She blew a kiss at the screen. Actually kissed her fingers and then blew on her palm.
Smartass.
Somehow, I felt both chastised, made fun of, and turned on all at the same time. She stopped the video, and I couldn’t help but smile. I should probably call her back. But I wasn’t sure I was ready yet.
Just as I was about to put the phone down, it buzzed again. This time with a call. I looked at the readout and felt a little sick. I saw a name that had all kinds of emotions swirling in me—both good and bad. Before the call could end, I tapped the screen to accept.
“Hey, buddy.”
“Hey, yourself,” Will Montgomery, star quarterback for Seattle, my nemesis and one of my best friends said.
Nearly thirteen years ago, Will had come into Seattle as my backup and promptly—and way too easily—took my job. He only worked under me for two years before he was handed the reins. It ended up being a blessing in disguise, however, since my style of play lent itself much better to Baltimore’s offense. In our time together in Washington, we developed a bond that I had not been able to establish with many since. Will had been through a lot with me. Culminating in me losing my job—ironically, to him. Even so, he was there to congratulate me when I brought home my first and second and third Lombardi trophies to Baltimore. Sure, we were rivals, but we were also brothers. And I loved the dude.
“So, hiding from the world, huh?” Will said, the smirk evident in his voice.
“Not hiding.” I put the phone on speaker, sat it in my lap, and rolled myself away from the counter and over to the windows. “Just screening my calls.”
“Ah, so I should feel special, then? I’m touched. Really, though, man. How’s it going?”
“I dunno. It’s all bullshit, you know? It fucking sucks. I should be in the training center right now. Yet here I am, stuck on my ass, not even sure if I’ll be able to walk again normally or raise my arm, let alone throw.”
I heard Will suck his teeth on the other end of the line and move around a bit. “I can’t even imagine, Holden. I’m so sorry, dude. I know they’re hollow words, but they’re the truth. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. But I hope you know I’m here for you. Unless you want to borrow my car. Then, we might have to negotiate. I mean, I’ve seen you drive.”
I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips. The guy drove like a grandma. I mean, what was the point of owning a six-figure sports car if you were going to drive it like the lead car in a funeral procession?
“You just don’t want your car to fall in love with me and leave you to settle out east. Speaking of sassy things with drool-worthy curves, how’s Meg?”
I heard a chuckle. “You’re lucky I like you, or I’d have to hop on the jet and head over to beat your ass for even thinking about my gorgeous wife’s curves.” He swallowed as if taking a drink of something. “She’s good. Working hard as usual, both at the hospital and at home with Erin and Zoey.”
“That’s great to hear, man. I miss you guys. It’s been a while since we were able to get together. How’s the rest of the Montgomery clan?”
“Everybody’s awesome. It feels like the family’s growing every year, and like most things in life, nothing’s ever easy, but we’re all great. I think almost everybody’s heading down to Miami for the big game. We can all get together then.”
The reminder was like a punch to the gut, and I physically felt the air leave my lungs in a whoosh. I had to take a deep breath and try to get myself under control before I responded. “I’m still not sure if I’ll be allowed to go. The damage was pretty extensive. The surgeries went well, but…” I took another breath and rubbed a hand over my chest. “We just don’t know.”
I heard Will sigh. “Aw, bro. I’m… I had no idea. What’re the docs saying?”
I ran a hand over my face, my whiskers scratching my palm, reminding me that I should really shave at some point. “Not much, really. The ortho says things are progressing well. As for the others, I just got settled at home a few days ago and I haven’t worked up the balls to talk to them yet. See my aforementioned ‘screening my calls’ comment.”
Will snorted. “Don’t be a pussy. You’re one of the most beastly guys I know. Talk to the docs. If anyone can beat this, it’s you. I know it. Besides, I saw the article in the Post. That injury management doc is a hottie.”
I huffed a laugh through my nose. “That she is. And takes no bullshit. You should have seen her with Morrison last season. I swear, I think she was a drill sergeant in a previous life. But she’s a softie, too. I’ve seen the way she is with some of her charges. You can’t help but like her. Though when it comes to her job, she’s tiny but fierce, that’s for sure. I’m not gonna lie, she kinda scares me.”
