Scottish Player: A Hero Club Novel

by Karen Frances

  “You don’t look so bad either, player.”

  “I’m getting kind of used to that nickname.” He smirks before signalling and pulling out into the stream of traffic.

  “Well, I think it suits you.” Jackson isn’t stupid. I bet he can hear the same pang of jealousy in my voice that I can as I think about my reasoning for calling him that. He’s not just a player on the pitch, but a man with a reputation with the ladies. And in recent months, it’s his antics off the pitch that have made headline news.

  Why did I agree to this date? What the hell did I think we were going to achieve? I’ve already fallen into bed, not once, but twice with him now.

  The why I agreed is simple for me. There is something a whole lot more than great sex going on between us. An electric current flows through my body whenever he’s near me, even now as I sit in the passenger seat with my eyes on him as he drives the car to wherever our destination is. Every so often, his gaze diverts from the road and his blue eyes study me briefly before he smiles and then refocuses on driving. He puts the radio on, and I’m surprised when I hear him singing quietly by my side. He has a great voice, but if I’m honest, I’m not surprised. I’d imagine Jackson Taylor would be good at anything he puts his mind to.

  When the car finally stops, I’m smiling, because even though we’ve hardly spoken on our short journey, there’s not been an awkward silence. No, I’ve very comfortable in his company, and that frightens me. He gets out of the car and quickly walks around and opens my door, takes my hand as I climb out and onto the street. There’s nowhere for parking, but that’s not an issue when I realise we’re standing outside a private club, and Jackson hands over his car key to the doorman, who greets him by name.

  Jackson wraps his arm around my waist as we walk inside, where we’re met by a woman who appears to know him as she tells us that our private dining room is set. My mind wanders to how well he knows her. Just from here, or does he know her on an intimate level? If I keep thinking thoughts like these, it’s only going to ruin our night.

  We’re led through the building, by-passing the bar and main restaurant areas. The woman is talking to Jackson, but his eyes have been on me the whole time. He’s not listening to a single thing she’s saying. I can hear her mention my brother and Fletcher’s names, but I’m not paying that much attention to her either. No, the man whose arm is still wrapped around my waist holds my attention.

  She opens a door and waits, allowing us to enter. Jackson holds back, and I can hear him ordering drinks; a white wine and water. The room is stunningly beautiful; soft shades of cream and a grey tartan. There’s nothing tacky about this room. A table is set for two in the middle of the room. “These are for you.”

  I turn around to find the door closed and Jackson standing there with a gorgeous bouquet of cream and red roses. He steps toward me, and for the usually confident man, he seems unsure. I take the bouquet from him and inhale. Not only do they look amazing, they smell incredible too.

  “Thank you. I love them,” I say.

  “You’re welcome. Now, let’s sit down and have a read of the menu.” He takes the bouquet and places it on a glass console table near the door.

  He pulls my chair out and I sit down. “Why a private room?” I ask as he takes the seat opposite me.

  “Because it gives us the chance to talk without being interrupted by someone asking for my autograph, or someone coming on to me.”

  “Really? You do think highly of yourself.”

  “Of course. You’ve seen what I have to offer the right woman. It’s only natural that other women might fight for my attention.” He winks at me and I laugh. I’m unsure if it’s going to be a long, drawn out night, or a night filled with fun and laughter.

  Is he telling me I’m the right woman?

  No, he can’t be. Surely not.

  I stare across the table and watch him as he looks over the menu in his hands. He looks different tonight. Happy.

  “I know you’re staring,” he says before lifting his head. “What’s wrong?”

  “Oh, nothing is wrong. I’m just thinking. It’s tomorrow you leave, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. Logan has been given special treatment and doesn’t have to travel with the team, as long as he checks in with the coaching staff staying home.”

  “Lee mentioned something about this today. He doesn’t need to fly out for another week as long as he continues with training at the club. So, what’s wrong? Do you not want to go?”

  He looks deep in thought, and just when I think he’s going to answer me, the door opens, and a waiter comes in with our drinks and to take our order. I glance over the menu and quickly decide on scallops with black pudding as a starter, and fillet steak with all the trimmings for my main course. When we’ve ordered and the waiter leaves us alone, he’s grinning at me.

  “What?” I ask.

  “All the trimmings.”

  “Yes. I love my food. Now, where were we?”

  “I’m not sure how I feel about going away for pre-season training. We can be away from home for up to four weeks, sometimes longer, but this time around I’m not sure of all the details as we have a big European game at home.”

  “You don’t sound happy about it. I know Lee was worried about being on her own with Chloe while Logan was gone.”

  “Yes. He spoke to the manager, and that’s why other arrangements have been made.”

  “But Fletcher is travelling with the team?”

  “Yes. He’ll catch up with the team mid-week. Poor guy, or poor Jess, whatever way you want to look at it. They’re having to cut short their honeymoon.”

  “Oh, I never thought of that. That’s pretty crap. But that doesn’t explain why you sound as though you don’t want to go.”

  “You.”

  His one word shocks me and hangs between us. I don’t know how I should respond. I just sit and stare at him, speechless. And that’s kind of a first for me. I take a drink of the white wine, and I swear I gulp back almost the full glass.

