by Scott, Kylie
“You’re doing great. And your body’s going to love you for all those vitamins and minerals.” He’s also moved and is now sitting on Jake’s bro-home black leather sofa. Hetero men. Like a splash of color and a few throw cushions would kill them. Honestly.
After downing about half of the lukewarm coffee, I smile. “Thank you, Evan.”
“Looking after you is my pleasure.” There’s so much warmth in his voice it makes me tingly. I never stood a chance against this man. He’s so sweet. And I do like my sweet things. “Meet you out on the balcony?”
“I’m not going out on the balcony with my butt on display.”
A heavy sigh. “Come on…you put on those little shorts.”
“That show a lot of cheek!”
He grins. “I know.” He waggles his brows. “I had to try. You know I had to try.”
“Mmm hmm.” I slump down on the sofa, alternating sips of coffee and smoothie. “And I appreciate your enthusiasm for seeing my cellulite in the cold light of day.”
“I love your curves, baby. You’re perfect from head to toe and I refuse to hear any different.”
“You’re awfully good for my ego, Mr. Sparks.”
His voice drops by about an octave as he says, “I intend to be good for you in a lot of ways.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Gah. My mind has officially melted. “That’s the smile I need for my cell wallpaper. That exact one.”
“Later on I’ll send you a picture,” he promises.
“Why thank you.”
“Finish up your breakfast and I’ll see you on the balcony for yoga, okay?”
“It’s a date.”
My cell chimes and a picture of Eamon appears on screen. He’s grinning and flexing an arm. Oh, my. So many muscles. And he knows what the sight of his body does to me. Since we’re both still isolating for fourteen days for safety, I’m back in my own apartment. I’m not sure if this is the right decision or not. The man muddles up my mind and stirs my hormones to peak crazy conditions. But at the end of the day, we barely know each other.
He says he wants to get to know me. So, I’m going to let him. From a distance.
We may have gotten much closer than six feet as a result of the mugging and him recusing me. However, a little caution now won’t hurt. I don’t want to be a momentary distraction for him. Nothing against one-night stands, but this time I want more. As scary as things are right now, he makes me feel things. Good things. Things I don’t want to take for granted. Or get prematurely attached to in case he changes his mind.
“Come out on the balcony,” he texts.
After first fluffing up my hair and applying a little lip gloss, I do just that. And he’s waiting, looking so good it ought to be a sin. He has this dimple in his chin that drives me wild. And then there’s the knowing look in his eyes. Like he has a hand down my panties and knows exactly the state they’re in. My face heats at the thought.
“Katie, you’re blushing.” He grins and my knees go weak.
“I was just…doing things.”
He tips his chin. “What sort of things?”
“You know, cleaning, scrubbing the tub,” I lie. Because staring into space and daydreaming about him was the only thing I’ve successfully accomplished so far today. Also, I am obviously a conversation mastermind. Next, I’ll give him a step by step about cleaning the toilet. “How about you?”
“You can definitely give me a good scrub in the shower anytime you like.” There’s a smile in his gaze. A particularly heated one. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers plays softly on his stereo and the song only adds to the atmosphere building between us.
My mouth hangs open. He did not just say that. “Eamon. I…the things you say. This is all happening so fast.”
“Beautiful, you’ve been spying on me for the last week.”
“That’s so embarrassing. You knew all along? I can’t believe you didn’t say something.”
“I not only knew, but I liked it. A lot,” he says, a hint of a growl in his voice. As if men like him even considered getting in deep with girls like me. “Don’t stare at the ground, Katie. Look at me. See me.”
Emotion all but chokes me. “I do, Eamon.”
“And I see you too.”
All I can do is sigh. This is a dream. It must be. My prince charming stands across from me on his balcony in basketball shorts and nothing more. His proud manhood tents the front of them so large and erect it’s vaguely threatening. Could a girl even hope of witnessing a more glorious sight? The passion he has for me. The fervor.
