Home Field

by Laurie Winter

  “Great,” he muttered. The whole time Kelsey had been staying with him, he’d been careful not to say too much about Julie. If she got suspicious, there’d be no stopping the little busybody. But even with his tight lip, she still had a pretty good read on the situation. Am I really that transparent?

  Over the past week, he’d come to terms with his growing feelings for Julie. Along with the realization came the truth of where they would lead. Their relationship would never develop into anything more than friendship. She still grieved for her husband, and he respected her need to heal. And when she was ready to move on, she would want a man who could fully commit to herself and her son. At this point in his life, the game of football alone earned his total dedication.

  Walking over to the stereo system, he turned on the satellite radio. A deep bass sound flowed through the outdoor speaker system and scattered throughout the backyard. A few more guests had arrived—one of the trainers and his wife, a guy from special teams, and the Defensive Coordinator with his wife.

  As people made themselves comfortable, Reagan weaved his way through the growing crowd, which had assembled on the large deck. He stopped and talked with several clusters of guests, thanking them for coming and directing them to the bar. The air filled with the sounds of music, talking, and laughter. A few people had changed into their swimsuits and jumped into the coolness of the pool.

  Even with all the activity, something was missing, or actually, someone. The party wouldn’t really start until Julie arrived. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he checked if she’d texted. Nope. Had she changed her mind and decided not to come?

  At that moment, Julie rounded the corner of the house and stepped onto the patio. Dressed in a vivid yellow sundress that brushed the top of her tan knees, she appeared out of the shadows like a ray of sunshine. Her light auburn hair was wrapped in a low ponytail, which rested over her right shoulder.

  She looked around, biting her lower lip.

  The sight of her made his pulse accelerate to the point he was afraid he’d drop of a heart attack, right at her feet. “Julie,” Reagan said over the noise of the crowd. Each long step brought him closer. “I’m glad you came.” He finally reached his destination, never lifting his gaze off her lovely face. As he stood by her side, he realized two people were right behind her—a short, slender woman with a head of brown curls and a solidly built man who held a wide-eyed expression. “Welcome, I’m Reagan.” He smiled warmly and shook the man’s hand.

  “Hi, Reagan. Thanks for inviting us.” Julie turned to her friends, who stared with open mouths. “These are my friends, Matt and Chrissy Taylor. Chrissy and I have been best friends since high school.”

  “Nice to meet you. Follow me, and let’s get you something to drink.” Reagan led them through the crowd of rubberneckers. Approaching the bar, he turned to Julie. “I made sure they had Riesling. That’s what you drank at the banquet, right?”

  “Yes, my favorite, thanks.” She accepted the glass from the bartender with a smile. “I can’t believe you remembered.”

  A little while later, with drinks in hand, Reagan took them around and introduced them to the other partygoers. Julie had met many of these same people a few weeks ago at the country club, and her eyes widened every time someone said they remembered her. But he knew why Julie had made such an impact at the banquet. She was breathtakingly beautiful and had been in his company for the whole night. The Warriors team could gossip as well as they played football, and Reagan’s love life was usually their favorite topic. They were as bad as a group of old church ladies, clutching yellow purses and whispering behind Sunday bulletins. The image brought a smile to his face.

  The breeze carried the smell of grilled meat. Soon, hamburgers and brats were served. Matt started making his way over to the food, before getting sidetracked into a conversation with the Offensive Line Coach. Which left Reagan standing with Chrissy and Julie on the pool deck.

  “The food smells so good!” Chrissy said. “You two have fun. I’m getting something to eat.” She moved in the direction of her husband, who now stood in the buffet line. “Catch you later!” She shouted, looking over her shoulder.

  Reagan watched as Chrissy filled her plate with food and joined a table. She had them all laughing within a few seconds.

  “My friend is quite amazing.” Julie grinned. “She’s the biggest extrovert you’ll ever meet. I, on the other hand, am not so talented.”

  “That’s fine with me. I enjoy having your full attention.” Her cheeks, already tinted pink from the heat of the day, blushed a bright crimson.

