“Nope, so I decided to surprise you.”
Striker stepped closer, his hand closing over hers, and the noise around her dimmed. “Come over after the game.” He spoke the words against her ear.
So many times the previous year, she’d come to a game and later spent the night at this house. Doing it again tonight would be so easy. And if he asked once she got there, Ella didn’t know if she’d be able to say no. Her body certainly didn’t want her to. “Okay, unless I get a better offer during the game.” A little humor to help clear her head never hurt. “Good luck.”
He kissed her one more time before jogging back to the team.
Cat and Kelsey were talking when she approached. When they looked up and saw her they both smiled and became silent, a good indication they’d been talking about her.
“Mr. Masterson finally gave you a Friday night off?” Ella asked before either friend could ask about her exchange with Striker.
“Annie needed Sunday off, so we swapped shifts.”
“Sounds like a good deal to me. I’d rather work a Sunday afternoon than a Friday night any day,” Ella answered. She’d done enough waitressing while in college to have an opinion on the subject.
“Tips are better on Fridays,” Kelsey answered.
“Makes sense. Especially during football season. People like to stay home and watch the games on Sunday,” Cat said as she pulled water from her huge tote bag. “Either of you want anything? I’ve learned to come prepared.” She pulled her bag open further, revealing a treasure trove of snacks, waters, a sweatshirt, and an extra blanket.
Kelsey took a water bottle and a granola bar from Cat’s bag. “Things do slow down a little when the season starts. It gets better around Valentine’s Day. At least, it has for the past two years. But even then, I make more on Friday nights.”
Wow. Had Kelsey’s parents really been gone that long? She’d started working at the restaurant after their deaths. It didn’t seem possible they’d died that long ago already. It seemed the older they all got, the quicker the years went by. At this rate, she’d be as old as Mrs. Mitchell before she realized it.
“Drew dropped by football practice last week. Did he visit you while he was around?” Cat asked, taking charge of the conversation.
Even with the cheering crowd, Ella heard Kelsey groan next to her. “He came in the restaurant and, lucky me, I got to wait on him.” She clapped along with everyone else as the North Salem players took the field. “He wanted to come over after my shift. Thankfully I was closing, and he couldn’t hang around until then.”
Ella knew Kelsey hadn’t shared her reasons for working two jobs with many people. And she guessed Kelsey was afraid Drew would ask questions she didn’t want to answer. He’d practically been a member of the Bancroft family, and might cross lines other people in town wouldn’t.
“Then he asked me to go as his date to Sean’s wedding.”
Most women old and young alike would’ve said yes before he finished his sentence. Judging by Kelsey’s tone, her friend had turned him down. Still Ella asked, “And you said?”
Kelsey threw her an incredulous look. “Do you have to ask?” She shook her head and looked back toward the field. “I told him I was going with my boyfriend.”
Cat, who’d taken a sip of water as Kelsey answered, choked on it and started coughing. “Did I miss something? Or did you create a boyfriend in your kitchen?”
“Very funny. The excuse slipped out when he asked.”
Ella thought Kelsey should’ve accepted the invitation. A fun night out with an old family friend would be good for her. It didn’t hurt either that the old family friend was easy on the eyes.
“And what are you going to do when he sees you’re alone?” Cat asked.
“This reception is going to be huge. Maybe he won’t notice.”
Cat snorted. “No way. He’ll seek you out. You better think up a good explanation. Or create a boyfriend tonight.”
***
Halftime over, Kelsey watched the players retake the field. So far North Salem had dominated the game. If the second half went like the first, it was going to be a blowout. It didn’t surprise her. North Salem’s football team had been outstanding for a long time. And while she enjoyed football, she hadn’t really come tonight because she wanted to see a game. She’d come because she knew her friends would be there and she needed a distraction. Drew’s unexpected visit had brought too many buried memoires to the surface. Memories that switched on emotions she actively pushed away. And tomorrow she’d see him again. Cat was right. No matter the size of Mia and Sean’s reception, he’d seek her out tomorrow. His parents might, too. They always made a point to say hello and ask how she was when she bumped into them. Even his youngest brother, John, did. The only way to avoid seeing them all tomorrow was to skip the wedding. She doubted Mia and Sean would notice, not with more than half the town there, as well as all the celebrities rumored to be showing up.
