Devon Drake, Cornerback

by Jean C. Joachim

  “Here they are now,” Coach said.

  The men walked into Coach Bass’s office. Hank stood up.

  “Hank Montgomery, meet Bullhorn Brodsky and Devon Drake,” Coach said.

  The players shook hands with the new trainer.

  “Hank Montgomery is Griff’s dad. He’s here to get you two in shape before the season starts.”

  The teammates nodded.

  “Come on, gentlemen. Let’s go downstairs and see what you’re made of. I hope you’re ready to work,” Hank said.

  “Yes, sir,” said Bull.

  Griff hung around to watch his father put Drake and Brodsky through their paces. He smiled to think that the taskmaster would be tough on the two men. Griff remembered how hard his dad had pushed him when he was in high school and college. He already felt sympathy for the cornerback and lineman. They’ll be working harder than ever.

  Pride filled his heart. Dad’s been hired in the NFL. How many fathers and sons get to work for the same professional football team? Probably none. Now, Hank Montgomery would be contributing to the Kings’ victories too, in his own way. Mom would’ve loved this. When he thought about how thrilled she would have been, had she lived, a stab of pain hit his heart.

  Chapter Ten

  Stormy spent hours at the grocery store and many more preparing food for Devon and Bullhorn. Samantha’s days were tied up working for Jo Parker, so the nutritionist had to deliver the meals herself. By the end of the day, she was spent.

  Sam came home bubbling over with the details of her new career. She sang the praises of the journalists and Jo Parker. Stormy and Devon listened to every detail of Jo’s wedding and the names of each newspaper running a story on the Kings.

  “I hope you’re not jealous, but this is the best job in the world.”

  “I’m not. I love planning meals and cooking. I like to be by myself. And the vegetables don’t talk back.”

  “You were off by yourself a lot when we were kids,” Dev put in.

  “Too much going on at home.” Stormy took a casserole out of the oven.

  “I remember a lot of screaming at your house,” Samantha added, as she set the table.

  Stormy snorted. “Ya think?”

  “Who was screaming?” Devon asked, as he sat down.

  “Mostly my parents. At us kids. At each other. That’s why I hung out at your house.”

  “And your mom made those cakes to thank us for taking in her black sheep?” Devon took a drink from his water glass.

  “That’s me. Black sheep all the way.”

  “Smells good. What’s that?” Sam pointed to the blue and white Corning Ware dish.

  “That’s a zucchini, summer squash, and shallot casserole…with cheddar cheese.”

  “That’s on Devon’s food list?”

  “Yep. Veggies.”

  “No one makes them like you do,” he said, scooping a generous portion on his plate.

  A marinated flank steak and a bit of wild rice rounded out the meal. The threesome ate hearty. Although Stormy had prepared the food specifically for Devon, they all enjoyed it. Samantha had lost a few pounds too, like her brother.

  Devon had seconds. His enthusiasm for her cooking warmed Stormy’s heart. Making people healthy by providing the right nutrition gave her life purpose.

  “You ate all that candy and stuff already?” Stormy asked Devon.

  “What candy?”

  “The stuff Jackie sent.”

  “Devon gave that to me for the shelter. The kids loved it,” Sam said.

  “You did?” Stormy put down her fork and turned to the cornerback.

  Devon blushed. “You told me not to eat it. I couldn’t throw it out.”

  Tears shone bright in the redhead’s eyes. “What an amazing thing to do.”

  “Just…uh…recycling.” He chewed on a piece of steak.

  Stormy kissed him on the cheek. “You continue to surprise me.”

  “Don’t be so surprised. Give me some credit.”

  “You’re right, I should. I’m sorry.”

  “Damn right.” There was a twinkle in his eye. “What’s for dessert?”

  Her gaze traveled from his eyes to the dark scruff on his cheek then to the width of his shoulders. Me, honey. On a platter. “Fruit salad,” she said, lowering her gaze to avoid his.

