Scottish Player: A Hero Club Novel

by Karen Frances

  He finally starts to slow down until he stops. I’m still taking pictures when he pulls off the Under Armour top and wipes his brow with it. “Shit, Sid, sorry,” he says when he realises what he’s just done. It’s amusing, really. “I’ll blame Sam.”

  “Why the hell am I getting the blame?” I ask, looking directly into his eyes.

  “Because you said to do what I do at a normal gym session.” He’s trying to contain his laughter, and when I look at Sid, he’s shrugging.

  “And you usually start stripping in the gym.”

  “After running like that? Yes.”

  “Good time for an outfit change then,” Sid calls out.

  I’m used to models changing in front of me and it doesn’t bother me. If I’m honest, I don’t even notice until they’re back in front of the camera. So, why are my senses going into over-drive as I watch Jackson slip off the shorts and pull on jogging bottoms and a loose t-shirt? He chuckles and I realise I’ve been caught staring. I feel my face redden and I quickly turn away. Sid takes a call.

  “I don’t get why you’re blushing,” he says quietly into my ear. “After all, you’ve seen me naked.”

  “Ssh.” My eyes dart to where Sid is standing, but I know he hasn’t heard what Jackson just said.

  “What? I’m only speaking the truth. Now, where do you want me next?”

  “Just do what you want.”

  “You really don’t want me to do that. Not here and not in front of company.” He walks away from me, smirking, while I’m muttering under my breath about the cocky player that has my attention for all the wrong reasons.

  I watch as he casually walks towards the squat rack. Shit. I’ll have a fine view of his fine arse when I take shots from behind. “Jackson, unload those weights,” Sid calls out, re-joining us.

  “Why?”

  “Because there’s no way I’ll be spotting you. I don’t want myself in any of the shots.”

  I want to laugh. Sid hates it when I suggest he get in front of the camera.

  Two hours fly by quickly, and I’m disappointed when the gym starts filling up with other people because that means my time with Jackson is up. I’ve enjoyed this morning, and even though he’s not a model, he’s taken well to the direction I’ve given.

  “That’s us. I think I have everything you need,” I say to Sid.

  “Perfect, and thank you, both of you. Now, I need to get back to the office. There’s a problem I need to deal with.”

  “Go on,” I say. “I’m just going to pack up. I’ll get these edited and sent over to you by late tomorrow.”

  “You’re a star, Sam Walker. I’ll speak to you later.” Sid kisses me on the cheek and Jackson flinches.

  “What are your plans now?” Jackson asks me after Sid leaves us.

  “Edit and sleep. Try to get my body back to our time zone before the wedding.”

  The corners of his mouth tug into a grin. “You’ll be there?”

  “Yes, with my mum. Someone needs to keep Chloe for Logan and Lee,” I tell him as I put everything away in my bag.

  “Sam, what about that date?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea, do you?”

  “Yes, I do. Go on. Give me a chance to prove I’m not as bad as you think I am.”

  “How about this; if there’s no tension between you and my brother at the wedding then I’ll think about it.”

  “Okay, you’re on.”

  Someone calls out his name, and he walks away from me, smiling, to go and speak to them. He’s not the only one with a smile on his face. I gather up my belongings and wave to him as I leave the gym.

  I’m not sure if I should hope for tension between him and Logan or not.

  Chapter Nine

  Jackson Taylor!

  He’s the image on the screen before me, and I can’t take my eyes off him, although I wish I could. Maybe then he’d stop invading my thoughts. This picture is from the end of the shoot. He looks relaxed, carefree, and so… fit. He’s shirtless, and the shorts are low on his hips. My eyes follow his ripped abs, then travel lower, and I smile… I don’t need to imagine what he looks like beneath the shorts. I know all too well just how good he looks. It’s my personal favourite, and one I think will work well for whatever ad campaign Sid is using Jackson for.

  The more I stare at the screen, the less work I’m getting done. I’ve lost all track of time as I sit here replaying this morning’s photoshoot. The more I look at this picture, the more I wish I had his number to reach out to him.