  “Help a man out here, Sam. I thought you’d at least have something to say.”

  “Sorry. I don’t know what to say. We, this thing between us, I don’t even know what it is.”

  “Snap. That makes two of us. What I do know is that going away before with the team for any period of time has never bothered me. But this time, I find myself wanting to stay home and spend more time with you. I know that must sound completely crazy.”

  “Just a bit. Especially as this is our first date.”

  “Of many, I hope.” He shakes his head and smiles, taking my hand in his. “Let’s enjoy tonight.”

  Conversation flows with ease between us, considering our shaky start. I learn so much about him. He and Logan, although only being in the same club for the past two seasons, have known each other a lot longer because they both play in the national squad. I know they’re friends, but I didn’t realise just how close they were. I laugh at some of the antics they have got up to over the years, and not once does he mention other girls. Although, I know they’ve had their fair share of one-night stands.

  “What about you, growing up with Logan and Fletcher?”

  “Having one brother was bad enough, but when Fletcher all but moved in with us, it was difficult. I had the two of them watching my every move, and boys ran for the hills when the two of them interfered in my life. But, now, looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Because they always had each other, and when Fletcher came to stay, he had family stability and I grew to love him as much as I loved Logan.”

  “Should Jess be worried?” Jackson teases me.

  “God! Hell, no. He’s as much my brother as Logan is in my eyes.”

  Jackson orders more wine for me and water for himself as the waiter clears away our starter plates. “What’s next with your career?” he asks me.

  “I have a lot of work at home for the next few months, so no travelling for me, and for the first time, I’m excited not to be going anywhere. I w
ant to spend time with my family, especially Chloe. I don’t want to be the aunt that just gets to see all her milestones via social media.”

  “She is a cutie.”

  “She really is. And Chance…”

  “That guy I hit.”

  “Yes. He’s going to be the face of Sid’s company. He and his wife will be flying to Scotland.”

  “That’s great for Sid. I should probably apologise to him again for my behaviour.”

  “Maybe.” I don’t allow either of us to dwell on that night in Vegas as I change the subject of our conversation.

  “Why are you stopping here?” I ask as he parks his car farther along the riverbank from my building.

  “Because I want to walk you home, instead of just dropping you off outside the building.”

  “You mean you’re prolonging saying goodnight? You could stay.” The words are out of my mouth before I realise I’ve said them.

  “No. As much as I’d love nothing more than to stay with you tonight, I promised you a proper date, and that doesn’t involve falling into bed.”

  “Who said anything about making it to the bedroom?” I’m the one teasing now.

  We both get out of the car and I stand and stare across the river. Street lights are shining, and the water ripples under the dark night sky. It’s so peaceful here at night; that’s what I love about it. I’m right in the heart of the city, yet you wouldn’t even notice. I wait as he locks the car before joining me and taking my hand in his. It feels so natural.

  We walk along the riverbank in silence. His fingertips are lightly stroking against my hand. My body starts to buzz, and I know he wants this to be the perfect night and behave like a gentleman, but I want him. We stop by the railing opposite my building. “And now I’ve walked you home,” he says, spinning me to face him so is my back against the railings. His arms wrap around my waist, his body pressing against mine.

  “Come in,” I all but beg him.

  “Not this time. I’m not about to ruin a perfect night because you’d wake up in an empty bed as I have an early start in the morning. There will be other nights that I’ll stay.”

  “You promise?” I whisper.

  “Yes.” He presses his lips to mine, softly and sweetly. Not hurried or in a frenzy of lust, and I’m surprised he doesn’t push for more. I wrap my arms around his neck, wanting to hold on to him for as long as I can, because when our lips part and we go our separate ways, I don’t know when I’ll see him again.

  Jackson pulls back, his eyes on me, and I know what he’s about to say. “It’s time for me to go.”

  I shiver. “Will you stay in touch whilst you’re gone?”

  He smiles. “Try stopping me. Now, go on. I’ll stand here until you’re inside the building.”

  “I’d rather you were joining me.”

  “Next time.”

  I press my lips to his in a brief kiss before turning and walking away. “Goodnight, Jackson,” I call over my shoulder. “Thank you for a perfect date.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Oh, Chloe, you’re too tired, sweetheart. And what’s more, Auntie Sam is too. I have no idea how mummy manages when you’re like this.”

  I have a crying Chloe in my arms while I pace my living room floor. I know she’s not like this all the time because she’s usually so happy and content. But it’s past her bedtime. She’s been bathed, changed, and fed, and she’s struggling to keep her tiny eyes open, but she’s refusing to give in and fall asleep. Logan wanted to take Lee out tonight, and I offered to keep Chloe with me so they didn’t have to rush back. What was I thinking?

  I was thinking I’d have a nice night with Chloe and she’d help keep my mind off a certain football player who has been consuming my thoughts these last few days. Well, nights. During the day, I’m too busy with work to think about him, but when I’m home alone, he’s all I think about. And it doesn’t help that he’s taken to texting me just before my bedtime each night.