  Dark clouds and a wintery chill in the air prompted an early bedtime for the trio. Stormy smelled a dampness in the air as she shut a window to keep out the cold. Despite her nickname, she was afraid of thunder and lightning. As a child, she had braved it out, cowering in bed with her older sister, who had then stamped her with the name “Stormy.”

  A terrible storm rolled up the coast, pelting Monroe with water that couldn’t make up its mind whether it was rain or ice. The sound of tiny icicles tapping on her window kept the nutritionist awake. The ominous rumble of deep thunder rattled the panes as a flash of blinding light lit up the lawn below. She put her hands over her ears, then the pillow, but to no avail. The roiling winds would not be ignored.

  When the storm picked up, the thunder grew from a growl to a clash so loud, so violent, that she screamed and jumped several inches. The second, deafening clap sent her scurrying for her robe. She flew out into the hall, running to the safety of Devon’s room.

  Screeching to a halt, she thought for a moment before going in. Then, another crash made up her mind. Opening the door slowly, she tiptoed inside.

  A soft snore escaped the cornerback as he lay fast asleep. Stormy cleared her throat. He didn’t move. She did it again. Nothing.

  “Devon. Devon!” she called.

  Another boom shook the house, sending Stormy flying onto his bed, bouncing him in the air.

  He cracked open his eyes. “What the?”

  “Can I sleep with you?” she blurted.

  A slow grin indicated he’d misunderstood.

  “Not that.” She poked his chest. “Listen. Don’t you hear it?”

  “What? My heart beating?” He clasped her waist and pulled her up against him.

  “The storm. It’s a biggie. Huge. And it’s pounding us right now.”

  They sat quietly. Devon blinked several times. A rumble stole across the house. A flash and a loud crack startled her.

  He put his hand on her shoulder. “You’re trembling.”

  “I’m afraid of storms.”

  “You name is Stormy, and you’re afraid of storms?” He laughed.

  She made a face, visible in the moonlight coming through the window. “It’s not funny.”

  “You have to see the irony there.”

  “Not if you’re in my shoes.”

  “Lie down.” He bundled her into his arms and pressed her against his pecs.

  She snuggled under until only her eyes were visible above the blanket.

  “You’re like a little mouse, hiding under the covers,” he observed.

  The warmth of his body soothed her. He crossed his arm over her chest and tucked his knees up behind hers. She sighed when he kissed the top of her head.

  “That better?”

  “Yeah.”

  A low growl from the sky interrupted their conversation. Stormy shuddered.

  Devon planted another kiss and tightened his grip. “Don’t worry, baby. You’re safe now.”

  Am I?

  “Sleep. I gotta meeting with the new trainer tomorrow.”

  * * * *

  In such a small town, it was inevitable that Stormy would run into Edgy Mason, eventually. Months had passed, convincing her that he had gone away and wouldn’t bother her again. That belief had lightened her heart. A false sense of security made her hum as she perused her shopping list. Turning the corner at the grocery store, she smashed right into a shopping cart.

  A familiar voice grabbed her attention, “Stormy!”

  She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. “Hi, Edgy.”

  His gaze traveled her length. “You’re lookin’ pretty hot.”

  She tugged on her
short skirt, wishing it was longer. “What are you doing here?”

  He laughed. “You’re kidding, right? Buying food, what else?”

  “But I thought you’d left Monroe.”

  “You thought wrong. Why should I leave? It’s a nice town.”

  “True.” She shifted her weight.

  “Can I see you?” His voice was soft and coaxing.

  “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  “I’m better now.”

  “Have you stopped drinking?” She twisted the paper in her hands.

  “Sort of.”

  “Sort of doesn’t work for me. It has to be all the way.”

  “If I stop, will you go out with me?”

  “You have to stop for yourself, Edgy. It can’t be for me.”

  She pushed her cart ahead half a foot, but Edgy’s arm halted her retreat.

  “If I did. Would you?”

  Should I tell him ‘yes’? It’s a lie. I don’t want anyone but Devon. Still, maybe he’d get sober. But if he came back to me and found out I lied? It could be bad. “I’m involved with someone.”

  “Who? That Drake guy? Do you think he wants you when he’s banging that fancy chick?”