  That’s a crazy thought.

  It shouldn’t even have entered my head, but it is what I’d like to do. Taking a deep breath, I rest my head on my hands. There’s tension in the back of my neck that I don’t remember having before.

  After resting my neck for a few moments, I sit back upright in my chair and refocus my attention. I only have a few more images from today to edit, and then I can send Sid the best pictures from the shoot. But it’s not just the images from today. I still have a few of Chance and Aubrey to edit so I can send their file over to them.

  I miss them. And after hearing Sid talk about them today, I hope they can sort out the dates for coming here to Scotland, and real soon.

  “Right, I need to get a move on.” Because I want all my work completed before the wedding, when I’ll get to see my gorgeous niece and spend some time with her and my mum. It will be so good to see them.

  I click next and start working on the next image. I try to remain focused on the job in hand, which is not proving to be an easy task. Jackson Taylor is a total distraction, but he’s very pleasing on the eyes.

  There’s a knock on my apartment door, and it opens. I turn around from the computer to see Logan enter, and he doesn’t look happy.

  “Well, isn’t this a surprise,” I say, noting the sombre expression on my brother’s face. “What brings you here?” Right now, I wish he didn’t have a key to my apartment because then I wouldn’t need to face whatever questions he has. I could just hide myself away and not answer the door to him.

  “You and Jackson.”

  “There is no me and Jackson.” I sit back in my chair as Logan strolls toward me and leans against my desk. He raises his eyebrows, questioning my statement when he looks at the computer screen. “This…” I wave my hands. “Is work.”

  “But it wasn’t work that made you go to one of my closest friends’ hotel rooms and end up sleeping with him.”

  “What do you want me to say? Yes, I fucked up, but haven’t you over the years? So I don’t think you’re the right person to be questioning me on my mistakes.”

  “But do you think it was a mistake?”

  “No.” The one word leaves my mouth, and I’ve surprised not just Logan, but myself.

  I drop my gaze from him, completely avoiding the computer screen in front of me because I know it doesn’t hold any answers. What the hell is wrong with me?

  “He’s my friend, but I don’t think he’s good enough for my sister.”

  “I bet plenty of people said you’re not good enough for Lee. And what’s this all about? I’ve slept with Jackson once. I’m not entering a fucking relationship with him.”

  “Maybe you should give him that memo. It seems you’re all he’s talked about today with Fletcher after the photoshoot this morning.”

  “I can’t stop him talking. Come on, Logan.” On the inside I’m smiling because at least I know he’s thinking about me and that these feelings, whatever they are, aren’t just one-sided.

  “No, you can’t, but you can stop leading him on.”

  Pushing my chair back, I stand and walk away from him. I love Logan, but at times he has my blood boiling with his sheer stupidity.

  “Are you for real? Me leading him on is laughable. I turned up to a job today and he was there. How the hell is that me leading him on? Please, tell me, because I’d be interested to know how you came to that conclusion.”

  I stare at him, waiting on his answer, but th
ere’s nothing, which doesn’t come as a surprise. “You’re aware he’ll be at the wedding?” he finally asks.

  “Of course he will. Jackson is one of Fletcher’s friends. What’s your point?”

  “Don’t go to the wedding.” Anger flows through my body, ready to erupt at his stupid request. My heartbeat is pounding and my body is tense. I’ve heard what he’s said, but I’m trying to work out if he truly means what he’s saying. “Please?”

  “I’m sorry, Logan. Me going to Fletcher’s wedding is nothing to do with you. Mum asked me to go with her at not just Lee’s request, but also the bride’s. So, I’m sorry if me being at the wedding has you feeling uncomfortable, but I’m going with Mum and there’s nothing you can do to make me change my mind.”

  “I knew you would say that,” he says, cutting me off.

  At this stage, I’m not sure I even want to talk to my brother. Telling him to leave is the only thing on my mind.

