Just Play

by Taylor Hart

  Surprising him, Tiffany had worn a teal top that matched the jewelry on the hat he’d given her and boots that matched both of them. With her blonde hair in soft curls and wearing heavier make-up, she looked different.

  A stir went through him. She almost looked like someone different. He liked it, but he liked her normal, understated beauty too. Actually, he realized he probably preferred it when she wasn’t so done up.

  That was also a new thing for him.

  He watched her band come out and pump up the crowd and he wondered what he’d been wondering more and more…when would be the right time to propose?

  * * *

  The next day, when Tiffany kissed Sam goodbye before getting into the van she and the band were travelling in, it was harder than she could have imagined.

  Holding the belt loops around her jeans, Sam pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.

  When they’d gotten back to the hotel after the concert, Sam had kissed her at the door and then told her he’d see her in the morning or they’d both regret it.

  His acceptance of her values had made her happy, and he was right. She had found that keeping herself in check was harder than she’d thought it’d be.

  “When are you coming to see me in Miami?” he whispered into her ear as he kept her close, running his hand down her hair.

  She closed her eyes, loving his touch. “I have another couple of weeks on tour.” He’d asked her before when she was coming to Miami, but now he seemed more urgent. To be fair, she felt the urgency too. It was strange that she was already so used to him. Being with him. Having him as part of her inner dialogue.

  He kissed her again, and Tiffany didn’t even care that she could hear the catcalls and teasing from her band members inside the van. She didn’t want to let him go either.

  “I will fly you out any time, from any city.” Pushing back, he looked deeply into her eyes. “Okay? And don’t tell me it costs too much.” He gave her a pointed look.

  Her heart raced. How had this happened? She was having this romance with a professional football player. Sam Dumont was standing here, his fingers looped at the back of her jeans, and he was begging her to come see him. It was outrageous. But she thought that it also felt so right between them. She conceded, not wanting to endure another speech from him about how he wanted to pay for it. “Okay.”

  The side of his lip tugged up, and she leaned forward and kissed him.

  He grinned. “You think you can silence me by kissing me?”

  “Pretty much.” She kissed him, again, and he held her to him, taking extra care with the kiss.

  She held him tight, holding to the Under Armour material that he always wore and feeling how lean and muscled he was under the material. He was so much more than his physique. He was good.

  He released her, and she got into the van, turning to wave to him and hating that a tear fell down her cheek as she watched him. His hair was all mussed, and he was wearing his tight shirt, jeans, and flip-flops. Dang, he was handsome. She grinned, thinking that this amazing man wanted her.

  Joe glanced back at her from the driver’s seat. “Oh, gosh, guys—I think Tiffany is primed to write a love song.”

  The guys all laughed and teased her about her famous boyfriend. Tiffany was glad they all knew him as a person, not just as a media clip. They seemed to like him, talking about how he was down to earth and fun.

  The whole way to Arizona, all she could think about was Sam. She opened her notebook and sketched out a new song. She titled it ‘Not Just Another Romeo.’ She felt like she was soaring as she wrote it. The words flowed out of her, and they arrived in Phoenix before she knew it.

  That night, as she finished the final touches on the song, some of the guys came to her room. Joe pointed to the television. “Turn on the news.”

  She knew, at some point, just being with Sam would attract attention.

  She was surprised, however, to see a clip of them together from the Red Rocks venue the night before, dancing and rocking to the main concert. The newsman said, “Sam Dumont was spotted at a concert in Denver last night.” The clip of them dancing and laughing played. She could tell it was a recording done with someone’s phone. The newsman came back on. “The woman has been identified as Tiffany Chance of Wolfe Creek, Utah.” He smiled, conspiratorially. “We think he met her while making amends with Roman Young these past few weeks. It’s also interesting to note that Miss Chance is a singer, and her band is touring with the Iron Stix. On our website, we’ve posted where Miss Chance’s band will be playing for the next month and a half. It is interesting to note that Dumont is reporting to training camp with the Miami Surf tomorrow morning.” The newsman grinned. “After getting traded from the Destroyers this year, and after his friend Roman Young bought into the Destroyer franchise, it will be interesting to see if Roman and Sam’s newfound friendship will endure the rivalry between the teams.”

  The bit ended, and the other band members all looked as stunned as she was. Joe let out a breath. “Well, I guess we might see an increase if they posted our schedule online.”

  Tiffany didn’t know what to think, not sure if she liked this new spotlight or not. “Time will tell.”

  The next night they were getting set up and sound checking an hour before they let the crowds start coming in when they were given news. The concert was sold out, and there were more and more requests for tickets.

  The next four shows went the same way. They all sold out, and YouTube exploded with the band’s music. The video of Sam and Tiffany went viral.

  Tiffany didn’t know how to handle all the attention. Many times the band had to shield her from unwanted cameras that popped up all over.

  Tiffany had never really thought about how fame would be. There wasn’t a second to herself, especially since their schedule was posted on the internet. Now, every time they pulled into a community, there were reporters waiting in their hotel parking lot.

