About That...: A Small Town Romantic Comedy

by Sylvie Stewart

  It took less than two seconds to locate Cal. His helmet stood a good six inches above the next tallest player, and even in his pads and uniform, I’d recognize him anywhere. A whistle blew and the players approached the line of scrimmage to take their positions. If I craned my neck a bit to get a look at Cal’s ass in his tight football pants, it was only because it was the polite thing to do—I mean, he’d gone to all the trouble of dressing up.

  The ball was snapped and the opposing team’s quarterback stepped back looking for a receiver. Cal shook off two offensive linemen and went straight for the quarterback.

  Before I even knew what I was doing, I was on my feet screaming Cal’s name and whistling as he took the quarterback down. It was a thing of beauty and I wasn’t the only one cheering. I was, however, the loudest, which I realized as Cal pulled himself up to standing and his eyes homed in directly on me. Oh well, too late. I bit my lip and sent him a small wave. My heart thumped loudly in my chest. How would he react at seeing me? It turned out I’d have to wait because Cal’s focus returned to the game after only a few seconds and a blank expression.

  Shit! Had I completely blown any chance with him? The sudden urge to turn tail and run swept over me. But, no. I was going to see this through—it was worth it, even if he told me to go to hell. Why didn’t they serve cocktails at these games?

  Two plays later and Cal returned to the sidelines as his team took over on offense. I watched him pull off his helmet and run a hand through his sweaty hair. It somehow looked longer than it had a few days earlier and I hated that I missed even something as mundane as that. Bottom line, Cal looked ten kinds of yummy, and it took every bit of restraint I had not to jump off the bleachers and scale him like a mountain goat.

  His back was to me and even my best Jedi mind tricks couldn’t make him turn around. This was not looking good for me. The wimpy part of me said to take my things and go. I needed him to look at me. If I could see his eyes, I’d know. But I had no such luck, so I pretended to watch the game instead of staring at Cal’s back.

  By halftime, I was a mess. I’d already scared the kid next to me by mumbling angrily to myself. His mom eventually made some lame excuse and took him away, clearly assuming I would transform into my non-human form by the end to the game and figuring her luck might be better in a different seat. But I couldn’t bring myself to care. Cal still hadn’t looked at me again. The ref called halftime and each team returned to their respective benches.

  But I was done. I’d clearly blown any chance I had with Cal, so I was hitting the road. My plans included calling the girls for a consolation drink and then cleaning out the animal shelter of every cat in residence—especially any three-legged or extra evil ones. A new focus would be good for me since I wouldn’t be getting laid anytime soon.

  I snatched up my purse and debated leaving the paper bag. It seemed pointless now and I felt a bit ridiculous that I’d gone to the trouble at all. But before I could make up my mind, my eyes drifted back for one last look at Cal. My jaw tensed and my chest tightened as a tall blonde in shorts and a tight red t-shirt sauntered over to him, uncaring of the halftime huddle they were having. She put a hand on his shoulder and he turned to her, one side of his mouth kicking up at the sight of her giant rack, no doubt. My heart fell to the pit of my stomach.

  What had I done?!

  My muscles remained clenched as I watched her talk to Cal and then laugh. But he’d turned, so I couldn’t see his expression. This wouldn’t do at all. I forced my body to move and jumped off the bleachers, making my way down the field so I could get a better view. But the blonde was done talking to him. It hadn’t taken long for her to communicate whatever message she had. I suppose telling someone they’re hot and you want to have their babies really doesn’t take all that long if you think about it.

  To make things even worse, the blonde turned and began walking my way. Since I had no desire to humiliate myself, I pretended to receive a phone call and lifted my phone to my ear just as she passed by. “Hi, Brian!” My smile threatened to crack my face in half.

  But I wasn’t very good at this whole subterfuge thing because my eyes inadvertently locked with hers for a split second. She grinned and winked at me. Winked! I wanted to deck her, but I was supposed to be talking to Brian somebody. “It’s so good to hear your voice!” I forced an overenthusiastic giggle.

  The blonde kept walking, but at the last second, she mouthed the words, “Your phone is upside down,” and then sent me one last grin.