  “Why bloody ask me then? Logan, what the hell has got into you?” I snap when he just stands there staring at me.

  “I don’t know. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and I know he wants you, but I don’t think he’s capable of a relationship. I just don’t want you getting your hopes up that he might be the one, only to get hurt.”

  “What like Lee got her hopes up with you?” We stare at each other. “Now that you’ve said what you had to say, can I get you a drink or something while you’re here, or do you need to rush back to Lee and Chloe? Actually, now that I think about it, I’m annoyed with you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’ve come to visit me and you didn’t think to bring Chloe with you.”

  “Sorry. And yes, I’d love a coffee and to sit and chill out for ten minutes.”

  After I lock the door behind Logan, I save what I was working on and switch off my computer. I’m too tired to do anything else tonight. Turning the lights off, I make my way to my bedroom with phone in hand. I need to set my alarm for the morning. I’m hoping that I get a better sleep tonight. The first night home after being away is always a struggle, but then it’s as though my body knows I’m home by the second night.

  I set my phone on the bedside table and pull the covers around me, my head sinking into the pillows when the damn phones beeps. I stare at it for a moment and then it beeps again.

  “Oh, bloody hell!”

  A text.

  Kate: I’m so sorry. Please don’t hate me.

  I’m scared to ask what the hell she’s done.

  Me: Why? What have you done?

  I wait, watching for the bubble to tell me she’s typing a reply, but nothing. After a minute, I put my phone down and lie back down. If it was that important, I’m sure she would’ve said. No doubt, I’ll find out tomorrow.

  “Now what?” I say, turning as my phone buzzes on the bedside table. I answer, even though I probably should be more cautious seeing a phone number on the screen and not a name from my contact list.

  “Hello?” I say softly.

  “Hello to you too. I do love the whole sexy phone voice you have going on.”

  I smile and sigh. I’ll kill Kate for giving him my number.

  “Jackson!”

  “Say my name again.”

  “No. What do you want, creep?”

  “Sam, that’s not a very nice thing to say about me. I may be a lot of things, but a creep isn’t one of them. And I want you.”

  My heartbeat quickens, and I’m glad he’s not in front of me because I’m sure I’d give my feelings away. “Okay, so stalker seems more appropriate.”

  “I don’t care much for that label either, although I do like the one you called me in Vegas; Player. I’m more than game to be your player any day of the week.”

  “Is there a point to this call?” I ask him.

  “Yes. I still want that date.”

  “Jackson that’s not a good idea. I don’t want to be the cause of trouble between you and Logan.”

  “Is that the only reason?”

  “Yes.”

  “So, you’re telling me if it wasn’t for Logan, you’d happily go on a date with me?”

  “I believe that’s what I said.”

  “Okay. Leave Logan to me. You and I will have that date and I’ll sweep you off your feet.”

  “Aren’t you the romantic, player.”

  He chuckles softly and I find myself smiling at his confidence. “You, Sam Walker, have no idea. I’ll speak to you at the wedding. Goodnight. Sweet dreams and dream of me.” He ends the call before I even get a chance to speak.

  I stare at the phone in my hands and I’m not sure what to say or how I should feel. I type out a quick message.

  Me: You will be sorry for that.

  Kate: If he brings a smile to your sometimes miserable face, I won’t.

  Cheeky bitch.

  I don’t know who I should be mad at. Switching my phone to silent, I put it back where it should be and turn over in the bed, pulling the covers around my body. I close my eyes, but Jackson Taylor is who I see.

  It’s going to be a long night.

  Chapter Ten

  “Sweetheart, look at you.” Mum’s face is smiling brightly at me as I walk toward her outside the church. God, I’m nervous. And if I’m feeling like this, I wonder how Jess’s nerves are holding up. But I am nervous about coming face-to-face with Jackson. I spent all day yesterday trying to decide what to wear and how to do my hair and make-up. I finally decided on this dress.