Since lying to Drew about a boyfriend, she’d considered skipping the whole event. But she’d known Sean her whole life and she liked Mia. Plus, she wanted a chance to just go out and have fun. She’d had so little of it lately.
Of course, not going didn’t guarantee she wouldn’t see Drew. He was persistent. His monthly calls since Ian’s death, despite her regular insistence they weren’t necessary, were a perfect example of that. Not to mention he could be stubborn. If she stayed home tomorrow, she’d find Drew at her door before he left town. She had a better chance of keeping their conversation short at the reception. Other people would want a chance to catch up with him. Single women would want to dance with him. He’d be unable to focus all his attention on her. If Drew came to her house, though, there’d be no one to bother them. Going tomorrow and facing him was definitely better than the alternative.
“What was Drew doing here anyway? He never comes back,” Cat asked, breaking into Kelsey’s thoughts. “I hope his parents and brother are okay.”
She hadn’t asked any personal questions. She’d hoped that, by not doing so, he wouldn’t either. Of course, that hadn’t happened.
“He told Striker he needed to see somebody. He didn’t say who,” Ella answered, the last few words barely audible as the crowd cheered because North Salem had intercepted the ball. Both Ella and Cat looked toward her with matching expressions.
She’d tried telling herself his unexpected visit was to see his parents or brother. Considering how infrequently he came back and the fact that she hadn’t returned his calls, she’d been unable to fully convince herself. Ella’s statement now reinforced her original suspicion. Judging by her friends’ expressions, they suspected the same.
“Why are you both looking at me? Drew knows a lot of people in town. He grew up here, remember? His parents live here. John lives here.”
“And how often does he come back? I don’t think I’ve seen him around in over two years,” Cat said.
She noticed Cat didn’t say “since your parents’ funeral,” but Kelsey knew she’d been thinking it.
“If he came back to see you, it’s kind of sweet,” Ella said, offering up her opinion. She shared a similar opinion whenever Kelsey complained about Drew’s monthly phone calls. “He’s always treated you like a sister. So, it makes sense he’d worry when you never called him back.”
“I had a brother. I don’t need or want another one.” Her voice reflected the anger crashing over her. Anger she felt toward Ian for dying and toward Drew for butting his nose into her life once a month. And anger she felt toward herself for never being strong enough to kill the hope that someday he’d see her as more than Ian’s little sister, a stupid childhood fantasy she’d tried, but had never completely managed, to eliminate.
“Sorry. I’m not mad at you guys,” she said. Her friends didn’t deserve her frustration. “You’re right, Ella. It’s sweet. But he needs to stop bothering me. I don’t need him checking in on me. And next time he calls, I’m not answering. Let him leave all the messa
ges he wants.”
Kelsey glanced back at the field. The visiting team had called a time-out, and the team’s quarterback was on the sideline talking to his coach. Judging by the scoreboard, the coach could talk to his quarterback all he wanted and it wouldn’t make a difference at this point. While mathematically there might be time for the opponents to catch up, only a miracle would make it a reality.
“What’s everyone doing later tonight?” Cat asked while they waited for the game to resume. “Tony and I are heading to the movies and then O’Leary’s Pub afterward. Richard is coming. If you’re not doing anything, come with us.”
“Striker invited me over,” Ella said.
Kelsey took her friend’s statement as further confirmation that things were going well between Ella and Striker, despite the disaster she’d witnessed at the block party.
“What about you?” Cat asked, nudging her in the side with her elbow. “I don’t think you’ve ever met Richard. You’ll like him. He’s nice.”
