Devon Drake, Cornerback

by Jean C. Joachim

  Trunk ran up alongside him. “Left!”

  Drake nodded and cut to his left. Sure enough, Norville Lucas was racing toward the goal line. The cornerback let loose everything he had left. Trunk was in front of him. The ball sailed toward Lucas. Mahoney went up with the wide receiver. The big man had longer arms. He reached up and made contact. Lucas was scrambling, but Trunk had a moment by himself. He crooked his fingers and pushed the ball behind him.

  Drake ran backwards, praying he wouldn’t lose his balance. The tipped ball landed right in his arms. Mahoney came down solid, standing. Lucas bounced off the tough defenseman and fell backward.

  Devon whirled around and took off. Trunk fell in right behind him, running interference. The cornerback straight-armed one offensive guy, twisting his body out of reach. The next one was blocked by Mahoney. He found the energy for a burst of speed. His legs screamed in pain as he pushed himself beyond any speed he had achieved before. The Sidewinders were hot on his tail. Trunk knocked another one out of range, and then Devon was on his own.

  He sprinted with everything he had then launched himself toward the goal line. With a Sidewinder just inches behind him, he flew into the end zone. He was tackled after he broke the plane and scored. He came down hard on his shoulder with a heavy opponent landing on top. Pain shot through him as the other man’s elbow made contact with Drake’s waist. He shut his eyes and groaned.

  The hurt subsided quickly. He figured out he’d be bruised, but the injury wasn’t serious. The roar in his ears came from the crowd.

  Before he could move, Trunk was standing over him. “You okay, kid?”

  “Yeah,” Devon wheezed.

  Trunk grabbed his hand and pulled him up. He blinked and scanned the stands. Kings’ fans were standing and cheering so loud he didn’t hear the whistle calling the play dead. He turned toward the scoreboard. There it was—Kings’ nineteen, Sidewinders seven. He tossed the pigskin to the referee and headed for the sidelines.

  Coach Bass was jumping up and down, hugging Hank Montgomery. His team members bumped chests with him, clapped his shoulder, and bumped helmets. Robbie Anthony was on his way out to kick for the extra point.

  “You okay to go back?”

  Devon nodded, even though his legs were rubbery and his body ached. After the successful kick, Drake walked back out onto the field with Trunk.

  “When this is over, race ya to the ice bath,” the big man said.

  Devon laughed. With help from Caleb Turner and the defensive line, the Kings managed to keep the Sidewinders from scoring a touchdown, though the St. Louis team did manage to get one field goal.

  When the final whistle blew, it was Kings twenty, Sidewinders ten. The team let Devon and Trunk have the two ice baths first. After ten minutes, they hit the hot tub.

  * * * *

  Stormy waited outside with the team wives and girlfriends. This was the first time the group had accepted her. They admired her ring and wished her good luck. Emmy and Lauren were especially excited. Though she searched for her friend, Samantha had already left.

  When Devon came out, he gave her a big hug, twirling her around.

  “You’re a hero.”

  “I’m in pain.”

  Her eyes widened. “What hurts?”

  “Everything. Let’s go home.”

  Back at Devon’s house, Stormy made him a high-protein snack of cheese and fruit, to help hydrate him. He took ibuprofen and stretched out on the sofa. Stormy massaged his back and legs. When she touched his waist, he flinched.

  “Sore here?” She pushed in gently.

  “Ouch! Yeah. There.”

  “Sorry. Do you need ice?”

  “I did ice and hot water in the locker room. I’m starving. Bring on the steak.”

  The cornerback put on shorts and headed for the grill with two slabs of meat on a platter. Slipping out from under that responsibility, Stormy had convinced him grilling was a man’s job. She prepared a salad and corn on the cob.

  When the food was ready, they sat down in the kitchen.

  “Where’s Samantha?”

  “I don’t know. She left the stadium before I got to her.”

  “Probably out with Brodsky. That slime.”

  “He did a great job today.”

  “He’d better not touch her.”

  “Dev, she’s an adult. You can’t stop her sleeping with anyone.”

  “I can try.”

  “Why Bull? Why do you hate him?” She took a bite of corn.

  “He talks about screwing women like other guys talk about eating peanuts. He’s a womanizer. He’s just using Sam.”

  “Isn’t it possible he’s falling for her?”

  “No.” Dev cut off a piece of steak.

  “She’s a beautiful woman.”

  “That’s the problem.”

  “Sam’s smart enough to spot a phony.”

  “Some guys are really good at that shit.”

  “Like Bull?”

  “Like Bull.” He took a bite of corn.

  Stormy speared lettuce with her fork. “You can’t protect her forever.”

  “I can try. It’s always been just the two of us. I’m responsible for her.”

  “She’s responsible for herself.”

  They continued to eat in silence. The front door opened, then closed. Sam ran up the steps, avoiding the diners.

  Devon rose from the table when his sister came down again. “Where’re you going?”

  “You’re not my father.”

  “Tell me.”

  “I don’t have to.”

  He blocked her path. “I’m not moving.”

  “Get out of my way, Dev.”

  He crossed his arms and shook his head. Samantha tried to push past him, almost knocking him down.

  “Are you going to see Brodsky?” His brow furrowed.

  “What’s it to you?”

  “Are you?”

  “Maybe.”