  Well, more like, Kate helped when I called her in a panic and she rushed over with several dresses, but this off-the-shoulder cream and red dress was my favourite, and I had perfect accessories with my shoes and bag. And Kate, being the friend that she is, came over early to do my hair and make-up.

  “Mum, you look beautiful,” I say, giving her a hug. Although I’ve spoken to her lots recently, it’s been weeks since we’ve seen each other, and I am now wishing I had time the last two days to visit her. “Where is Chloe?” I ask, noting that my mum doesn’t have her.

  “Inside with Lee’s mum. We have a situation.”

  “What do you mean a situation?”

  “Lee’s mum wants to watch her overnight.”

  “Oh!” I don’t know what else to say because I can see the disappointment on my mum’s face. “Well, in that case, it’s just you and me,” I say with a smile, linking my arm with hers as we make our way inside. “We can party together.”

  “That’s true. It will be good to spend some time with my baby. I don’t get to see nearly enough of you these days with all your jet-setting.”

  “I’m hoping that’s all going to change. For the immediate future, I have no plans to be jetting off, so we can spend some more quality time together. Now, let’s go and sit with Lee’s parents because I want to see my niece. After all, that’s the only reason I’m here with you today.”

  Well, it’s not the only reason. I’m hoping to see a certain player, and I’m praying that he doesn’t have a date.

  I don’t know why I’ve even had that thought. It shouldn’t matter to me if he has a date. My heartbeat quickens as we step inside and my gaze drifts around the church, looking for him. I smile when I see my brother standing at the front of the church beside Fletcher; both of them look so handsome in their kilts.

  “Mrs and Miss Walker, if you’d like to follow me to your seats.” I take a deep breath, hearing his voice, and I’m scared to turn around.

  “Thank you. Aren’t you a handsome young man,” my mother says, and Jackson steps beside me. Oh, dear Lord. I can’t hide the fact I’m checking him out. I’m in so much trouble. “And you have manners. Something not many men have these days.”

  I can’t take my eyes off him. He’s wearing the full kilt, the same colour as Fletcher’s and Logan’s.

  My mother unlinks her arm from mine and takes Jackson’s as he walks her towards our seats. I’ve been ditched for Jackson Taylor. Oh, ever the gentleman. That is laughable as thoughts of u
s together in his hotel room fill my head. Mum is talking to him, but she’s oblivious to the fact he keeps looking over his shoulder at me, and that smile. It’s something else.

  This isn’t good. Not for me.

  Mum thanks him before sitting down beside Lee’s mum, who has our gorgeous Chloe in her arms, and the two women start chatting.

  “You look… incredible.” Jackson’s eyes roam my body and his broad smile tells me he appreciates what he sees.

  “You don’t scrub up so bad either, player.” I slide into the seat beside my mum. Jackson bends to speak to me, but I look at Logan, who is standing only two rows in front of us and he’s staring at Jackson. He must sense Logan because he stands and walks over to his seat on the opposite side of the church without saying anything. Going by the thunderous look on my brother’s face, it might be a long time until Jackson gets his date.

  Music starts to play, and all eyes turn to the back of the church as the bridesmaids enter.

  Chloe cries as the bride and groom kiss after being announced as husband and wife. Logan and Lee’s heads turn to check on their baby girl, who I currently have in my arms because she was a little sick over Lee’s mum, and she had to step away to clean up. I cradle her in my arms. Her eyes are heavy and she’s struggling to keep them open as her long eyelashes flutter. This girl is going to break hearts when she’s older.

  The bridal party make their way up the church. “Is she okay?” Lee stops to ask.

  “Yes. I’ll see you outside,” I reassure her, or at least I hope I do.

  “When will you meet a nice young man that sweeps you off your feet?”

  I turn at my mum’s question with thoughts of the man sitting on the opposite side of the aisle and his parting words on his phone call.

  “And who says I haven’t?” Her eyes sparkle, and now I feel bad. All she wants is to see me settle down with a family, which hasn’t been top of my priority list in recent years. “You’ll be the first to know when I do meet someone.”