Griff Montgomery, Quarterback

by Jean C. Joachim

  A deep voice came out of the night. “It’s perfect, right?”

  Lauren opened her eyes as she jumped, rising two inches off her chair. “You scared me,” she said, frowning.

  He joined her. “Sorry. I heard a noise in here. Didn’t expect you up.”

  “My stomach woke me. I’m starving,” she muttered between large bites of the succulent steak. She kept her eyes on her food, trying to ignore the fact that he was only wearing jeans.

  “Did you undress me?”

  “Guilty. I stopped at decency, though how a woman could sleep wearing a bra is beyond me.”

  “Thank you.” She tucked into her steak to hide her embarrassment.

  “Well? How is it?”

  “It’s amazing.” She snuck a glance at his amazing chest.

  Griff chuckled. “I’m good at the grill.”

  “What else are you good at, besides grilling and throwing a football?”

  “Do you want the PG version or X-rated?” He snickered, his dark eyes dancing with mischief as they skimmed over her skimpy robe, making her shiver.

  She laughed.

  Griff slipped his hand over her free one. “Or should I show you?” His gaze settled on her lips.

  She finished chewing and sat back, checking him out again. His muscles were nicely defined, and the sprinkling of dark chest hair tempted her fingers. She ached to touch him, but resisted. He’s a womanizer. He’ll leave you. He’ll hurt you. “Don’t think so.” She removed her hand to cut another piece of meat.

  “Too bad. Tonight would’ve been perfect. You’re already dressed for it.” Again, his gaze swept over her, lingering too long on her breasts, making her cross an arm over her them.

  “Why?”

  “Because the moon is full. It shines right through my window. Very romantic.” He shook his head. “I hate to go to bed there alone.”

  “You hate to go to bed anywhere alone,” she countered. But Lauren blushed as she recalled the allure of the moon. When she had moved into that room, the moonlight had mocked her, brought home her loneliness. With Griff sleeping there, the temptation to return was overwhelming. The image of staring up at it, snuggled in his strong embrace, gave her goose bumps. I’d be safe.

  Feeling safe was a priority, but would she ever be with a man-whore like Griff Montgomery?

  “It is beautiful. The moon, I mean,” she whispered.

  “Come. Share it with me,” he said, his voice deep and seductive.

  “Maybe…some other time.” Her willpower was melting under the heat of his stare.

  “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

  “I think I do. I’m sure you make love as well as you grill steaks.”

  “Better.”

  She laughed. “You certainly don’t have a confidence problem, do you?”

  “Hey, I can’t cook, can’t sew, not a great speller…but I shine at playing football, grilling, and making love.”

  “You sure about that?”

  “If you won’t come to bed, at least come to a game. See for yourself.”

  “I’d love to. But you’ll have to explain it to me.”

  “My pleasure. Why don’t we start now, in my bed?” He rose up and offered his hand.

  “Damn, you’re persistent. Why me? I’m not a great beauty, or very sexy.” She put down her knife and fork.

  “Are you kidding? You’re damn sexy…and beautiful. There’s something about you. I don’t know. Something different.”

  “Great line, but I’m not buying.” She plopped the last piece of steak into her mouth.

  He sank back down into his chair. “That’s not a line. Something sad about you. Like you need me to make you smile. You have an amazing smile.”

  She stopped chewing and swallowed, staring at him. It shows that much? Damn. “I appreciate your concern, but…I’m okay. I do like your jokes, I admit.” She cast her gaze to her empty plate and toyed with the corncob there.

  “What did I tell you about lying?”

  When she looked up, she saw teasing in his eyes. “Nobody’s happy all the time.”

  “You shouldn’t be sad all the time, either. Bet I can find another way to put your smile back.” He put his arm around her, drawing her closer.

  The touch of his hand on her shoulder softened her will. She leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder. Lauren sighed. To stay like this forever.

  They cuddled together in separate chairs, listening to the ticking of the wall clock and Spike’s soft snore. Her eyelids grew heavy as his pleasant scent and physical support comforted her. Then, she jerked her eyes wide. “Got to go back to sleep.” She yawned.