“I have one of those at home. And I love her more than life itself.” Will paused and I could tell that he was gearing up to say something. “In all seriousness, Hold, listen to the doctors. Do whatever they tell you to do and do it like it’s fourth and goal with five seconds left. You’re way too important to too many people.”
“Yeah, so important they replaced me in less than a minute with a fetus.”
“Holden…” Will admonished. “Give Mackey a break, he’s a great QB. And he’s not a baby. He’s not even a rookie. He learned from the best. You. I mean, he’s not you. And he’s definitely not me,”—he chuckled—“but dude can play. He may even give me a run for my money in a couple of weeks. Sure, I should be playing against you, but such is the suck of life. But you’re gonna bounce back from this. You still have a great career ahead of you somewhere.”
“That’s just it. I don’t know if I do. Yeah, when all the retirement talk was happening, there were veiled offers for a job with Fox and another with ESPN. And a couple of teams made it pretty clear they wanted me to interview for jobs in the office, but I don’t know what I want. Football is it for me. Getting to the big game this year and beating your sorry ass was the thing within my sights. Now, I don’t know. And I’m not sure I care.”
“Do not make me come over there and kick your ass. You care. You care too much. That’s why this hurts so damn bad. Just do your rehab. Kick this thing’s ass and get back in the saddle. I think the family knows a good yogi in Oregon you can talk to. I mean, you’d totally rock a pair of those harem pants and a pretty mala.”
A loud laugh burst free, as I was sure Will intended. “Never gonna happen. But I will at least check my messages for calls and texts from the medical team. That’s all I can promise for right now.”
“It’s enough,” Will said. “Aw, shit. Meg’s calling. I should probably call her back and make sure everything’s okay. Take care of yourself, Hold. You know where to find me if you need anything. Just not the playbook. I mean, now that you’re not fronting the team, I think we actually have a chance of bringing that trophy back to Seattle where it belongs.” I heard the cocky grin in his voice. “But, seriously, I’m here. Call anytime.”
“Thanks, Will. Catch you later.”
I disconnected and steeled myself to check in with my other physicians. It was probably time for me to face reality.
But maybe not quite yet…
Chapter 6
Tamryn
Five days. He’d been home and ignoring my calls and texts for five damn days and I was over it. Holden Cramer didn’t get to hide away from the world and let himself wither away. Not on my watch. I checked my phone for the thousandth time, saw that there were no new calls or texts, and decided to take matters into my own hands.
“All right, Mr. Cramer. You wanna play dirty, I can play dirty. I know where you live.” I grabbed my keys from the bowl by my front door and headed out. The pale blue of my Wrangler reminded me of the color of Holden’s eyes and I frowned, wondering where that thought had come from.
Once on the highway, I called Tate via Bluetooth to check in. He answered almost immediately. “Hey, Tamryn. How’s your day off?”
I laughed. “Day off. You and I both
know that we don’t take days off. And it would be going a whole hell of a lot better if our stubborn quarterback would answer his damn phone. Have you heard from him?”
I heard Tate shuffling something on the other end of the line. “No, Tam. I haven’t. He isn’t answering my messages either. I know he hates talking on the phone, so I thought I’d give texting a shot, but it’s been radio silent.”
“Well, at least I know it isn’t just me. I was starting to get a complex. It’s been complete crickets. I’ve actually had it, though. I’m on my way over to his house now.”
Tate laughed—one I knew was genuine. “I knew we picked the right person for the job. Give him hell, Tam. Just be gentle, too. I can’t imagine what this must be like for him. The last play of the game before entering into possibly the two biggest games of his career, the ones he hoped to use to tie up an amazing legacy with a bright and shiny bow before he walked off into the sunset—assuming he won. And now… Yeah.”
I felt tears pricking the backs of my eyes, but added some steel to my voice. “I know. But he doesn’t get to give up. That isn’t how this is gonna go.”