  His words stung like a dozen hornets.

  “Please let me pass.”

  “You should be with me.”

  Temper flared her nostrils. She turned to face him. “Really?” She arched an eyebrow. “Why? So you can hit me? Beat me up again? You hurt me, hurt me real bad, Edgy. You’ll never have a chance with me. Never! Get it? Now, move out of my way, or I’ll call the manager.”

  Edgy stepped back as if he’d been slapped. “You’ll be sorry. You’ll see. I can change. Then, you’ll want me instead of that asshole. When he dumps you for the model he’s been screwing.”

  His words were like a dagger searing across sensitive flesh. Edgy hit a fear she had been avoiding. Pain sliced through her heart. What if what he says is true? She tossed her auburn locks, shot him a nasty look, and pushed ahead.

  “Good luck, Edgy.” Stormy turned her cart toward the fresh produce aisle. She gripped the handle hard to keep her hands steady.

  “Miss? Is there something you can’t find?” A grocery clerk moved up alongside her.

  She shook her head and continued on. Carefully, she opened the paper list, which had been twisted to bits. After taking a deep breath, she plucked a pen from her handbag and turned her gaze to the refrigerated cases. Her heartbeat returned to normal. Time to focus on my job.

  Stormy examined each vegetable and fruit to make sure it was the freshest and the best before she added it to her cart. Dev and Bull were paying her good money—they deserved the best. Her cell phone dinged, indicating a message had come in. She closed her eyes and said a little prayer it wasn’t from Edgy. It was from Devon.

  Where are you? I’m in the parking lot. Shake your cute butt, girl.

  With the boot off his ankle, he’d resumed the job of chauffeur. He was picking her up after his training session. She needed to get going. As she picked up boxes and cartons of food, she recalled their night together. Sleeping curled up in his embrace had given her a good night’s rest, despite the storm.

  And then, there was the morning. To wake up in his arms was a dream come true. She closed her eyes for a second, remembering the sensation of his lips on her neck. It gave her goosebumps. Memories of sweet lovemaking with Devon as the sun rose sent a shiver up her spine. He’s waiting. Get going.

  “Come on, lady,” growled an older woman, standing behind her at the cashier.

  Stormy smiled and moved up. “Sorry.”

  She had forgotten all about Edgy, until the familiar voice piped up, “She’s dreamin’ about a football player. You’ll be here all day.”

  Heat began in her neck and traveled north. Is it all over my face? She turned her attention to the conveyor belt and continued unloading her food. When she was done, she texted Devon and headed for the exit. Edgy lingered outside when the cornerback pulled up.

  “What are you doing here?” Devon asked, getting out of the car.

  “Meeting up with Stormy. We meet here every week. Didn’t she tell you?”

  Devon turned an inquiring look on Stormy as he popped the trunk.

  “That’s a lie! A big, fat lie! Why would I meet with a man who beat me up? You’re despicable. The lowest form of life, Edgy Mason. Get away from me. Leave me alone.”

  “She’s just covering her tracks. I asked her to marry me, and she agreed.”

  Stormy gasped so loud, both men turned to look at her. Giant tears flooded down her cheeks. She wiped them away with a fast hand. “Don’t believe him, Devon. You don’t, do you?” Her heart stopped, and her breath caught in her throat.

  “Of course not. A man who hits a woman would lie too. Besides, I know you. You’d never do that.” He loaded up the bags.

  Her heart jump-started and revved up. She let out a big breath. “Thank God.”

  “She did. She did,” Edgy said.

  “Get in the car, baby.” Devon opened her door.

  Stormy jumped in. The cornerback slid behind the wheel, pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, and handed it to her. She wiped her face.

  “You don’t believe him, do you?”

  “After this morning?” Devon snickered. “No woman gives lovin’ like you did if she’s gonna marry another guy.”

  “Thank God.” She fell back against the seat.

  “Besides, you’re not crazy. Only an insane woman would go back to a guy like that.”

  She leaned over and kissed his cheek. I am crazy. Crazy about you.