  “What’s the rush?”

  “Annette texted me. She might have a project. I need to go in.”

  “Tomorrow’s Saturday.”

  “Oh, yeah. Still. I’m exhausted.”

  Griff released her. He smoothed her hair with his palm and gazed into her eyes. Lauren smiled up at him. He brushed his lips against hers.

  “Goodnight, pretty lady.”

  “Goodnight.” She wished she could overcome her doubts and trot off to bed with him. But she wasn’t ready. I hope he’s still interested when I am. If I am. She left him and climbed the stairs to her room.

  * * * *

  The sound started off faint, but slowly grew louder and louder. Lauren tossed in her bed. She put her hands over her ears, but she could still hear it. What was it? A buzzing? No. It was strident. When it got louder, it penetrated her brain, her skin, her abdomen. A baby crying! It was definitely a baby.

  Lauren sat up. She was bathed in sweat and sobbing.

  “My baby. My baby,” she muttered, confused, hugging her abdomen. “Where are you? Where are you?”

  She threw aside the bed covers. She opened every door in the house, including Griff’s. When she yanked open the closet in the kitchen, the crying stopped. She collapsed on the floor in a heap.

  Griff entered, scratching his face. “What the—? What’s going on? It’s two o’clock.” He rubbed his eyes.

  Wiping her cheeks with her hand, Lauren looked up. Griff snatched a couple of tissues from the box on the counter and handed them to her. Then, he bundled her into his arms and carried her into his room.

  He laid her gently on the bed and sat next to her. “What happened?”

  “Nightmare,” she said, in a low voice.

  “One helluva nightmare. Geez. Are you all right?”

  She nodded, stopped, and then shook her head. She swung her legs over the side, but they were too shaky to hold her.

  Griff put his hand on her thigh. “Whoa. You’re not going anywhere.”

  Her teeth chattered, and her heartbeat raced as she slid under the sheet and pulled the light blanket up.

  “Do you want me to stay with you?”

  “Please. I don’t want to be alone.”

  He got in beside her and tucked her against his chest. She snuggled down.

  “Look there,” he said, pointing. “See the moon? It’s full.”

  She nodded. He was lying behind her, his arm around her middle, holding her fast. Lauren laid her hand on top of his.

  “I’m here. You’re safe. Close your eyes. I’ll be right here if you need me.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered and brushed her lips against his arm. Griff kissed her hair and tucked his knees up under hers. The warmth from his body soothed her. Her muscles relaxed as she stared at the moon for a moment before falling back to sleep.

  She tossed during the night as fragments of a bad dream disturbed her mind. When she jolted awake, a deep voice and gentle, warm hands calmed her. Lauren inched closer to Griff. He turned over on his back, opening his arm. She snaked hers around his waist and rested her head on his chest. She was back to dreamland in minutes.

  Morning peeked through the sheer curtains, brightening up the room with sunlight. Lauren rolled over to find Griff on his stomach, sound asleep. She gently eased a lock of his dark hair off his for
ehead. His face was boyish, handsome, and adorable as he slept.

  The sheet had fallen to his waist. Lauren satisfied her desire to look at him without his knowing. She ran a finger down his face, quickly withdrawing her hand when he shifted position and batted at her as if she were a fly. For a brief moment, she flattened her palm against his pecs, thrilling to the firmness that met her hand.

  A glance at the clock told her it was eight. He’ll be up soon. She eased out of bed slowly, leaving him sleeping soundly. Lauren went to work in the kitchen.

  The smell of bacon cooking and fresh coffee permeated the house. That should wake him up. She mixed batter and greased the waffle iron. Pouring herself another cup, she sat back and sipped. When she heard his door open, Lauren’s gaze was drawn to the doorway. Griff entered the room looking fantastic. He had combed his hair to the side and slipped on tight jeans.

  He smiled at her then glanced at the stove.

  “Coffee?” she asked. He nodded. She poured a mug for him.