  “It’s never what you think it will be,” Sam said one night as she sat, hiding in her hotel room after playing at a stadium that had sold out. Afterwards, there had been lines out the stadium for people hoping to catch a glimpse of them.

  Tiffany had taken a long bath and now lay wrapped in blankets in her bed. She was completely exhausted, but it was delicious to talk to Sam.

  “Hello, are you there?” he asked softly, teasing her. She’d fallen asleep two nights ago when they’d been on the phone. Between his practice schedule and her concert schedule, the only time they could talk was at one or two in the morning.

  “Yes, but you shouldn’t be.” She chastised him.

  “Whatever, I’m wide awake.”

  “Hmm….hmmm.” She knew he’d been doing two-a-day practices. She couldn’t imagine all the physical stuff he did—on top of his own training. “Tell me about the new house.”

  He’d told her last night that he was getting the keys and having stuff moved in today.

  “It’s heavenly.” He sighed. “Right now I’m sitting on the balcony off of the master room, lounging in a big wicker chair that’s cushioned with this material that makes you feel like your whole body is sinking into the chair. I could sleep here.”

  “That sounds nice.” She was getting sleepier, but she loved to think about his life— where he was and how it would feel to be snuggled up next to him.

  “The decorator sold me on this chair because it has enough space for you to be right next to me.”

  Liking that he was thinking about her and wanting her next to him too, she shifted in her bed. “That sounds heavenly.”

  “I can hear the sound of the ocean as the waves crash, and there’s a soft breeze that smells…like salt.”

  “Bragger,” she said accusingly.

  He let out a low chuckle that turned into a sigh. She thought she could actually hear the waves in the background. “I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

  “I know.” She smiled to herself and ignored the nervous flutter at thinking about being with
him in Miami. “What time do Katie and Roman and the kids get in?”

  “Your plane lands at one, and theirs lands at one-thirty.”

  “Perfect.” She hadn’t had much time to talk to Katie while she’d been on tour. It seemed like whenever she called, Katie had something going on with the kids. If not that, they were in Dallas getting things squared away on the second home they’d bought since Roman would be going down there more for team business. “I can’t wait to see them.”

  “Oh, they’re actually bringing one other person with them.”

  “Who?” Her mind was getting heavy.

  “It’s a surprise,” he whispered.

  “Okay.” The first wave of complete shutting down swept through her.

  “Goodnight, Tiffany.”

  “Oh.” Her mind went back to consciousness for a minute. “Goodnight, Sam….love you.”

  43

  As Sam waited at the airport, he kept thinking about their last conversation. He knew Tiffany hadn’t realized she’d said ‘love you’ on the phone the night before. Happiness swirled inside of him and then expanded in the center of his chest as he thought about it. It really wasn’t a secret anymore, but they’d never said it. The past few weeks they’d been like lovesick teenagers, texting and talking on the phone or skyping.

  At one point he’d worried she’d be upset about all the press because of the YouTube clip. But, she’d taken it in stride and he was grateful. And he was happy to hear the press talk about how good her music was. The tide that had begun because of their relationship had turned into a full-blown tsunami because of her talent.

  Everyone was staying with him tonight. The game was tomorrow. And then she had to fly back and meet the band in California. Even though he would only get her for two nights, he planned to fully enjoy them.

  It was kind of hilarious to him that he was more nervous to see Tiffany than he was for the pre-season game. Even with all the press about whether he could hack it anymore as a starting quarterback and all the talk about how people wondered if he was washed up or if he could lead the Surf to victory.

  It perplexed him that the way he felt about her, was the most certain he’d ever felt in his life.

  A year ago he would have thought that death itself would have been better than getting traded by the Destroyers. A year ago he was still confused and paralyzed by the ride he’d gone on with Sheena.

  But now, even with all the feelings he had about Tiffany, he knew if it didn’t work out with her, he’d be okay.

  He’d changed.

  He wasn’t the same man he’d once been. He’d found himself, and he wasn’t ashamed to admit that he’d begun praying again. He wanted a spiritual part in his life again, and that felt good.

  He’d purposely not told anyone that he was picking up Roman’s family and Tiffany at the airport, so he hoped there wouldn’t be too much paparazzi.

  When Tiffany showed up at baggage claim, she was wearing a yellow sundress with her hair half braided around the crown of her head and the rest curled and flowing around her. Seeing her finally here and so beautiful, he was sure his heart would burst.

  The flowers he’d gotten for her were smashed between them as she jumped into his arms.

  He couldn’t help his laughter at her excitement. He found himself picking her up and turning her in a circle.

  Her laugh mixed with his, and soon their lips were locked together.

  Before he knew it, people around them were clapping, getting out phones and taking pictures. But he didn’t care. Pushing her back, he stared into her blue eyes, shimmering with tears.

  44

  Standing in the airport waiting for Roman’s family, Tiffany didn’t even mind everyone taking pictures of her and Sam holding hands, talking, and kissing every now and again. None of that really mattered to her anymore. Maybe it was the fact that the press had been stalking her the past few weeks, and she’d gotten used to it. Maybe it was that she finally accepted that all she wanted was to be with this man, so the other stuff kind of felt unimportant and stupid. All she knew was that by his side was where she wanted to be.