  He grabbed her upper arms and shook her gently. “Tell me.”

  “Okay, okay. Yes, I am. I like him. And I’m going to keep seeing him as long as I want to.”

  “I told you about him.”

  “But you’re wrong. You don’t know what you’re talking about. He’s not that guy you see in the locker room.”

  “Oh, yeah? That’s what he wants you to believe. What bullshit story is he giving you? That he’s some orphan or something?”

  “Well…”

  “He’s not. He’s got six brothers and sisters. See?”

  “That’s exactly what he told me. He talks a lot about his family.”

  “So?”

  “He’s not lying to me. I’m careful. Really. We’re taking it slow.”

  “That’s what he says, then wham! He’s jumped you, and it’s too late.”

  “That’s not going to happen.”

  “You’re so sure. You don’t know him. I know guys. And Brodsky is one of the worst.”

  “That’s what you say. I’m going to find out for myself. So, get outta my way, Devon. This is my life, not yours.”

  “Samantha!”

  “Shut up,” she said, as she pushed past him. She fled, slamming the door behind her.

  He returned to the table and pounded his fist on it, making the plates and Stormy jump. She placed her hand on his arm.

  “She’s so damn stubborn!”

  “You’ve got to calm down. If she’s going to make a mistake, let her. That’s the only way to learn.”

  “Like you learned about Edgy?”

  She pulled back as if he had slapped her.

  He reached over and took her hand. “I’m sorry. Just that Sam is making me crazy.”

  “Enjoy your victory. Let Sam live her own life.”

  “It’s not that easy.”

  “Try. Come upstairs. I have an idea for a victory celebration.” She shot him a sexy look.

  “Oh? Really?”

  “Really. I bought a new nightie today. Thought you might like to see
me in it.”

  “Sure would. Also like to see it on the floor.” He stood up and took her hand.

  Epilogue

  Stormy awoke early. She stretched, careful not to wake Devon. They had finally fallen asleep around eleven. His stamina after a vigorous game surprised her. A smile of satisfaction graced her lovely face.

  She slipped on a pink, cotton robe and padded down the stairs. After the fight between Sam and Devon, Stormy was anxious to get the two talking again. She peeked into Samantha’s room, but the other woman wasn’t there. She crossed her fingers that Sam was sitting at the table. The lack of an aroma of fresh coffee made her doubt her friend was there, but she would investigate.

  Sure enough, the kitchen was empty. Stormy started the coffee and opened the fridge. Before she could take out bacon and eggs, two large hands fastened around her waist. Lips pressed tiny kisses to her neck.

  She leaned back against a strong chest and sighed. “You’re up.”

  “In more ways than one.”

  Stormy giggled. “Here in the kitchen? On the table?”

  “That’s so unsanitary. I was thinking of the counter instead.”

  She laughed. “Such a one-track mind.”

  “Where’s Sam?”

  Stormy shrugged. Although she tried to get his attention back to making love, he had moved away.

  His brow creased. “She didn’t sleep here last night, did she?”

  “Doesn’t look like it. But I wouldn’t jump to conclusions.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Maybe she had to be at work early?”

  “If that was true, there’d be a pot of fresh coffee already made.”

  Stormy couldn’t argue with his logic. “I’m sure she’s okay.”

  “I’m not. She could have been in an accident and be in the hospital.”

  “I doubt that. She’s a good driver.”

  “She’s not the only one on the road.”

  Stormy rummaged through the fridge until she found the makings of cheese omelets.

  “I know what you’re thinking.”

  The pot finished brewing. Devon poured out two mugs, added milk and sugar, and handed one to his fiancée.

  “Now you’re a mind reader?” Stormy said, as she put a pan on the stove.

  “You’re thinking she spent the night with Brodsky.”

  “Maybe.”

  “What other explanation is there?”

  “Sit down. Have breakfast. Don’t wind yourself up into a frenzy.”

  Dev began to argue with her as he made his way to his chair. He halted abruptly and stared. Stormy turned to see why he’d stopped in mid-sentence. He picked up an envelope from his chair.

  “What does it say?” she asked, as she cracked the eggs.

  He shrugged, and then opened it and read the contents out loud.

  Dear Dev,

  I’ve moved out, into an apartment in town. I hope you won’t be mad, but it’s

  the only way I can live my life. I know you love me, but your love and

  constant concern are choking me. I don’t want our relationship to become

  one of yelling and screaming all the time. I’ll give you my address in a week

  or two, after I’ve settled in. It’s a nice place, but small compared to your house. Just the right size for me. Thank you for loving me. I love you too.

  Sam

  “Oh, shit,” he said, crumpling up the paper.

  *The End*

  About the Author

  Jean Joachim is a best-selling romance fiction author, with books hitting the Amazon Top 100 list since 2012. She writes mostly contemporary romance, which includes sports romance and romantic suspense.

  The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. To Love or Not to Love tied for second place in the 2014 New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America Reader’s Choice contest. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of RWA.

  Married and the mother of two sons, Jean lives in New York City. Early in the morning, you’ll find her at her computer, writing, with a cup of tea, her rescued pug, Homer, by her side and a secret stash of black licorice.

  Jean has 30+ books, novellas and short stories published. Find them here: http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com

  Next book in the series. Look for it in ebook and paperback.