“I said it before, and I’ll say it again. Best. Choice. Ever.” I heard a sliding glass door closing and then the sound of birds. “Will you keep me posted?” I could hear the concern in Tate’s voice.
“Of course, I will. Absolutely. Just send up a prayer that I can actually get into his house. After today, you’d better believe I will have his housekeeper’s number on speed dial. I spoke with the woman at the hospital last Thursday when they discharged Holden. And I say this in the best way possible, she’s not somebody I’d want to mess with.”
Tate laughed. “You aren’t wrong there. Mrs. Reyes is a peach. And she definitely doesn’t take Holden’s shit. I would be willing to bet she’d be happy to help you beat his ass.”
I wanted to laugh, but then my mind wandered to thoughts of that tight backside. I mentally shook my head. “Absolutely. All right, I’m getting off the highway. Wish me luck.”
“All the luck, Tamryn. You’re going to need it.”
I tapped the screen on the Jeep and exited on my way toward the harbor.
I made good time and parked on the curve of the driveway outside of Holden’s house, glancing at the dwelling. It was very…him. Crisp, clean lines, lots of glass but with privacy films. Big, but not overwhelming. Perfectly manicured lawn and views for days. It hadn’t surprised me to learn that Holden had bought this home immediately upon getting the job with Baltimore. I was curious what the inside was like. Would it be minimalistic, or homey? I couldn’t wait to find out. After I gave the quarterback a piece of my mind.
I jogged up the walk and stopped in front of his door, so deep a purple it almost looked black. I wondered if he’d changed it to match the team’s colors, or if it had always been that way. I fluffed and smoothed my hair and brushed imaginary wrinkles from my clothes and then took a deep breath. I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous, but my body seemed to be responding to something my mind put out that I didn’t consciously acknowledge.
Steeling myself for one of the two probable outcomes of my unannounced visit—anger or a brush-off—I rang the bell. The chime rose deep inside the house and almost sounded like it echoed. I would bet anything the ceilings were vaulted, and that my minimalistic decorating style guess was on point.
I waited to see if I could hear any movement from within. When I didn’t, I contemplated ringing again, but I didn’t want to be impatient. He was in a wheelchair, after all, and I had no idea what the inside of the house was like. It might take him a while. After another pause, I decided to knock.
Rapping lightly on the door, I waited another minute. When I still didn’t hear any movement from within, I frowned. I knew he had to be home. None of the other doctors had talked to him, he didn’t have an appointment with Merrick, the ortho, until later in the week, and it wasn’t like he could drive himself. I supposed that Mrs. Reyes could have driven him somewhere, but I didn’t think so. She was even smaller than I was, barely reaching my shoulder, and I was below average in size and height. Holden would need help getting in and out of a vehicle right now. And unless she had Osric there to help her like she did when he first came home, it wouldn’t be easy for the woman to do alone.
With the realization that he was ignoring me becoming apparent, I felt the anger rise, and my cheeks heat. Nope. Nuh-uh.
I banged again, this time with the side of my hand and a closed fist. “Holden Neville Cramer. You will open this goddamn door right now, or I will call my friend Diggs at the Baltimore PD, and have this damn door broken down for a wellness check.”
Finally, I heard life from within. A little bit later, the locks flipped, and I got a peek of Holden coasting back in the chair with the opening door.
“Tamryn?”
I stormed by him, my ire still up. “Yeah. And you do not get to ignore me anymore. This is bullshit, Holden. I’m your doctor.” I spun to face him, and my breath lodged in my lungs. Dang, the man was gorgeous. He had spots of color in his cheeks, whether from exertion or embarrassment, I wasn’t sure. His dark, spiky hair was artfully disheveled as if he’d run his hands through it one too many times. Add in the fact that he hadn’t shaved, the scruff on his face just making him even more captivating and I… Yeah.
Holden shut the door and then locked it. “What are you doing here?”
I cocked my head with a raised eyebrow and looked at him for a beat, barely resisting the urge to put my hands on my hips. “What am I doing here? Holden, you haven’t answered any calls or texts in nearly a week. You recently got out of the hospital where you had major surgery. Several. What do you think I’m doing here?”
