by Lea Coll
“I trust you’ll keep an eye on her, help her out. You’re just as invested in this place as I am.”
“More so if you think about it. If I can’t play football anymore, this is all I have.”
“You ever thought about what you’d do after?” Reid’s question rang in the room. It was the question no one dared ask anyone for fear of jinxing them.
“No.” I was only twenty-six. I was supposed to have at least five more years. As a wide receiver, I could play well into my thirties if I took care of myself, which I did.
“It’s why I came up with the idea of this place. I won’t sign with another team if Baltimore lets me go. Dylan’s family’s here.”
“I didn’t know you’d thought about leaving.”
“Yeah, when you meet someone, you start to think long term about the future. Things that sounded doable before become less than ideal. Like being traded and traveling around the country. We’ll want to have kids one day. I don’t want to be the guy who’s playing football while my wife is giving birth.”
“Yeah, no one wants that.” It’s just I hadn’t ever thought about dating anyone seriously, much less marriage. After the accident, I’d decided I wouldn’t get seriously involved with anyone.
“What do you want?”
“You mean if I can’t play football?”
He nodded.
Football was my escape from reality. If I didn’t have that, the darkness seeped back in, reminding me that I wasn’t worthy of more than I already had. “I have this.”
“Take this time to figure out what you want.”
When I focused on something besides football, I felt empty. Nothing excited me.
“You can work around your physical therapy.”
“Yeah, I can go there in the morning, then head here.”
“Good. When camp starts in July, you’re in charge.”
“I know.” I wouldn’t know if I could play until the end of August. The recovery time was six months post-surgery, but it could take as long as two years. I focused on the six months.
It would be good to have something else to focus on besides the fact I wouldn’t be at camp in July or that I might not play again. At the same time, it was tough to see past August. Did I want to run a sports complex? Not wanting to go back home was the only clear desire besides playing football. I’d been singularly focused for so long it was hard to switch gears.
“Good.”
We spent the rest of the afternoon going over the construction, plans for opening, and the day-to-day operations of the complex. I wasn’t used to working in an office, but by the end of the day, I felt useful. Sometimes I felt like a fraud getting paid so much money to catch a football and run down the field.
“Keep an eye on Callie. She tends to take on too much.”
“You seem close.” Had they dated at one point, then decided they were better off as friends? Reid was relatively private. If anyone could pull off a secret relationship, it was him.
“She reminds me of my sisters, except she lost her parents. All she has is her grandfather who asked me to watch out for her.”
“I get that.” It was more of a reason to keep my hands off of her because he did see her as a sister. He wouldn’t want a teammate sleeping with her and walking away, which was all I was capable of.
Callie didn’t seem like a one-night stand kind of girl. She was a keeper. The one you made yourself worthy of, then if you were lucky, took her home to meet your parents.
A chill ran down my spine at the thought of taking her home, of her finding out. This was why I never got involved with anyone. “How’d her parents die?”
“Car accident. The lady was high as a kite and T-boned their car. Callie was asleep in the back seat.”
I couldn’t imagine losing my parents that way. She had no siblings to share in her grief. “She ever talk to you about it?”
“Only to say the doctors told her she was lucky.” A haunted look crossed over his face. “I’m not so sure she was.”
I wondered if she’d experienced survivor’s guilt. I certainly had. Even if I was interested in her, her parents were killed in a car accident. If she found out about my past, there’s no way she’d be interested in me. I wasn’t driving the car, but I might as well have been.
“She’s a sweet girl. That’s why I keep her away from assholes like you.” His tone had an edge to it.
“Yeah, no shit. I don’t deserve someone like her.” She seemed like the girl next door. Someone I could easily dirty up and not in a good way. I’d tarnish her light with my dark. She didn’t deserve that.
“Is that why you don’t date anyone seriously? You don’t think you deserve it after what happened?”
Chase and Jonah knew what happened, but it wasn’t something I talked about. “What guy my age is looking to settle down?”
When Reid just cocked his head at me, I appealed to his good sense. “How can you trust that a woman isn’t interested in your bank account?”
“Not all women are like that. Dylan was never after my money.”
Dylan was the ideal girlfriend. She came from money. She wasn’t interested in the football hype. She was an attorney and involved in charity work. “I don’t think I’m going to find a woman like Dylan hanging outside the locker room or at the bars.”
I didn’t mention that women like Dylan and Callie were so far out of my league it was ridiculous.
“Maybe it’s time to start thinking about something more serious. Then when things like this happen,” he gestured at my knee, “you’re not alone. You have someone to ease some of your burden.”
That did sound nice.
“Your injury eliminates the cleat chasers anyway,” Reid teased.
“Thanks for that, man. Appreciate it.” The few times I went out after my injury, women weren’t approaching me. At first, I thought it was because I was surly, but it was probably the fact that everyone locally knew my future was tenuous.