She didn’t need or want Cat setting her up with Tony’s business partner. “Going to pass. I want to correct this week’s exams and finish next week’s lesson plans. If I don’t, I’ll have to do it all after work on Sunday.” Seeing Drew again tomorrow gave her enough to worry about. She didn’t want to add any more.
Chapter 11
Pop congratulated the team on their win. No matter if the team won or lost, he made a point to give the guys positive feedback after every game. He only pointed out areas they needed to improve at the following practice. Even then he somehow managed to not make it seem like criticism. Even if he coached another twenty years, Striker knew he’d never be as good at it as Pop.
“Hit the showers. And then enjoy your weekend. Be ready to work again Monday,” Pop said, looking around and meeting each player’s sweat-stained face.
The guys gathered around him didn’t need to be told twice. After leaving the sideline, most headed toward the school and the showers. A few stopped to talk to their parents or their girlfriends on the bleachers. None lingered, and soon the area cleared out, leaving only Cat, Ella, and Kelsey.
I decided to surprise you. He replayed Ella’s words. She’d damn well done that. Even better, she’d agreed to come over.
“You’re smiling as if someone offered you a million dollars,” Tony said when they were the only two left on the field.
Better. “Just in a good mood tonight.”
“Guess you’re out of the doghouse. Nice job,” Tony said as they walked. “Try not to screw it up this time. Ella won’t give you a third chance if you do. And forget about your sister. She’ll do bodily harm to you if you hurt Ella again.”
Since they’d reached the three women, Striker held back his response. Some things were better left unsaid in front of women.
“Nice game, guys,” Kelsey said. “The team looked great out there.”
He’d been surprised to see Kelsey sitting near his sister tonight. From what he heard from Cat and Ella, Kelsey kept constantly busy with work. He hadn’t thought much about it until they pointed it out, but afterward he realized he didn’t see Kelsey around North Salem much anymore.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come?” Cat asked Kelsey. “You can just come to the movie with us. Go home and correct papers right after. It’ll be fun and the movie’s gotten great reviews.”
“Thanks, but really, I’ve got a ton of work.” She gave them a tight smile. “I’ll see everyone tomorrow.” Kelsey left the small group and walked toward the parking lot.
His sister stuffed her water bottle into the oversized bag she had. “I’m good to go, too,” she said, slipping her arm around Tony. Then she looked at him, her expression telling him he wasn’t going to appreciate what she said. “Consider yourself warned, Striker. Behave tonight or else.”
Like she could ever physically harm him. He towered over her and could bench press more than her body weight. He decided not to remind her of either. “Maybe I’ll take a play out of Tony’s book tonight,” he said with a wink.
Cat’s face turned pink, telling him she knew just what “play” he referred to. They never talked about the night he’d accidently walked into her apartment and found them practically having sex on her kitchen table.
Since Ella looked strangely at them both, he guessed she’d never heard the full story from Cat. He’d only told her he found them together. He hadn’t gone into the specific details. Details he’d purge from his head if possible.
“Have a nice night, Ella. See you at the wedding.” Cat turned a fake smile on him. “Goodbye, Alfred.”
Mission accomplished. She only used his real name to get under his skin or when she was angry with him.
Ella stepped off the bleachers and nodded toward Cat and Tony’s backs. “What was your comment all about?”
“Nothing important.” He reached for her hand, but she pulled it behind her back.
“Out with it. Cat called you Alfred. She was ticked at you. What play should you take from Tony’s book?”
He’d brought this one on himself. He needed to start thinking more before he spoke. “Remember when I found out about them and I punched Tony? Well, that night I showed up at Trina’s apartment and found them fooling around in the kitchen. Trina was practically naked.”
Ella giggled.
He failed to see the humor in the story. “It wasn’t funny.”
“Yeah, it is a little. Talk about embarrassing. Poor Cat.” She stopped laughing and let her hands fall by her sides again.
“Poor Cat? What about me? A brother doesn’t want to see that.”