He looked confused. “But…how did you know where I live?”
I threw up my hands and then let them fall to slap my thighs. “For the love of Christ, Holden. Why is that what you’re fixating on right now? Your information is on file with the team.” I twisted my hair and then pulled it over one shoulder, my frustration more than evident.
“I mean… I, I don’t know. I’m just surprised to see you, I guess. And…did you use my middle name out there?” He cracked a smile, and it melted a tiny bit of my anger.
“I warned you I’d hunt you down. And I did use your middle name. So?” The corner of my lip tipped up. “Neville, huh?”
He looked a bit sheepish. “Yeah, my parents had a thing for The Omega Man. Particularly, Charlton Heston’s character. Don’t ask. I don’t know much more. But if you’re wondering why they didn’t use the character’s first name, Robert, then you’re thinking along the same lines as I have my entire life.”
I shook my head. “Isn’t that the seventies post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller with the nocturnal homicidal maniacs?”
Holden looked genuinely surprised. “Uh, yeah. Way before your time. How do you even know that?”
I blushed a bit. “I’m not that young. I was born in the eighties. But I have a major thing for old sci-fi and horror films. It’s a quirk.”
Holden rolled closer. “First, old with regards to things from the seventies…ouch. You do realize I’m one of those things from the seventies, right?” I saw the twinkle in his eyes, so I knew that he was kidding. “Secondly, not so much of a quirk. I love them, too. Alien, The Stepford Wives, Phantasm, Invasion of the Body Snatchers. I mean, come on.”
I could only stare at him in wonder. Nobody got my love of the wonderfully weird from before my time. Nobody. Very interesting.
“Do you want something to drink?” Holden asked as he rolled past me. Now that my temper had settled a bit, I took a moment to look around. And I was right. The place was all black, grey, and white with glass and chrome accents. There were splashes of color here and there in impressionistic paintings on the walls and throw pillows on the window seat, but it was all very clean and crisp. I wasn’t at all surprised. Normally, I preferred a more lived-in look to homes, but this really worked for Holden and he looked so…right here.
Even in the chair.
“Um, no. I’m fine. But thanks. However, we need to talk.” I walked a little closer to him.
He turned to face me and looked down at his lap, a tic starting in his jaw. When he looked back up at me, I noticed he had bitten the inside of his lip. It was something I had seen him do at the practice facility when he was intent on or about something. “Yeah, I suppose we should. Do you want to settle in the living room?” He motioned with his good arm.
“Sounds great. Lead the way.” I followed him down a short hallway to a massive great room filled with black leather couches and red easy chairs around a stone fireplace centerpiece. The grey barnwood floor carried through in here, interrupted only by the plush white rug. Holden parked his wheelchair next to one of the stuffed seats and a side table and motioned for me to pick a spot. I sat on the couch opposite him and clasped my hands in my lap.
He stared at me, those gemstone orbs seeming to burrow into my soul. I wasn’t sure who should speak first—him, or me. When I waited a beat and he still said nothing, I decided to start things off.
“So, how are you feeling?”
He bit the inside of his lip even more and I wondered if he was trying to decide how to reply or if something else was bothering him. “I’m honestly not sure how to answer that. The pain is pretty intense. And before you ask, I’ve been taking my meds. Yari, my housekeeper, threatened me with bodily harm if I didn’t. Though, so did you.” He chuckled.
“The pain’s to be expected, Holden. I mean…these were very serious injuries. And they required major surgery. More than one type, actually.” I took a deep breath and looked away before focusing on him once more. “But how are you feeling? How are you holding up with all the changes?”
He scratched his cheek and looked away. Running his tongue over his top teeth, he focused on me again. The set of his shoulders wasn’t a great sign. “I don’t know what to do with myself, doc. I should be with my teammates and coaches. I should be taking my team to the culmination of another year of hard work. I should be hoisting that silver trophy and bringing it home to our fans. Instead, I’m sitting here in this fucking wheelchair.” He looked away, and I swore I caught a sheen of tears in his eyes.
Blue Forty-Two: A Quick Snap Novella Page 3