  They stood off the beaten path in baggage claim. Her back was against the wall, and Sam stood in front of her, his arm resting on the wall over her head. He leaned into her, protecting her from the onlooker’s direct line of view. They kissed, and she breathed in his scent.

  He traced a stray piece of hair down her forehead and face, grinning. “I want you coming home to me all the time, Tiffany.”

  Warmth filled her, starting in her heart and rushing through her entire body. She knew she was blushing. Of course she’d thought about it. Being here with him. Coming home to him after a tour, which it looked like she would be doing a lot. She grinned. She’d wanted him to be the first to hear her news. “I have something to tell you.”

  Leaning forward, he cocked an eyebrow and brushed his lips against hers for a second and then traced her arm down to her hand, keeping it in his.

  Every part of her was alive next to him.

  He grinned. “Tell me.”

  She could feel herself blinking, trying to hold back the excitement and the tears that were coming. “We got approached last night about a record deal.”

  The look on his face, one of expectation, told her he wasn’t surprised. “That’s awesome.” He picked up her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist.

  This sent chills through her again.

  “Is it a good deal?”

  Trying to stay focused, she thought of the guys in the band. “Joe seems to think so, but he’s going to talk to an attorney that deals with these types of contracts. We’re going to talk about it when I get back.”

  Sam’s grin widened. “I’m so proud of you.”

  Dreamily, she looked at Sam. She was a bit overwhelmed by what he’d come to mean to her. “All because you told me to play—just play,” she said, emphasizing the last two words.

  He kissed her. “Did I say that?”

  She grinned. “Don’t try to be humble, you’re not good at it.”

  He let out a laugh, and then Roman’s clan descended upon them.

  Before Tiffany knew it, she was taking Maddy out of Katie’s arms and being smothered in a hug by Josh and Katie at the same time. Then when Roman got through giving Sam a bear hug, he moved on to her, telling Josh to help him get her in a big bear hug.

  Through all the commotion, she saw Sam and Katie hugging and laughing at Roman’s antics.

  Of course, a crowd now enfolded them, taking pictures and recording it.

  Then her mother appeared.

  “You come give your mama a big hug, girl.” Reese made an entrance through the baggage claim double doors, and Tiffany couldn’t stop herself from running to her.

  Almost toppling her when she hugged her, Tiffany laughed and kept her mama in her arms as she turned back to a smiling Sam.

  The surprise.

  Her mama had tears on her face to match her own and her perfume nearly knocked Tiffany out. She laughed and kept hugging her.

  Her mom pulled back, looking her up and down. “Well, you look just as good in person as you do in the pictures.” She winked at her and then gave her a long look. “I’m so proud of you.” Then she patted her cheek and turned to Sam. “Dumont, get over here and hug me. I hope you’re ready to kill those guys tomorrow.”

  Good naturedly, Sam picked her mama up in the same kind of bear hug that Roman had used on her and spun her around. Her mama hooted and let out a big laugh.

  Something inside of Tiffany burst into a happiness she hadn’t felt since she was little and her family had gone camping. She remembered how happy she had felt sitting by the campfire surrounded by loved ones. She marveled that she could be in a crowded airport and feel that same deep happiness. Complete contentment is what she felt at the moment.

  Looking at the whole crew before her, Tiffany couldn’t deny that coming to see Sam in Miami…already felt like coming home.

  45


  Sam got back from practice that night, happy to smell something grilling on the barbeque and hear the light laughter of people.

  He walked into the kitchen and saw Tiffany and her mother making a salad at the counter.

  Katie was stirring something on the stove, and the glass door that separated the kitchen from the beach was wide open. He saw Roman playing catch with Josh with Maddy at his feet. He’d spent the past few weeks preparing for this. For all of them. To be here together. He’d given instructions to his decorator to get toys and balls and instructions to his personal assistant to stock the fridge with lots of food.

  It was worth it. Something protective and manly and domestic stirred within him. He wanted this every night. Wanted to come home to a family. He wanted a life with her. A family. Friends. Things that meant something. Things that weren’t for the media and weren’t to impress anybody.

  He wanted things that mattered.

  “Hey.” Her ponytail whirled around as she turned and then leaned up to kiss him. She still wore the yellow sundress that made her look like a princess, but she didn’t have the boots on, and her feet were bare.

  The vanilla scent that always clung to her filled him, and he pulled her close, inhaling deeply. It was as if this woman had been perfectly made for him.

  She giggled. “Hey, I’m not the entree.”

  Putting his face into her neck, he nuzzled below her chin. “Oh, but you could be.” Then he put little kisses up her hair line and finally landed on her lips.

  She giggled more and then held him tighter.

  “Hey.” Tiffany’s mother laughed lightly, rapping him on the shoulder. “You can’t have her just yet. I need the cucumbers cut up.”

  Sam released her, unable to keep himself from grinning. He put an arm over Reese’s shoulders and surveyed the plethora of vegetables they were in the process of cutting. “As long as I can get her back later.”

  “Sam!” Roman called from outside.