by N Kuhn
As I park my Jeep outside the hotel, I feel nervous. Looking down at my shirt, I make sure it’s smoothed down and not wrinkled. Pairing the black short sleeve polo with my jeans and some dress shoes, I think I look okay. I’m glad I showered and changed before going to her parents’ house. Making my way into the lobby, I look around. She said she would be down here. As I turn, facing the bar, I see her. She takes my breath away. Her long red hair is down her back in waves, and the jeans she’s wearing look painted to her body. Curved in all the right places, sexy, yet classy, her white top is an off the shoulder number. Her slender neck curves into her shoulders, and I want nothing more than to kiss the milky skin and explore her body. There’s no smile as she sees me approaching her. But the scowl she wears is somehow sexier than any smile could have been. Stopping right in front of her, I lean over, pulling her into a hug.
“I’ve missed you,” I whisper into her ear, feeling her body tremble. As I lean back, keeping her in my arms, my eyes lower to her lips just as her tongue darts out to lick them. I feel my cock twitch inside my pants.
“Can we go already? I need to get to bed soon. I’m still jet lagged.” Her tone is more clipped and short than when we spoke on the phone earlier.
“Yes ma’am, right this way,” I motion with my arm towards the exit, but keeping one wrapped around her shoulders. I feel her try to twist out of my grip, but pull her tighter to my side. That apple scent invades my senses again. As we get near the doors, a young blonde comes running up in front of us, her tiny little black tank top not doing much to cover her enormous, have got to be fake, breasts.
“Oh My God!” she yells, clapping and bouncing in front of us. I feel Bree trying to move herself behind me. “You’re Brent Coleson. I just love you! I didn’t even like football until you. Can I have your autograph, and maybe your phone number?” She tries to look sexy while saying this, and my face reddens. Any other time, I may have entertained the idea of an easy lay by a fan girl. But with Bree by my side, it just disgusts me.
“I can give you an autograph, but I’m afraid my girlfriend wouldn’t like it too much if I gave you my number.” Hoping that Bree will play along with me, I glance at her. The look she gives me says that she isn’t playing this out with me. Her arms are folded across her chest, and I have to move my arm off of her to write my name for this chick. I’m so afraid she’s going to turn and run again, I hesitate before moving. Finally grabbing the paper the girl holds out, I scribble my name, and she stands there pouting at me. She leans in, whispering to me, not all that quietly though.
“Maybe we can get together when she goes to bed.” One thing you learn about being in the spotlight is to not fully piss off your fans. You have to be cordial no matter what. Even if you’re so disgusted by the persons actions. So trying to be the better person, I laugh, and wink at the girl. Wrapping Bree in my arm again, we side step the blonde and make our way out of the hotel.
“So, you going to meet up with her when you’re done with me?” she asks me. The coldness in her voice sends chills through my body.
“No, there’s no one I want to be with more than you. But I also don’t need some rejected fan girl going on twitter and blasting me. That wouldn’t be good for my popularity which would then also reflect badly on the team. It’s like a juggling act. I have to play nice, even when I don’t want to.” Unlocking the Jeep, I open the passenger door for Bree. As she slides in, I get a great view of her ass in the tight jeans, and I have to force my hands to stay where they are and not grab her. Shutting the door behind her, I walk behind my Jeep to get to my side, taking the opportunity to adjust myself in my pants. I’m straining against the zipper and it’s quite painful. I don’t think Bree understands what she does to me. Jumping into the driver’s seat, I start the engine.
“Trust me, we’ll have fun tonight. You’ll get to know Elena, which is cool since you’ll be working for her, and you and I can catch up.” She keeps her eyes facing out the windshield.
“I haven’t even made the squad yet Brent. I may not. They only have three slots and I’m up against Jamie. She’s the one with experience, not me.” I can hear a sadness when she says this. I think she really wants that spot, but doesn’t want anyone to know just how much.
Her body jumps as I try to hold her hand. Looking at her, I can finally see just how scared she really is. Why do I scare her? What did I do wrong? Reaching up, I run my finger down the smoothness of her face, she pulls away and looks out the window.
“Can we just go, please?” Sighing, I shift into drive and head towards Elena’s house.