“The right woman won’t care if you’re a football player.”
I destroyed my ex-girlfriend’s life. I still felt the weight of her family’s blame. I wouldn’t do the same thing to Callie.
Chapter Five
CALLIE
“There’s over one hundred and sixty thousand square feet, eight basketball courts, and four turf fields that can be used for soccer or football. State-of-the-art fitness center, locker rooms, and even arcade games.” Reid led us through the complex, stopping in the lounge area to show us the framed blueprints of outdoor football, soccer, and baseball fields that were to be completed by next spring.
“This is impressive.” Jonah rubbed his chin as he considered the plans.
What started as an indoor sports complex quickly morphed into plans for outdoor facilities when local leaders approached Reid about the necessity for more fields. It was an easy decision for Reid, since he had the space and the financial backing for it.
“The sheer size and offerings rival the best complex in the Northeast,” I said.
Reid shifted to face me. “You’ve done some research?”
“I have. I looked into Premier Sports Complex for comparisons and ideas. I’m not saying we have to do everything they are, but I think we should consider some of the things. At a minimum, we’re offering soccer, basketball, and football leagues and providing equipment. Lacrosse is a big sport in Maryland. I think we should add it as well.”
“That won’t take away from football?” Jonah’s forehead wrinkled.
“I don’t think so. It will only add to our appeal.” I held my breath waiting for their opinion.
“I’m open to considering it. You have anything prepared for it?” Reid asked me.
I pulled the graph out of my folder. “I ran the numbers so you’d have them.”
I’d planned out each sport for the season, predicting how many fields would be needed.
Reid took the paper from me while Jonah raised his brow as if surprised by my preparation. What I lacked
in experience, I’d make up for in sheer determination.
“Lacrosse camps are big in the area. Take a look.” Reid handed the paper to Jonah.
I’d attached numbers to the percentage of kids in the area who attended sports camps, highlighting the most popular.
Jonah studied it before handing the paper back to me. “I’m not opposed to the idea. I just don’t want to take on too much.”
“I’m not saying we do everything at once. Just that we discuss the options, then implement them when it makes the most sense.” I didn’t want to overwhelm Reid.
Reid nodded, heading to the window that overlooked one of the massive soccer fields. He’d invited a local soccer team to practice today and provide feedback on the facilities and the field. The yells of the players were muffled through the glass. Large TV screens were mounted on the wall, showing each field and court. Jonah sat on the plush leather couch against the wall, his arm outstretched on the back. I tried not to pay too close attention to the way his strong legs were splayed out on the couch. He was deceptively relaxed, but his wary gaze was trained on me.
“What else do you have in mind?” Reid asked, leaning one shoulder against the window frame.
It was important to appeal to the financial advantage of some of my suggestions, but also Reid’s strong desire for community involvement.
“I know it’s important to you and Dylan that we partner with the local community to see what other kinds of programs we can offer. I contacted the mayor, the heads of the park and recreation programs, and a few sports teams. The teams need a place to play that isn’t tied to public schools and county facilities. They love the idea of a private complex. They feel like it provides more opportunities for growth. The basketball program in particular has been limited with access to one elementary school. I toured the gym, and there isn’t even room for spectators to sit. The parents are waiting in the hallway, jockeying for position to see their kids play.”
Reid nodded in approval. “I like that we’re providing something they’re looking for. Let’s make sure the basketball programs are contacted. Offer them a fair price to rent the facilities in the winter. I want them to have more room.”
“The director of the program mentioned they’d be able to sign up more kids for the program. They have a long waiting list of kids who want to play but there just isn’t room.”
“Thanks for checking into that, Callie. This is the exact issue I’d like to remedy.” Reid exchanged a look with Jonah.
They were impressed with my research and initiative. I let that feeling seep into my skin before launching into the next thing on my agenda.
“We’d already discussed offering summer camps and birthday parties since we have the arcade and the Ninja Warrior Course.”
Reid nodded, his gaze shifting to the team on the field below us.
I hoped I hadn’t lost him. I decided to discuss the last thing on my list, the one I was least sure about. After my research on similar facilities, this was the one thing that set the best ones apart. It wasn’t just about sheer numbers, it was the quality of the programming. “What about offering specialized training from well-respected players and coaches, maybe even to the level that people might travel here for it?”
Jonah raised a brow. “That’s an interesting idea.”
He shifted, leaning his elbows on his knees. I tried not to think about how sexy that move was.
I had my typed notes in front of me, but I put my file down on the large conference room table. “From what I read, this is the single biggest thing that sets the best sports complexes apart. It will be expected from you guys. Three football players running the sports complex. You have the connections and the draw; you’re respected. We can focus on football at first, enticing recently retired players to impart their wisdom.”
Reid and Jonah were silent, gazes on me, not the soccer team, so I continued, “I took the liberty of reaching out to several local players and coaches.”
I took a deep breath, handing the list to Reid.