  * * * *

  At the stadium, Buddy Carruthers tossed his small duffel into his locker. He was meeting Griff Montgomery so they could exercise together. They had been workout partners long before they had found the woman of their dreams and married. Now that training camp was approaching, Buddy needed to get back in shape. His teammate had slacked off too, obviously preferring to spend time with his wife and toddler rather than pumping iron.

  Griff entered right after him. “Jog first?”

  “Gotta stretch. Man, am I tight.” Buddy anchored his foot on a bench and bent over.

  “Too much sex. It’s a newlywed thing. The only loose muscle in your body is your dick,” Griff said, reaching for the sky to warm up his arms.

  “You remember back that far?”

  “Very funny.”

  Bullhorn Brodsky and Trunk Mahoney joined them.

  “Hey, why aren’t you guys home in bed with your wives?” Bull asked, pulling off his sweatshirt.

  Buddy looked at his watch. “It’s nine. Gotta stop at some point. Don’t want to wear the lady out.”

  The men snickered.

  “Like a punk like you could,” Trunk said.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know? Not that I’m keeping track or anything, but I’ve had more sex since we tied the knot than…well, use your imagination.”

  “Right. We all know ‘yes’ turns to ‘no’ as soon as the ring is on the finger,” Trunk snorted.

  “Maybe for you. But for me? Wow.” Buddy grinned.

  “Buddy’s right. Lauren’s an animal. Well, she was before the baby.”

  “Kids. Now, she’s too tired, right? That’s what they all say,” Trunk put in.

  “I didn’t say that. I take Chip plenty. And it pays off. In the bedroom.”

  The men laughed as they changed clothes and stowed their gear. Buddy and Griff headed for the track. They started off with a slow jog.

  “How’s married life?” Griff asked.

  “Amazing. Waking up with her every morning. Dinner every night. Fantastic.”

  “Took a long time for you guys to get together.”

  “I never thought it would happen.”

  “And the sex is nothing to sneeze at.”

  Buddy snorted. “Got that right. Shit, she’s, well, uh, ready, willing, and able says it.” He chuckled.

  “The single guys d
on’t know what they’re missing. Even with the baby, Lauren is…well, something about her maternal instinct. I don’t know. But her fires are burning. Let me tell you. Wow, she’s…well, I shouldn’t. But she’s my equal in every way.”

  “Nice not having to worry about getting laid,” Buddy said, as he upped his speed a bit to keep up with his long-legged friend.

  “Got that right.” Griff grinned.

  As the men increased their pace, talking became impossible. They jogged together in a friendly silence. Buddy was grateful to have the star quarterback as his friend as well as teammate. Huffing and puffing, the men returned to the locker room. They toweled the sweat off their necks and shoulders, downed a ton of water, and headed for the weight room.

  Trunk and Bull were there. Bull was on the treadmill in the corner. Trunk was lifting weights.

  “Rumor is Harley Brennan’s joining the team,” Trunk said, putting down the barbell.

  “Harley Brennan? From the Demons?” Griff did some biceps curls.

  “Yeah.”

  “Is he listed on the roster?” Buddy asked.

  “As a wide receiver. Looks like a little competition for you, Carruthers.”

  Buddy found it in the hallway and ran his finger down the team list. Sure enough, there was Brennan, on the bottom. Looked like he was added in at the last minute. Buddy returned to his machine, his brow furrowed.

  Coach Bass strolled in, a towel draped around his neck. “Hey, guys. What’s up?”

  “Just gettin’ ready for camp.”

  “That so?”

  “What’s Harley Brennan doing on the roster, Coach?” Buddy wasn’t one to mince words.

  “Marquel Johnson’s broken leg means he’s out for the season.”

  “So Brennan’s replacing him?”

  “For now. Might transfer him to running back. Never thought wide receiver was the best position for him, anyway.”

  Buddy put down his weight. “You’re not bumping me out of the starting lineup, are you?”

  “Are you kidding? Geez, Buddy. Get real. We need you.” Coach Bass lay down on the mat and did crunches.