Immediately, his expression turns to one of pure conviction. “Come to me, Katie. Come for me.”
“I can’t. You know I can’t.” I swallow hard, my throat so dry it’s painful. “We have to be apart.”
I re-read the page I just sent Zahra via e-mail and click back over to Facebook Messenger and watch the little bubbles as she types on her side of the world.
Zahra: Good God, this couple is hilarious. And hot.
Me: Thank you, ma’am. Figure we could all do with laughter right about now. Sending more pages soon. How are you?
Zahra: Children are running amuck and I’m on the verge of day drinking. The prize at homeschool today will be awarded to whichever student manages to not annoy the living shit out of their principal and teacher—moi.
Me: Yeah? What’s the prize?
Zahra: Some candy left over from last Halloween that I found at the back of the cupboard. Lol
Me: AWESOME PRIZE
Zahra: Thank you for the puzzles and toys. It kept them occupied for a full five minutes before they started running around the house yelling like lunatics. How’s your father?
Me: Better. I got to talk to him yesterday. Still a bit weak, but definitely hopefully on the mend. Mom is spooning bone broth into him at a scary rate while he bitches and demands a steak.
Zahra: I’m so glad he didn’t have it. A college age kid down the road came back from spring break with it and is now on a ventilator. It doesn’t look good.
Me: Oh no.
Zahra: At least his parents made him self-isolate when he got back.
Me: Fuck, this is scary. How the hell did we wind up living in times like these?
Zahra: I have no idea. Tell me about your hottie next door. Get my mind off things.
Me: We had a Skype date last night. We did things. Dirty things. Disgusting things.
Zahra: You ho. Good work. Glad to hear it.
Me: Thank you.
Zahra: So, what’s the black moment in your book going to be?
Me: Eamon has been accused of sleeping with the coach’s wife. But he was set up.
Zahra: Excellent chance for tension and emotional trauma.
Me: You betcha.
Zahra: Tho this fiction is awful close to your reality.
Me: Sports romance is hot. Scandals happen in sports all the time. As if Evan would actually read the book anyway. It’s not really about him. It’s fiction. He’s just my muse when it comes to certain aspects.
Zahra: Ok.
Me: Who even knows if we even have a future?
Zahra: You need to stop the negative bullshit caused by your idiot ex from spilling over into now. You made a mistake staying with Sean for a year. You learned from it. Now move on.
Me: I know, I know. I just don’t want to get my hopes up too high. Evan is so wonderful. But then Sean seemed okay at first too.
Zahra: Big difference between wonderful and okay.
Me: True.
Zahra: Just don’t settle this time. Be smart. You’re not afraid of being alone, so there’s no need to put up with trash. Take that shit out and be done with it. Expunge him from your mind and move on.
Me: You’re right.
Zahra: Of course, I am. And now my pupils have started a hair-pulling fight. I’ll catch up with you later.
Me: Later. Good luck. Xx
* * *
EVAN
After th
e sexy yoga sesh with Sadie, I showered and then sat down in front of the computer. I pull up my e-mail and see one from Polly. Not good news. Apparently half the media believes the truth behind the drug report released and the other half think it’s bogus, bought and paid for by the team.
I sigh and rub at the back of my neck. Tension filters back into my temples as I review the coach’s report. Reading the details, I perk up. Fuck yes. None of the guys tested positive for doping.
I stand up and fist punch the air several times like I’m Rocky Balboa. Yes! Maybe now the guys won’t think so poorly of me. Having that weight on my shoulders has not helped. Even though it sure has put a lot into perspective about the brotherhood. Instead of talking shit behind my back, they should have come to me. Asked what happened. I read through more of the e-mail and the coach says my contract is still under review with the legal team. What the hell? Shouldn’t my innocence and that of the rest of the team clear me?