  I pulled the phone from my ear and stared at it. Sure enough, the microphone had been at my ear. There was no saving this shitshow—I needed a do-over on this entire day. I sighed and tucked my phone back into my purse and turned for the parking lot.

  “I never took you for a fair-weather fan.”

  The voice stopped me in my tracks, my heart jumping and belly pitching at the mere sound. I bit my lip and closed my eyes.

  “What’s the matter? I kind of enjoyed having my own cheering section.”

  I slowly turned and drank in the sight of Cal standing before me, damp with sweat and looking stupid sexy. “You didn’t seem to like it all that much.”

  He managed to look sheepish for just a second. “Well, I was trying to be mad. You did block my number, after all.” His face split in an adorable, if not slightly annoying and smug, grin. He took a step closer and I crossed my arms, feeling a bit testy all of a sudden—but it only made his grin wider. “So, I just had an interesting conversation with my ex.”

  Say what? Those were not the words I expected to come out of his mouth. My jaw dropped as realization dawned. The blonde! Oh, Jesus, I was an idiot. “Yeah, about that…” I felt my face flush and I trapped my lip between my teeth as I braced. But, yikes! There came the melty eyes. Oh, my.

  He took another step toward me. “So, a few weeks ago, when you said your brother explained everything to you, you basically meant he explained absolutely nothing to you.”

  It wasn’t really a question, but I bobbed my head back and forth, considering it anyway. “I suppose you could say that.”

  Cal nodded, his grin falling as he came forward another step, putting him right in my space. “And is it safe to assume you don’t think I’m a deadbeat dad anymore?”

  I dropped my arms to my sides and squeezed my eyes shut at that. “Um, yes.” Then I opened one to look back at him. “But, to be fair, I never said you were a deadbeat dad. I don’t generally associate with deadbeats, you know.”

  His look turned soft. “I know. You were looking out for Phoebe.”

  I nodded and opened the other eye, silently pleading for him to forgive me. “Yes. I was looking out for Phoebe, whom I now know is your very sweet and adorable niece. Not your daughter.” I covered my face with my free hand and heard Cal laugh.

  “It’s almost impressive how we got so far with this enormous misunderstanding between us. But it sure does explain a lot.”

  “You’re not kidding. And I’m so sorry. You must have thought I was insane.”

  His grin was back and it made my belly flip again. “Truthfully, I thought it was cute as hell. Until you ditched me, that is.”

  “I didn’t want to.” I shook my head.

  Cal’s hand reached out and he hooked one of my fingers. “I know.” Then he pulled my hand toward him. “You’re lucky I had to go out of town for field work this week or I would have caved and staked out your apartment.”

  My heart soared at that. A whistle blew and we both turned at the sound. “I guess you should get back out there.”

  “Only if you’ll stay.” I got the melty eyes again.

  I nodded and sent him a relieved smile. “I’ll be the obnoxious one in the back.”

  “Your mom sure does make good-looking boys.”

  Cal scowled at me, making me laugh as I snuggled back into his chest. We were at his apartment later that afternoon and he was showing me pictures of his brother, some with Lisa and Phoebe, and others with his Army buddies
. At my first glimpse of Tim in his Army fatigues, I’d wanted to do a couple things—congratulate Lisa for her choice in hot men, and smack myself upside the head for not putting two and two together earlier. Cal laughed when I told him about the picture Phoebe had drawn and her reference to her dad’s “tired” clothes, noting that they all found her description too cute to correct her.

  And, although Tim was undoubtedly hot, I preferred the Evans brother whose arms were around me.

  “He’s just photogenic. You’ll see exactly how hideous he is next time he’s home.”

  “Do you know when that’ll be?” Now that I understood Phoebe’s dad was deployed, my heart hurt for her and Lisa. On the other hand, Cal’s dedication to his family and his willingness to be there for his sister-in-law and his niece made me adore him all the more.

  “Hopefully next month if everything works out as planned. He’s supposed to have a year at home then.”

  “Well, I’ll keep my fingers and toes crossed that it happens that way.” I looked up at him. “And then I’m going to hold you to that promise of a barbecue dinner.”

  Cal laughed, damp hair from his shower falling over his forehead. “I should have known that would be your first thought.”