  “I thought I smelled bacon. Thank God I wasn’t dreaming.”

  “Bacon and my secret recipe waffles.”

  “Bacon and waffles? My favorite.” He grinned, took the cup from her, and sat down.

  “My mother’s special recipe.”

  “A special occasion I don’t know about? A national holiday?”

  “Just my way of saying ‘thank you’ for last night.”

  “Not necessary. Hey, what are friends for?”

  Lauren opened the waffle iron and poured in some batter. “We’re friends?”

  “We’re not lovers…yet. So, I guess that makes us friends.”

  “I like that.” She closed the top and checked her watch. “Hmm, check in one minute.”

  Griff went to the cabinet and took down plates. Lauren plucked a small container of maple syrup from another. She removed the last of the bacon and put it on a paper towel to drain. While she waited for the waffle to cook, Griff came up behind her. He closed his fingers over her shoulders and bent to kiss her neck.

  “Thank you for this incredible breakfast,” he whispered, his lips brushing her ear, his breath caressing her skin. A shiver shot up her spine, and his soft chuckle let her know he felt it, too. “I guess you’re not totally immune to me.”

  She laughed. Immune? I’m putty. “Waffle’s ready.”

  Griff went to the table. Lauren placed a waffle on his plate, poured one for herself, and brought over the bacon. He dug in. The silence was broken by his “ums” and “ahs” as he chowed down on the special meal.

  “I’ve never had waffles this good.”

  “I told you. Mom’s special recipe.”

  “You could make a fortune selling these,” he said, taking another mouthful.

  When they finished, Griff shooed her out of the kitchen and cleaned up. Lauren took a shower. She needed time to think. Breakfast with Griff had been amazing. They were so comfortable together. The memory of sleeping in his arms aroused her. She wanted more, but fear stopped her. After she dried off, she called Marnie.

  “I want to call an emergency meeting of the group. I need help.”

  “Okay. You got it. When?”

  “This afternoon? Three? Griff usually works out then.”

  “Perfect. I’ll get the phone tree going.”

  Lauren slipped a T-shirt on, pulled on jeans, and returned to the kitchen. Griff was finishing up. His presence filled the room.

  “That was the best breakfast ever. Thanks again.” He stepped up to her, gripped her shoulders, and kissed her. An electric spark ignited between them. A flush of heat swept through her veins.

  She fought the magnetism drawing her to him and broke the embrace. “You’re welcome. You were a lifesaver last night.”

  “You can come to my bed any night or every night.” His eyes glistened with desire. Before she could respond, his cell chimed. He pulled it out of his pocket and answered. “Yeah. I’m in. Give me fifteen minutes.”

  Lauren steadied her breathing.

  “Gotta go. Buddy and I run together. Then I’m throwing a few. See you later. We can pick up where we left off.”

  Before she could think of anything to say, he had disappeared into his room. She touched her lower lip and sighed. He can add great kissing to his list of accomplishments.

  * * * *

  Fueled and ready for action, Griff was energized. After a superior meal and the best night’s sleep in ages, despite the interruptions, he was in top form. He met Buddy at the stadium, and they ran around the track, keeping a decent pace but not breaking any records. Then, he and Buddy practiced. Buddy ran, and Griff threw. Griff had a special ability to judge the flight of the ball and the speed of the runner.

  As always, they were golden together. Buddy’s instinct caused him to turn at exactly the right moment to catch Griff’s pass, which was pinpoint perfect to the runner’s location.

  When they were done, Griff spied Tony Hastings watching from a bench. “The new guy is stalking me.”

  “Nah. Just trying to learn from the best.”

  “He makes me nervous.”

  “Relax. He can’t touch you.”

  Griff smiled at his best friend and hit the showers. Then, he and Buddy went out to lunch. By the time he returned home, it was three thirty. He wondered at all the cars in the driveway. He met Marnie coming out of the house. “Another book club meeting?”

  “Book club?”

  “Yeah. Isn’t that what this is?”

  “Not exactly.”

  She tried to move away, but Griff blocked her path. “What exactly?”