Picking up the phone, I dial Trina, the team secretary. She’s always been like a favorite auntie to me. We’ve shared a bond since the very beginning when she found out I was motherless and all alone in California. In fact, I used to go to Friday night dinner at her house with her family at least once a month before this lockdown business.
“Hello, young man. I was wondering when you were going to get around to calling me.” Her voice is hoarse when she answers.
“Hey Trina, how are you feeling?”
“Oh fine, just fine. A little tickle in my throat I haven’t been able to shake the last couple days. Nothing to worry about. It’s probably allergies.”
Trina is in her later fifties and has three sons, all working in sports in one way or another. One is a sports doctor, the other a lawyer, and the last a pro baseball player. Each is fiercely protective of their mother, but none of them live in the area.
“How’s Tom? Keeping an eye on you?” I ask, referring to her husband of thirty years. High school sweethearts and still devoted to one another. A love like theirs makes me believe true love does exist, you just have to find the right person. Maybe I have.
“Definitely. He’s making me some herbal tea now. How are you?”
I groan. “You seen the reports?”
“Clean as a whistle as expected. I knew you didn’t do those things. I know you like to party, but you’ve never been a drug user.”
Well, I’ve smoked in my time but no need to go there. Besides it’s legal so it’s not a drug anymore. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
“Yeah, and I wouldn’t screw over my team by doping or pawning that shit off on my teammates. We win games with hard work, skill, and talent. Maybe even a dose of luck but never by shooting up poison.”
“I know, I told that very thing to the coach. He said he wasn’t so sure.”
“Really? He said that?”
“Mmm hmm. Got me mighty pissed off, and you don’t want to get me angry as you well know.”
“That I do. So, what’s the word you’ve heard around there?”
“Legal team is reviewing your contract and the parameters. The issue is image. The damage the scandal has done is being evaluated against the moral and ethical conduct clause in your contract. I assume you’d figured that out.”
“Yes, but I was set up! By some chick named Mindy. She doped me at a party, brought me to that room, and must have taken pics then sold them to the media. Which is why I called. Wanted to know if you’d heard the name before. Any of the guys seeing a woman by that name?”
“Mindy? Got a last name?”
I sigh heavily. “No, unfortunately not. Maybe you can ask around some of the guys and cheerleaders when you have your calls?” Trina would be checking in on all fifty players and the entire cheerleading team. The woman was like the team Mom and we were all her baby chicks.
“Well, it’s an uncommon name. I’ll definitely bring it up and keep my ear to the ground.”
“Thanks, Trina. I appreciate it.”
She coughs and attempts to clear her throat. It sounds super dry. Hair on the back of my neck rises and a slither of fear worms its way into my thoughts. “You sure you don’t have a fever?”
Trina groans. “Stop fretting. I’m fine. We’re closing in on April for goodness sake. They’re shaking those damn almond trees all over the state. It’s hell on my allergies. Farms don’t stop working just because the rest of us are holed up. They need to feed the people.”
“True. Just have Tom check you daily, yeah? For me? Just to be safe.”
She hums, but it sounds more like a disgruntled animal groan than anything else. “Fine. Fine. I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything through the rumor mill or any whispers down the line from legal. Keep a stiff upper lip, my dear. This will all work out in the wash.”
“I sure hope so. Playing ball is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
“Perhaps you should consider this time to reflect and consider what you’d want to do after you retire from the game. Maybe put some time into other hobbies or interests.”
“Couldn’t hurt.” The idea about buying that bar my brother works for comes to mind.
What else would I want to do if I wasn’t in the game anymore? It’s hard to even fathom not being a part of football in some manner. I’ve got years before I’m obsolete as a running back, but if I leave the game, I want to do so on my terms. Not because some asshole set me up.
“Thanks for everything, Trina. I’ll think about it. Keep me posted on anything you hear.”
“Will do, sweetie. Take care.”
“You too.”
I end the call and pull up my brother’s contact information.