  Julie turned away to look back up the hill. “You have a beautiful house. The view from the deck is stunning.”

  “Thanks.” He mentally kicked himself. Yet again, his flirty behavior made her uncomfortable. The last thing he wanted. “Come on, let’s head toward the water. The view is even better from the dock.”

  They strolled along the path that led to the lake. Julie leaned against a huge oak tree. She looked out at the water, at the birds flying above, at the grass below her feet.

  Anywhere but at him.

  Finally, her gaze found his face and she took a deep breath. “I want to repay you for all your kindness, for all the nice things you’ve done for Aiden. Would you like to come over to my house for dinner? I’ll understand if you don’t…”

  Reagan didn’t let her continue. “I’d love to.” She wrung her hands so hard, he was afraid she’d hurt herself. “When were you thinking?”

  Julie’s eyes grew wide, resembling a pair of sparkling aquamarines. “Well, we’re free most evenings. What works for you?”

  “I only have a half-day practice this Thursday. Would that be okay?”

  “Yes, that’s perfect.” She unclenched her hands in order to brush back a few windblown strands of hair. “I’ll be glad to cook for someone besides just Aiden and myself, and he’ll be excited to see you again. Let me know what time to expect you.”

  Standing next to her, all other activity around them faded away. The noise of the party dimmed to a hum, background music to the sound of her sweet voice. He watched her as she talked. A prism of expressions played across her delicate face, highlighting an unassuming smile. Almost in a daze, he began to reach for her hand, when out of the corner of his eye he saw his sister approaching. Reagan quickly snapped back to reality.

  Kelsey strode over, linking her arm through Reagan’s. She set her sights on Julie, with one blonde eyebrow cocked. Then her tight set mouth broke out into a huge smile. “Hi there, I’m Kelsey, Reagan’s sister. You must be Julie.”

  “Hi. Reagan told me you are staying with him for a while before you start college. Where will you be attending?”

  “Indiana Central, just like my big bro.” She nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. “I move into the dorms next week. Reagan’s been really cool to let me crash at his place. My mom’s driving me nuts. I think she’s going through some empty nest thing.”

  When he’d left for college, his mom had breathed a sigh of relief over the reduction in the family’s food bill. But he knew both his parents loved him, despite his huge appetite. He hoped Julie recognized how important family was to him. Even if he wasn’t in a rush to have one of his own. “Our mother is panicking because she’s losing her baby. Kelsey’s quite a bit younger than the rest of us, and she’s been spoiled rotten by our parents.”

  “Mom’ll just have to find a hobby.” Kelsey turned to Julie, avoiding eye contact with Reagan. “Would you mind taking a walk to the lake with me? There’s a nice breeze coming off the water.”

  “Sure, sounds nice,” Julie said.

  She looked blissfully unaware of what was to come.

  “Guess I’ll catch you later, Reagan.”

  He watched as the two women headed down the slope of grass, which led to the waterfront. After a minute, they both turned back and giggled. “That’s goin’ to be nothing but trouble,” he mumbled to himself.

  “What did you sa
y?” a high-pitched voice asked.

  Next to him stood Chrissy Taylor.

  She peered up at him with big, brown eyes. “This is a great party. Thanks for having us.”

  “I’m glad you came with Julie. She’s told me a few stories about the two of you in your younger days. Seems that you were quite the little instigator.”

  She laughed. “Yes, I am little, and yes, I am an instigator. But we sure do have fun together. Julie’s the one who makes it fun. She may be quiet, but just remember, the quiet ones will usually surprise you the most.”

  “I’ll make a note of that.” He continued to watch Julie, who now stood on the dock.

  Chrissy followed his gaze.

  “How is she doing with everything that’s happened over the past year?” Reagan asked. “I haven’t known her for very long, but I can tell she tries really hard to hide her pain. Every so often, she lets down her guard, and I notice a flash of what she really feels.”