  “I suppose Lauren should tell you.”

  “Why don’t you save her the trouble?” Griff asked, not moving out of the way.

  “This is a support group for women who have lost a child.”

  Griff was struck dumb. He moved aside to let Marnie pass. Pieces started to fit together. The spoon. The nightmare. How does Bob fit into this? Anger at being lied to stoked his fire. He was determined to get at the truth.

  At the front door, he stood by to let the women leave. Lauren was in the living room, cleaning up the coffee cups and cake plates. Griff leaned against the wall.

  She turned as if she felt him standing there. “Hi. You’re home early.”

  “Yeah. Just in time to see your book club leave. Seems like you meet often. For a book club, that is.”

  Lauren avoided his stare. “Well, sometimes a new book—”

  “Stop lying, Lauren. I know it’s not a book club. What the hell is going on?”

  “Nothing that concerns you.” She turned away from him.

  Griff gripped her upper arm, hard. “I disagree. We’re gonna talk. The truth. Now.” He sat her down in a chair in the kitchen while he retrieved a beer.

  “I don’t see where you—”

  “Last night gives me the right to know the truth. Talk.” He offered her a beer, too, which she accepted.

  “Okay, okay.”

  He straddled another chair, put his bottle to his lips, and eyed her. “Start talking.”

  She squirmed a bit, cast her gaze at the floor, and cleared her throat.

  “At me. Look at me,” he said, motioning with his fingers.

  “All right…”

  “You lost a child?”

  “Sort of.”

  “What do you mean, ‘sort of’?”

  “Do you want to know?” She rose out of her seat. “Then, shut up and listen!”

  He straightened up.

  “About a year and a half ago, I started dating Bob. I had decorated his house. This house. That’s how we met. We were friendly, but nothing special…at first. Then, he asked me out. I didn’t know he was on the rebound. His girlfriend, Linda, had dumped him for someone else.” She lowered her head as a blush stole through her cheeks. “Um, ah…a broken condom, and suddenly, I was pregnant.”

  “Did you love him?”

  “No. And don’t interrupt.”

  “Sorry.”

>   “I wasn’t in love with Bob, but I liked him. We got along well, had fun together.”

  “It was casual?”

  “Will you shut the hell up?”

  He raised his palms. “Okay.”

  “Where was I? Oh, yes. Pregnant. When I told him, he proposed. I accepted. We went down to City Hall the next day and tied the knot.”

  “Even though you didn’t love him?”

  “Right. I wanted the baby. Seemed like Bob did, too. I thought he’d be a good father. I didn’t want to raise the baby by myself. I figured I’d learn to love Bob, especially after the baby was born. I was grateful he stepped up to the plate.”

  “Then what?”

  She shot him an angry look, and he put his hand over his mouth and quieted down. “Before I hit three months, I lost the baby.” Her voice faltered, and her eyes filled with tears. Griff stood, but she motioned him to sit down. Lauren grabbed a tissue.

  “I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

  “Yeah. So was I. But apparently, Bob wasn’t. Seems like after we got married, Linda decided she wanted him back. He had started seeing her…on the side.”

  “Did you know?”

  She shook her head. “I had no idea. I was living in my happy bubble, so excited about the baby, preparing for his arrival. I bought a ton of stuff. Had his room painted. Everything. Then, one afternoon, it was all over.” She gulped air.

  He reached for her hand. “Then what?”

  “Everything hit the fan. I became depressed. Bob kept seeing Linda. They decided they belonged together.”

  “How did you find out?”

  “I asked him if we could try again. He said we’d dodged a bullet…” She paused to take a deep breath. “And no, he had no interest in trying again. In fact, he had no interest in continuing our marriage.”

  Silence hung heavy in the air.

  “He actually said ‘dodged a bullet’?”

  She nodded. “So, I moved into your room.” Emotion formed a hard ball in her throat, preventing speech. She shut her eyes tight to control the tears then opened them again.

  Griff was staring at her, his face filled with sadness. “That’s the worst…”