“Ev, how’s it hanging, brother!” Curt’s voice is a welcome sound that has me smiling where I sit.
“Staying inside. Avoiding the paps and this crazy virus. You?”
“Pretty much the same. Hey, got the wire of the five grand you sent. I normally wouldn’t accept, but…”
“You’re there helping take care of Dad.” I remind him of the very real fact that I haven’t been there to help support our old man physically in a long time.
“Me? Taking care of him? He’d lose his mind if he heard you say that.” He chuckles.
“You mowing the lawns? Picking up groceries. Helping make dinner?”
“Fuck, yeah. You know I am. Just yesterday I had to crawl under the house to fix a pipe that was acting up.”
“Exactly. If I were there, I’d be halving that load. Sending a little extra money is me halving that load. True?”
He makes a sound as though he were sucking breath through his teeth. “True.”
“Then not another word about it, yeah?”
“Cool. Dad says you’ve got a woman. Sadie, I think he said?”
I smile wide. “I do. Met her on the balcony.’
“How’s that work? Dating a woman you can’t touch?”
I laugh out loud and pound my knuckles on the desk. “It’s tricky for sure. We do a lot of chatting on the balcony, phone calls, video dates. Shit like that.”
“And the sex? How’s that working for ya?”
“You’d be surprised, bro. Visuals and voice calls go a long way towards wettin’ the whistle, if you know what I mean.”
“Okay, okay, I get ya. Happy for you, dude. Cool as hell you finding something good to hold onto during all this shit with the world and your career.”
“Which brings me back to my call. I want to get Dad out of that cannery and you out of working for someone else.”
“Whatcha thinking?”
“Buying the bar you work for. Or creating a new one from scratch. Having you and Dad own it and work it together.”
“And what would your role be?”
“Silent partner. I need an investment and you and Dad need something of your own. Win-win for the Sparks family.”
“No shit, Ev? You want to buy us a bar?” I can hear my brother’s volume ramp up which means he’s getting excited.
“Yeah, man.
You and Dad need to work for yourselves and I don’t trust anyone else with my investments but family. What do you think?”
“I think you’re handing me a fucking bar!”
I snicker. “Yeah, I guess I am. Though you have to do all the work. I’m just the investor. First thing—do some research. See if the bar owner is willing to sell. If not, look for another building. Find out rates and so on. Then when you’ve got something going, let me know.”
“And Dad? How we gonna get him to quit a lifelong career in the factory?”
“Let’s think on that too. The both of us. My hope is if you get it all set up, I put in the cash, then we tell him we need him to help run it. He’d love nothing more than serving drinks and shooting the shit with his buddies who would no doubt come in to drink where he serves. And it gets him working less hours. Doing something he enjoys for once. Let’s just think on it. You do your research and we’ll circle back around. Sound good?”
“Fuck, yeah. Sounds amazing. I’m all over this, bro. Appreciate your belief in me.”
“Always. Now get to work. I want you to report back in a week and tell me what you find out.”
“On it. And thanks, Ev. You’re the best brother a guy could have. You will make it through this with the truth as your defense.”
“That’s the plan. Love you, bro.”
“Right back attcha. Bye.”
Pride fills my chest as I sit back and balance on two legs of the chair. My brother will go full speed on this, that’s a given. Dad will be a bit harder sell, but eventually he’ll see reason. He always does. I can’t wait to tell Sadie my plan. Hell, I can’t wait to hear her voice again, even though I promised her I’d wait until tomorrow so she could get some work done.
Turning back around, I face the computer and click on the cheerleaders’ Facebook page to start my search for a blonde named Mindy.
CHAPTER 11
QUARANTINE: DAY 11
EVAN
I FLOP BACK AGAINST THE couch and sigh. Sadie’s gorgeous face is a mirror image of mine on the laptop screen. She has a content, whimsical smile that I wish more than anything I could kiss right now. Especially after sharing yet another round of stellar video sex.