  “I’m glad you care about her.” She shaded her eyes with her hand as she looked up at him. “Julie’s world was turned around when John died. During their marriage, John was deployed more than he was home. Don’t get me wrong, John loved her like crazy and he hated to be away from her, but the military makes for a hard life. She was totally committed to him and hoped someday when he got out, they could start a real life together. That dream ended the day two soldiers appeared at her door.”

  His own heart squeezed. “She’s an amazingly strong woman.”

  “Julie needs something positive in her life. Something to draw her out of the past and give her hope for a good future. Which brings me to the question I have for you. What are your intentions toward my best friend?”

  He studied Chrissy, noticing her stern expression. Although there was over a foot height difference, she did not appear to be intimidated. Not one bit. “I want to be a good friend to Julie. Rarely in my position do I meet such a genuinely kind and honest person, and I value her friendship. At this point, we’re just enjoying each other’s company.” Reagan took a long breath and continued. “Under different circumstances, I’d make an all-out play for her. But I care too much about her and Aiden to be that selfish.”

  Chrissy’s serious face melted into a sweet-as-honey smile.

  Sticking his hands in the front pockets of his shorts, Reagan eased out a deep breath. Luckily, he’d avoided the infliction of bodily harm by a very protective best friend—at least for now.

  “Good, I’m glad you really care about her. See, Julie’s very naïve when it comes to men.” Her words tumbled out in rapid succession. “She’s only had one boyfriend, John, and other guys steered clear once they found out he was an Army sharpshooter. Julie thought guys didn’t find her appealing, when in reality, they were simply afraid for their lives.”

  “If I would have met her ten years ago, I wouldn’t have been deterred by the threat of a bullet.” Instead, he would have welcomed the challenge.

  “You are a very charming man. Just remember, Julie’s different than most women. She may seem sweet and innocent, but deep down she’s a fighter. Be patient.” She put a hand over his large forearm. “She’ll be worth the wait.” After that statement, she walked away.

  Turning his gaze to the lake, he rested his gaze on Julie. Her yellow sundress blew in the breeze. Yes, he already knew she was different than any other woman he’d met before. He’d been sure of that the first time he’d seen her.

  ****

  Julie and Kelsey strolled along the lakefront, absorbed in conversation. Water lapped onto the shore in modest waves, each carrying the scents of algae, damp vegetation, and fish. Thankfully, a nearby honeysuckle bush interjected sweetness to the air, masking some of the less enjoyable aromas.

  Julie enjoyed Reagan’s sister. She found her funny and charming, just like her brother. However, where Reagan was practical and grounded, Kelsey was a free spirit. She shared with Julie her love of animals and nature, and about her uncertainty regarding her career choice.

  “Reagan told me you were a Pediatric Physical Therapist,” Kelsey said. “Do you enjoy your job?”

  “I love what I do. What made you decide to go into sports medicine?”

  “I’d like to help people, and growing up watching Reagan play sports made me want to work with athletes. He didn’t always excel at football. He had to work really hard to reach the professional level. If he got hurt, I’d want someone to take good care of him, to make sure he could play again.”

  “You’ll have plenty of time in college to decide if sports medicine is the right profession for you. I changed my major at least four times before I settled on physical therapy. I know Reagan will be proud of you no matter what you decide to do. He told me he’d like to teach once he retires from football.”

  Kelsey nodded. “In college, he played football like he’d be drafted by the pros, but he studied for his classes like he wouldn’t. He’s a very dedicated man, and when he commits himself to something, there’s no stopping him.”

  “I hope he made time to have some fun in college. All work and no play…and all.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, he’s still a campus legend. From what I hear, Reagan found plenty of time to party. He also had a serious girlfriend, Sarah. Everyone thought they would get married, because they were the perfect couple. Sarah ended their relationship right before graduation, and Reagan was devastated. I think that’s why he’s now so noncommittal with women.”

  “He’s dating Brynn Campbell, right? Aren’t they serious?”

  “Ha!” Kelsey burst out with a laugh. “Brynn’s just a placeholder. She’s safe because Reagan knows nothing will ever come from their relationship. My brother tries to hide it, but he feels very deeply.”