Chapter 3- Bree
The shivers sent throughout my body at the mere touch of Brent’s hand is almost unbearable. Heat had engulfed my body with each touch. What is wrong with me? Why is my body betraying me? My heart and head are screaming “Joke” but my body is fighting for sex. I shift uncomfortably in the seat next to him, hoping he can’t see how turned on I am by him. The whole vehicle smells like him. Earthy, spicy, like leather and old spice. It’s assaulting my senses. It must be on me from when he was holding me. I can’t believe the nerve of that chick in the lobby. Even after he called me his girlfriend, which completely blew me away, she still tried to get with him. Does that happen all the time? I could never deal with that. What am I even doing here? Right, going to dinner at Elena’s. Hopefully this will give me some brownie points for tomorrow. After try-outs today and then hitting the gym, I realized I’ve never felt better. My whole body hurts, but in a good way. I think if I get the spot on the squad, I’m going to enjoy it. The downfall is that I have to see Brent, every day. I’m still hurting from what happened in high school. I mean, who wouldn’t? It’s been the thing holding me back from dating ever since. Or was it just that the other men I met weren’t him?
The ride there is silent. He’s kept his hand on mine the whole way. It would be sweet if only part of me wasn’t worrying that history will repeat itself. We pull up to a small house in the outskirts of Buffalo. It’s a little yellow house, white picket fence and very cliché. Definitely not something I would expect a coach and captain of a NFL team to live in. Looking over at Brent, he must have seen my confusion.
“They are very low-key people. They don’t like to be flashy.” He scrambles out of the truck and rushes around to open the door for me before I even get a chance to unbuckle my seat belt. He extends a hand to help me out, and I take it. Better than falling over my wedge heels flat on my face in front of him. He puts his arm around me again as we walk up to the front door. I try to shake him off, but he just holds me tighter. I don’t get his game. How could he have been so cruel to me back then and be so sweet now? Is it because I’m not the ugly loser anymore, because I’m a model now, and he can gloat about having concurred a famous model?
Still struggling to get out of his grip, the door wrenches open and Elena sees me pushing him off of me.
“Paws off my cheerleader Coleson.” Her voice has a hint of humor in it. I wonder how well they know each other. “Brianna, thank you for coming,” her gaze moves over to Brent and a flicker of something passes between them. Before it registers, she’s taking my hand and pulling me inside. The home has a warm feeling to it. For a couple who spends a lot of time on the road for work, I’m surprised at how inviting it feels in here. I plan to move back to the area if I make the squad. It would be nice to be home again, but I can’t handle moving back home. It’s too smothering. I would love to have a place like this. Small but perfect. I can sense Brent behind me, the warmth from his body invading my personal space.
“Coleson, you’re late, and now I have to wait to eat. Get your ass in here.” The harsh voice that comes from the other room must be his coach. I shudder, thankful that I don’t have to get yelled at by the man. The person who emerges is not what I would have thought for such a boisterous voice. He’s the exact height as Elena, a military buzz cut and lots of muscles. The way he sounded, I expected some short, fat, balding man. Wow, he and Elena look perfect for
each other. It’s like Barbie and GI Joe. Brent takes my hand in his, pulling me towards his coach.
“Coach Rey, this is Brianna Woods.”
“Brianna, nice to me you sweetheart. You can call me Dan.”
“Dan’s my offensive coach. Don’t let his voice scare you. He’s a teddy bear.”
“I’ll show you teddy bear if you call me Dan again. I said she could. Not you. It’s Coach to you.” I have to contain my laughter as Dan smacks Brent upside the back of his head. But the brotherly smile he gives him show what a close bond they have. Brent always was loveable and popular. It’s no surprise he’s going places in life. So why is he so intent on dredging up the past? Or is it that he feels guilty and wants to make sure I get something I want? The spot on the squad. I still can’t read him, or figure out his game here. So putting up my walls, I try to steel myself against the raging hormones in my body screaming for me to take him to bed with me.
“Elena, can we eat now baby?”
“Yeah, come on guys. Let’s chow.”