“You’re thorough.”
“I know you’re busy with training camp, and you didn’t want to be involved in the day-to-day operations, I wanted to show you that I can do this.”
Reid’s forehead wrinkled. “Still, we’re going to need to hire more people to assist you. This is a lot.”
“I can handle it.”
“I want to focus on getting the basketball teams in here in the winter, keep the baseball teams updated on the completion of the outdoor fields, and work on the program to identify kids who’d like to participate but can’t afford to.”
I took notes as he talked, marking the most important with asterisks. “We need a name for the program. Have you and Dylan thought of something?”
“No. We haven’t.”
“Do you mind if I work with Ava on that and a logo? If I’m talking to former athletes and coaches, it would be something to mention. We’re not just offering elite programs, we care about the community.”
“That’s fine. Run the final design by me.” Reid started to pace. “Lacrosse, football, and baseball require the most equipment and will be the most cost prohibitive.”
“I ran numbers on that too. I reached out to a local sports store for a discount.”
“You’ve thought of everything.”
“I tried to anticipate what you’d want to do based on the vision you discussed with me.” It was a skill I’d learned being a personal assistant, assessing what Reid needed before he did.
“I’m impressed. I want you to hit the ground running on the training programs. I’ll give you a list of athletes and coaches I want to work with. Reach out to them, set up a meeting.”
“Will do.”
I wrote notes frantically as Reid talked, murmuring or nodding when he touched on a particular idea I loved.
I felt Jonah’s questioning gaze on the side of my face, but I kept mine on my notebook.
“You want to finish the tour, Jonah? I’m meeting with Cade and Nolan to go through the facility to make sure everything’s completed.”
“I can do that.”
Reid touched my shoulder as he passed. “Good job. I know I made the right decision hiring you.”
His approval was everything. I wasn’t just a lackey anymore, bringing Reid whatever food or drinks he wanted, running interference with fans, or answering fan mail.
I finished scribbling out the last few notes. I sat next to Jonah, entering some of the dates Reid mentioned into our shared calendar. Organizing Reid’s schedule was one duty I retained.
“That was impressive.”
I flushed, looking over at him. “Thank you. Some people were skeptical about whether I was right for the job, so I wanted to make sure I’d done my homework.”
“You definitely did.” He stood. “You ready for the rest of the tour?”
“Absolutely.” He took me through the locker rooms, telling me what was important to have in terms of being an athlete. Where the equipment should be stored. It was invaluable information I wouldn’t have known otherwise.
“This is the fitness center, and next to it is the Ninja Warrior Course.”
The fitness area was huge. I assumed it had everything an athlete could want since Reid designed it. “We’re offering limited gym memberships to the community during certain hours, allowing the sports athletes priority access. It will be a good source of additional revenue.”
“You’re welcome to use it if you want.”
“Me? Oh no. I don’t work out. I don’t have time.”
His hands were tucked in the pocket of his dress pants as he rocked back on his heels. He must not have had physical therapy today because he was in business attire. I detected a hint of aftershave or cologne.
He tilted his head. “I thought you were a football fan?”
“I am. That doesn’t mean I’m athletic.”
“You never played a sport?”
“Nope.” I wasn’t sure why this was so important
to him.
Jonah fell silent, leading the way to the Ninja Warrior Course. The obstacles looked intimidating.
“We should do the course.”
“I’m not exactly dressed for it.” I laughed, gesturing at my blouse tucked into my pants, and heels.
“Bring a change of clothes tomorrow so we can work out together. Then I’ll show you the course.”
“I don’t know. That doesn’t sound—” Particularly pleasant.
“I think it would be fun to do the course. Plus, you need to experience everything in the facility so you know how things work.”
“I don’t know about fun. Scary, intimidating—”
“The word you’re looking for is challenging.”
Even with an injured knee, he was more in shape than me.
“I’m a little disappointed.”
“Why?” My stomach sunk. Did he still not think I was suited for the job?
“I thought you were up for the challenge. I’ve seen you argue with seasoned athletes about their plays.”
I cringed. I tended to feel strongly about football. It was my grandfather’s fault. “I’m more of a behind-the-desk kind of gal, what do you call it? Monday quarterbacking? Something like that.” Why couldn’t I think of the right words now that Jonah was focused on me?
His lips twitched. “Monday morning quarterbacking.”
I pointed at him. “That’s it. I’m not what you call a participator. I’m happiest cheering from the stands.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Now you work with three football players. We’ll turn you into an athlete, whip you into shape.”
I started backing away. “I don’t think I need to be whipped into shape.”
He cocked his head. “Are you saying you’re not up for it?”
I licked my suddenly dry lips, my voice coming out squeaky, not as confident as I wanted. “I am.”
I never backed down from one before, but I’d never been asked to do this.
“Bring your workout clothes tomorrow.”
I cringed.
“You do have workout clothes?”