  “Reagan’s an extraordinary man.” Julie sensed how much Kelsey admired her brother and how protective she was. “From the short time I’ve known him, I’ve noticed his confidence and determination. He reminds me of my late husband, never willing to back down from a challenge.” She turned to see Reagan on the deck, talking with a group of men. He was taller than most of them, but for Julie, his height wasn’t the reason he stood out in the crowd.

  “Since John’s death, I’ve had a difficult time assimilating back into normal life. Reagan’s helped me realize I can’t keep closing off myself to new experiences.”

  “I’m sorry about your husband.” Kelsey’s hand rested on Julie’s arm. “I hate that war brings so much death and destruction.”

  “Losing someone you love is a hard fact to accept. One I still struggle with every day.” Tears burned her eyes, and she blinked to push them away. “I’m lucky to have my son. He’s the most important thing in my life. He’s the reason I’m still able to go on.”

  “Reagan told me all about Aiden. He said he’s a great kid and is always saying the funniest stuff. Reagan’s got a soft spot in his heart for kids. Last year, he visited Timber Lake Hospital to spend time in the children’s wing. He was there for hours…talking with the kids, reading stories, and playing video games.”

  Julie’s heart melted at the image of him surrounded by sick children, who were probably overjoyed by his attention. “I’m sure the kids had a blast. I know Aiden thinks the world of Reagan, like he’s Superman.”

  Suddenly, a burst of noise sounded from the pool.

  “We should probably head back.” Kelsey tipped her head in the direction of the house. “Don’t want to miss any of the action. I’m so glad I finally got to meet you. I think you’re as good for Reagan as he’s been for you. I’ve noticed a change in him this visit. He seems to be more balanced, and he’s definitely happier. Thanks for being his friend, Julie.” A slow smile crept across her face. “I understand you are not looking for romance, but sometimes friends turn out to be the most satisfying lovers.” She gave Julie a conspiratorial wink.

  Julie was left standing speechless as she watched Kelsey rejoin the party. As Julie slowly walked up the hill toward the house, she considered, for a second,
the notion of her and Reagan as more than friends. Just as quickly, she dismissed the daydream. Kelsey was obviously just being precocious. A result of a playful sense of humor.

  Leisurely strolling back to the house, she stopped to talk to several people, finally ending at the catering station. She filled a plate with food and sat on an empty patio chair. As she surveyed the backyard, she guessed at least seventy-five people were in attendance, all seemed to be having a blast. Reagan sure knew how to throw a party.

  Her gaze skimmed through the crowd, until it rested on Reagan, causing her heart to instinctively skip a beat. An electric charge hit her, one she now anticipated every time her body responded to the sight of him.

  He’d trimmed his hair recently, but it still looked unruly—a good look on him. She continued to watch as he leaned against the gazebo, talking to several men. He must have sensed her gaze, because he slowly turned to face her. Their gazes connected and the distance between them disappeared.

  In a different time or place, she’d be hopelessly attracted to him. Unfortunately, reality was wickedly cruel, often offering glimpses of possibilities that were never meant to be. If she were to ever fall for him, the cost of love unreturned would devastate her tenuous heart. A handsome and famous football star didn’t seriously date a single mother/hometown girl like her. His type was Hollywood glamorous, not “pulled out of the dryer” chic.

  John’s face came to mind and the ache in her chest opened again. Yesterday, she’d sent a check to her lawyer as a retainer, money she really couldn’t spare. Maybe he’d have better luck cutting through the government’s red tape.

  Julie shook her head, bringing herself back to the present. She was at a party, not a funeral. Smile. Have some fun. Remember how to do that?

  Chrissy came over to sit in the chair beside her. “What a party!” She took a long drink out of her beer bottle. “He has the most beautiful house and grounds. The great room looks like a magazine cover, and this backyard… I’ve never seen anything like this place in real life! And to think he lives here all alone and only during part of the year.”