The dining room has a small intimate table for four. I suppose I expected a long regal table, with lots of space between everyone. In no way was I prepared to sit so close to Brent that our legs touched. The electricity coming off of him is almost too much to bear.
“You okay Bree?” Elena asks me, her eyes darting between me and Brent.
“Yes ma’am. Sorry. Dinner is amazing. I love this chicken,” I say, shoveling another piece in my mouth. The boys had been talking football, but suddenly fell quiet. Looking up from my plate, I notice everyone staring at me.
“What? Do I have something on me?” My nerves flutter and I’m starting to freak out a little. Brent moves his hand under the table, resting it on my knee. He gives me a reassuring squeeze.
“No, it’s just, I’m not used to seeing someone as tiny as you eat so much. It’s refreshing.”
“Oh, wow, I’m sorry. I must look like a pig. It’s just, the last few years with modeling, I’ve had to really watch my weight and I missed out on so much good food in LA. Now that I’m home, I feel like I have a ton of making up to do. Plus this just tastes so good. I haven’t had something home made in so long. I don’t get home much.”
“Oh sweetie, you’re welcome here for dinner anytime, and no, you’re not being a pig. My dumbass husband just doesn’t know how to word things properly. It’s great. Most of the girls you’ll meet on the squad are like that. They pick at a salad. I love food, and it will be nice to have someone to go to lunch with.” Her smile is so genuine. I can’t help but let my walls crack a little around her.
As everyone resumes eating, her words sink in. Someone to do lunch with. I haven’t even made the squad yet.
“Well, even when I don’t make the squad, lunch sounds good. I’ve been thinking about moving back home anyways.”
“Oh no honey, didn’t Brent tell you? You’re already going to be on the squad. I and the other girls went over today’s footage of the six I picked and you’re a shoe in. They want you. Tomorrow is just merely a formality. Brent, I can’t believe you didn’t tell her.”
“I haven’t had a chance yet, sorry. Hey Bree, surprise! You’re on the squad.” My jaw hangs open as I look between them.
“This is a joke right? I have like, the worst athletic ability. I’m clumsy and gangly, and have no clue what I’m doing.”
“You sell yourself short sweetie. You had this determination, a focus that I don’t see in many girls. The ones who have it, make it far. You picked up the steps quickly and I know you’re going to do great.”
As dinner carried on, the conversation got easier for me. I’ve never really been able to make it through a meal without uncomfortable silence. But somehow, with Elena and Dan, it seemed all so easy. Topics just kept flowing and they somehow got me to open up. We talked about LA and modeling, acting. Elena told me about how she started cheering right out of high school and worked her way up to where she is now. When they breached the subject of how Brent and I knew each other, I had clamped up. The last thing I wanted was to ruin dinner with bad memories. Memories that for a short time, I had forgotten about. At the end of the evening, we were getting ready to leave. Elena having walked us to the door explains what time to be there in the morning. I have to admit, Brent was right. I had fun. Reaching for the door to open it, I yank my hand back, startled by the doorbell.
“Who the hell could that be at this hour?” Elena says. I step back so she can open it, revealing my worst nightmare. Why? She always has to appear when I think I can finally settle down my nerves and enjoy myself.
“Jamie, can I help you?” Elena asks, not even bothering to mask her shock.
“No ma’am, I just wanted to bring this pie by for you and your husband to enjoy. I didn’t want it to get ruined bringing it to the field tomorrow. Oh, look. Are we having a school reunion? Brent, Bree the Tree. What are you guys doing here?” As Jamie tries to make her way inside, Elena moves in front of her, intercepting whatever plans she had. A slight look of surprise masks Jamie’s face before her fake plastic smile returns. She hands the pie over to Elena, then backs up.
“I’ll see you girls tomorrow. Brent, great to see you as always handsome.” Then she blows him a kiss. Yes, a sleazy blowing of a kiss, as if she thinks it’s sexy. As she shakes her way down the driveway, I can’t peel my eyes from her. Sometimes I wish I had the confidence she has, the balls to just do what I want. But then again, I would have had to sell my soul to the devil for that. Thoughts of that day at the zoo fill my head again. Bree the Tree. She had just called me that, in front of Elena. I can’t believe I fell for this shit again. Brent, he did it again. Pretending he cared about me getting a spot on the squad, then setting me up to be embarrassed. My whole body is shaking, I’m so angry.
