I can’t get you out of my head since seeing you.” Since we met really, but I don’t want to sound like a bigger loser than I already do.

  “No.”

  “Bree, I’m coming to the hotel now. I’m on my way. Be ready to go.” I figure going all alpha on her won’t give her the chance to back out and say no. What’s the worst that can happen? Security escorts me out? Not likely, seeing as how everyone in town knows that I’m the local boy playing for the NFL. I mean, I’m Brent Coleson. You would think that regardless of what happened years ago, she would love the idea of seeing me. Isn’t that what models do? Date jocks and movie stars? Although as big a name as she started getting, I never saw her in the rags out with anyone. She was the angel of modeling and a great role model.

  “Fine, whatever. Then you’ll leave me alone?” she asks. Letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, I smile to myself.

  “If you don’t have fun tonight, then yes, I’ll leave you alone.”

  “Whatever. I’ll be downstairs.” She hangs up without letting me talk anymore. What’s with these women today? Everyone is hanging up on me. Shifting the truck in gear, I point myself towards downtown, quickly dialing Elena back, to let her know about the added guest.