  I always reply to him, but that just sets my mind racing about what if. What if when he comes home, he wants to see me again on a regular basis? Will that make us a couple? I shouldn’t be thinking like this. We’ve not spoken about what’s next. Knowing Jackson and his reputation, he’ll probably hook up with someone whilst he’s away. I close my eyes briefly as that thought enters my head.

  The crying has stopped; my cue for us to go to bed. Logan and Lee brought Chloe’s crib over and it’s set right beside my bed. I can’t be thinking about Jackson, not tonight. Not whilst looking after Chloe. I wander through the flat, switching off lights and ensuring the front door is locked before entering my bedroom and laying her down in her crib. I stand in awe of her; she’s still so tiny and perfect. I think she looks like Logan more than Lee, but I know she’ll change a lot over the coming months and then years, developing her own attitude and personality.

  Climbing into bed, I pick up my phone before switching off the bedside light. There are no messages from Lee or Logan, which is good. It means they’re enjoying their night out before he has to meet up with the team. But I do have other messages.

  Kate: Some friend you are. If I ever have to do a shoot with another photographer, especially male, YOU have to be with me.

  Shit! I wonder what the hell has happened.

  Me: Please tell me you’re ok?

  While waiting on her response, I open another text.

  Mum: You should’ve told me you were having Chloe tonight. I could’ve come over.

  Me: Sorry I’ve not looked at my phone all night. We’ve had a great night. She’s sleeping in her crib beside me and I’m in bed. Speak to you tomorrow. Night xx

  The speech bubbles are opened on Kate’s name.

  Kate: I’m fine. I don’t rate the photographer as being professional though. Even the PR rep wasn’t happy with him. Hope you’ve had a good night with Chloe xx

  Me: Had a great night. I’m now in bed. Are we still on for dinner tomorrow?

  Kate: Yes. Goodnight xx

  Me: Goodnight xx

  My fingers are already typing, searching, and I know I shouldn’t, but when has that ever stopped me? I open my Dropbox and scroll until I find his name and open. There he is before me, image after image. All the pictures except one that I sent to Sid from Jackson’s gym photoshoot. The last picture… there’s just something too personal in that for what Sid was looking for that day.

  It’s the hidden depth in his eyes, the way I’ve caught him completely off guard. There’s a story behind his look, I’m just not sure what it is.

  Quickly, I scroll through my text messages until I find Jackson’s last message from last night and I send him the picture.

  My phone flashes instantly, and I answer it with my eyes on Chloe. “What’s wrong?” I whisper.

  “Why are you whispering? Do you have someone sleeping in your bed?” he asks in a hushed voice.

  “I have Chloe sleeping in her crib beside me.”

  “So, no hot guys, just a cute baby.”

  “No hot guys. Why are you calling?”

  “You can’t send me that picture and not expect me to reply. Shit! I look hot.”

  I shake my head, smirking at his arrogance. “And you would totally do yourself if you could.”

  “Well… I’m hoping a hot chick might do me when I get back to good-ol-sunny Glasgow.”

  I gulp down the gasp, hoping he hasn’t heard it, but when he sniggers, I know he has.

  “I don’t think the female sex like to be called chicks,” I say, watching Chloe as she moves her head. I think she’s going to wake, but she doesn’t. She snuggles back into a deep sleep.

  “No, maybe that’s not a word I should use. What do you suggest?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “I like this,” he says softly.

  “Like what?”

  “Talking to you. I think it will be my new thing at night instead of texting. I could listen to your voice until I fall asleep and then my only dreams would be of
you.”

  “Sweet talker.”

  “Is it working?”

  “It’s time for me to hang up and get some sleep because I’m sure Chloe will be up in a few hours.”

  “Okay, but what made you send that picture tonight?” he asks.

  “I’m not sure.”

  “I’ll say goodnight and leave you to think about that then. Night, Sam. Speak to you bedtime tomorrow.”

  “Goodnight,” I say, and our call ends. I stare blankly at my phone and part of me wants to call him back and ask him what the hell he means. Why did I send him that picture tonight? I don’t know.

  But with a smile on my face, I close my eyes. With pictures of Jackson Taylor in my head, I’m not sure I’ll drift off into a deep sleep.

  My night and morning with Chloe have been pretty good. Maybe I shouldn’t mention to Lee and my brother that she was an angel and slept from eleven p.m. to six-thirty this morning. I really expected to be up with her through the night at least once. So, now it’s almost lunchtime and Logan has messaged me to say he’s on his way. I was hoping it would be Lee, giving me some time to talk to her about these stupid feelings I have for Jackson. Find out if this is how she felt with my brother.

  I hear the front door open. “Well, gorgeous girl, it looks like Daddy is here to take you home. I think we should tell him you’ve to come and spend more time with Auntie Sam, what do you think?” I tickle under her chin and she smiles at me.

  “Oh, is Auntie Sam feeling broody?” I lift my head at Logan’s question. He’s standing in the doorway of the room, watching me with Chloe.

  “No,” I say with confidence. “But I’m loving spending time with her.”

  “Looks like my girl is enjoying time with you. Has she behaved?” he asks, coming and sitting beside me.

  “Yes, we have both behaved. Did you have a good night out?”