“How the hell did she even know where I live?” Elena says, pulling me from my thoughts. Trying to hide my feelings, I smile at her.
“She is quite resourceful, isn’t she Brent. Always seems to find people somehow.” I see him flinch at the way I say his name, hoping that my point hits home.
“Elena, thank you for having me. Your home is beautiful and the food was amazing. Word of advice though, I would throw that pie out. Who knows what she put in it. That girl can’t even make ice. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With a slight wave, I breeze out the door, leaving Elena smirking and Brent dumbfounded.
Instead of walking to the Jeep, I walk past it and keep on going. Making my way to the sidewalk, I try to figure out where I am so I can call a cab. I hear Brent calling my name, but I quicken my pace. Halfway down the block, he pulls up next to me.
“Bree, what are you doing? Get in the Jeep.”
“Brent, I can’t believe I fell for your act again. What is it with you two? Why do you and Jamie have to torment me, even years after high school? Have you two not hurt me enough? Leave me alone. I will not get in that vehicle with you and if you come near me again, I’m getting a restraining order. I can’t take it anymore. You should have been an actor. I almost believed you enjoyed yourself with me tonight.”
“Bree, what the hell are you talking about? Stop, please, talk to me.” He slams his truck in park and gets out to chase me. Fastening my pace, he catches up to me in seconds. Damn football player with his long legs. Cursing myself for wearing wedges and not sneakers, I might have had a chance to get away. He grabs my arm, spinning me to face him. The tears in my eyes are threatening to spill over, but I refuse to let him see me cry. He doesn’t deserve my tears.
“Bree, I have no clue what you’re talking about, but I would never do anything to hurt you. I’ve been trying to tell you that for so long, but you refused to see or speak to me since that day. I don’t even know what happened, why you left me there. Please, tell me what I did wrong and I’ll fix it. I’ll do anything.” The desperation in his voice almost has me feeling sorry for him.
“You know what you did. You and Jamie seem to get off on playing practical jokes with my feelings and guess what Br
ent? I’m a woman now. Not a lonely teenager. I can handle myself. So whatever it is you two think you’ll achieve from this, won’t happen. I refuse to let you make me cry anymore.” Turning away again, I pull out my phone, calling for a cab. I keep walking, trying to make it to the next block, leaving Brent speechless and staring after me. When I’m far enough away, I let the tears fall.
Ten minutes later, as a cab appears next to me, I risk a glance back, and he’s standing still there, staring after me. Good, I hope he sees that I’m not falling for his game this time. I’m not something for them to toy with. I’m not a joke. The cab driver looks at me oddly. I’m sure I look a mess. Pulling the mirror out of my purse, I see that my mascara is running down my face and my eyes are puffy and swollen.
“You okay miss? Do you need me to call the cops?” he asks me, eyeing up Brent as we drive by him.
“No, thank you,” I say, turning my head so I don’t have to see him as we pass. “I’m okay. Hilton please.” I lean back in the seat and try to clean myself up before getting back to the hotel.
Chapter 4- Brent
Standing on the sidewalk, the wind whipping through my hair, I can’t help but shudder. I watched Bree ride away in a cab fifteen minutes ago, but still can’t move. At first, I told myself she would come back. Then, I wanted to make sure she got in the cab safe. But now, I have no excuse. I can’t move. What the hell just happened? At dinner, I thought we had fun. I saw the loving, fun, beautiful girl I fell in love with. Sure, Jamie showing up put a damper on things, but she left right away. Was it because she called her Bree the Tree? I hated when people called her that. What the hell did she mean about a joke though? I’ve never thought Bree was a joke. My chest hurts, and I’m freezing. The temperature in fall is like a rollercoaster for Buffalo. Warm days, cold nights. Finally moving into my Jeep, I sit there, unsure of what to do. Slamming my fist into the steering wheel, I’m pissed. I can’t believe I let her run away from me again. This is ridiculous. Maybe I’m just not good enough for her. A knock on my window scares the shit out of me, and I stop punching my steering wheel. Great, just what I need, it’s a cop.