“Okay, poor you, too. I don’t know how you recovered after seeing something so terrible,” she said, her smile suggesting she wanted to laugh again. “C’mon, let’s go. I think I felt a few raindrops.” Ella dug her car key from her purse. “I’ll meet you at your house.”
Rain clouds had filled the sky all day, and he’d expected rain for the game. Surprisingly, it had held off. But as they reached Ella’s car, the heavens opened and cold, heavy rain poured down on them. Ella wasted no time ducking into her car. “See you soon.”
By the time he reached his own car across the parking lot, his North Salem football T-shirt clung to his body and his jeans were drenched. Thankfully, the unusually warm September evening kept him from getting too cold.
Elvis greeted him with a lick on the hand when they walked inside. Then he went straight for Ella, his tail wagging like a pendulum on fast-forward. Despite being abandoned at the shelter, the dog loved people. He greeted everyone he came in contact with the same way.
“What a cutie,” Ella said, scratching the dog behind the ears. In turn, Elvis’s tail moved faster. “How old is he?”
Sick of the wet shirt clinging to him, Striker pulled it over his head. “Two. At least that’s what the previous owners told the shelter when they left him.” He didn’t understand how they’d been able to leave him. “If you’re not careful he’ll have you scratching him all night.”
“Sound jealous there, my friend. Don’t worry… I’ll scratch you behind the ears, too. Promise.” Reaching up, she gently scratched the skin behind his right ear.
He’d prefer her hands elsewhere, doing much more enjoyable things. “We both like belly rubs, too.”
Slowly, she moved her hand down his neck and slick chest. Flames licked his skin and he half expected to see steam rising up. Her fingers brushed over his pounding heart. Striker wondered if she could feel it. Ella continued her trek south, stopping when she reached his jeans. He held his breath and waited for her next move.
Soft lips kissed his chest first, and then moved up. When they reached his mouth, Ella pressed her body into him and kissed him with a hunger matching his own.
Elvis’s sudden barking echoed around them as he bolted for the window. Ella pulled back. Large damp spots dotted her shirt from leaning against him, and he saw the outline of her bra underneath.
Thanks a lot, Elvis. The dog had terrible timin
g.
“You should go put on some dry clothes,” Ella said, pulling the damp fabric away from her skin.
With her no longer touching him, he became aware of the wet denim sticking to his legs. “Do you want me to get you a dry shirt?” He made the offer for both their sakes.
She tugged at her shirt again. “Sure. I’ll hang with Elvis while you’re gone.”
Satisfied he’d scared away whatever leaf or squirrel he’d spotted outside, Elvis left the window and retook his spot next to them, nudging Ella’s hand for another scratch.
In his bedroom, Striker threw on an old pair of jeans and dry T-shirt. The pants had holes in both knees and half the belt loops were gone. He should chuck them, but they were his favorite. Instead, he only wore them at home.
He found Ella and Elvis on the sofa. The dog was stretched out on his side with his head on Ella’s leg. “Move it, pal.” He touched the dog’s back leg. “You’re in my spot.” The dog’s ear twitched, and he looked at him, but otherwise didn’t move.
“He listens to you well,” Ella said, laughing as she continued to pet the dog.
He didn’t blame Elvis. If Ella had her hands on him, he wouldn’t leave her side either. “Here.” He held out the shirt he’d grabbed for her then gave the dog’s leg a shake. “You want to eat?” At the word “eat,” Elvis jumped off the sofa.
“I’m going to change while I can still get up.”
“Good idea. After he inhales his dinner, he’ll be back looking for more of your attention.”
She walked back into the living room a few minutes later, her feet bare and wearing his T-shirt. Her hair hung loose around her shoulders, now taunting him to touch it, and he pulled her down next to him. “Love you in my shirts.” He didn’t know why, but he found her sexier than hell when she wore his stuff. Especially first thing in the morning when she walked out of the bedroom in nothing else, her hair a wild mess from the previous night’s activities.
In His Kiss (Love On The North Shore Book 4) Page 12