  I shot up in my seat. “I almost forgot!” The paper bag had landed with my purse by the door when we’d come in. I hurried over to retrieve it. “Now, the quality won’t be exactly top-notch since it’s been in here for a couple hours, but this is for you.” I held the bag out to Cal and he reached for it with a hesitant hand.

  “Should I be scared?”

  I narrowed my eyes and came closer.

  Cal opened the bag and pulled out two foil-wrapped items, eyeing me curiously. I just smiled back. As soon as he unwrapped the first one, a laugh erupted from his chest. “Is this what I think it is?”

  I wiggled my eyebrows and motioned for him to open the other packet.

  “Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

  I plopped down next to him on the couch. “Well, since we’ve already established that I’m wrong about fifty percent of the time, I figured I might be wrong about this too.” I pointed to the pickle pimento corn dog I’d made before the game and the hot dog with mustard and relish sitting next to it on Cal’s lap.

  “There’s only one way to find out.” He looked suspiciously at the corn dog as he lifted it to his mouth. Then he took a huge bite, making me snort-laugh. Cal chewed thoughtfully before swallowing and raising an eyebrow at me. “That was, hands down, the most revolting thing I’ve eaten in a long time.” This only made me laugh harder. He shook his head and shoved half the mustard and relish dog in his mouth, making moans of satisfaction before holding it out for me to take a bite.

  It was okay, but nowhere near as good as the corn dog, which I devoured shortly after. I licked my lips, drawing Cal’s attention to my mouth. “I was wrong as can be about a lot of things, Cal, but this wasn’t one of them.”

  He chuckled and came in for a kiss, making me forget all about food and football and anything but warm lips, the pull in my belly, and the rapid beat of my heart telling me it liked where we were headed.

  Cal pulled back abruptly, making my head spin and my lady bits call foul. “Wait. Just to confirm, your school doesn’t have any policies regarding this, does it?” He motioned back and forth between us.

  I smiled. “Well, I’m sure making out in front of students is discouraged, but no. Uncles are fair game, as far as I know.”

  “Good.” Cal leaned in again, grazing my lips with his. “Because I have plans.” His words vibrated against my lips, sending tingles down my spine.

  I grinned at him in return. “I can’t wait.”

  We hope you enjoyed About That…

  Want to see Sam find love?

  Read Jenna and Sam’s story in the full-length novel, Then Again, now available in ebook and paperback. Start with the excerpt next.

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  Then Again - Excerpt

  CHAPTER ONE

  When Life Gives You Lemons, Try Flirting

  Holy mother of … abs.

  My teeth caught on my lip as I let the blinds fall back in place.

  “Stop being such a pussy and get your ass out there!” Jill hip-checked me, almost sending me to the floor.

  “Just give me a minute. Geez.” I drew in a cleansing breath before letting it out slowly.

  “They’re just men.” She parted the blinds again to have another look while I attempted to gather myself. “Dayum. Did you see one of them took his shirt off? I’m officially done complaining about this holiday heat wave.”

  While I was thrilled at the prospect of an end to my sister’s constant moaning about eighty-degree temperatures in December, her enthusiasm over my new neighbor was doing nothing to curb my oncoming panic attack.

  Jill fanned herself, despite the comfortable temperature of my air-conditioned dining room. “If you can’t close the deal I might have to break up with Hank and get me a bite of that one.”

  This had me scowling. “Wow, you’re so classy, Jill. Please, teach me your ways.” I let my flat tone communicate my sarcasm.

  She dropped the blind again and met my scowl. “Enough stalling. If Mom’s lemonade doesn’t work on the hottie neighbor or his friend, then nothing will.” She looked me up and down. “Unless you’re willing to reconsider the bikini top.”

  I coughed out a half-laugh. If one of us were going to wear a bikini it would have to be Jill. Although we shared the same dark, wavy hair, that’s where the resemblance ended. She was tall and thin while I leaned a bit more toward curvy. But she somehow lucked out and got the same size boobs as me. “Yeah, that would be more likely to send them running. Nobody wants to see my stretch marks.” I flattened a hand over my stomach where those stubborn extra pounds liked to rest.

  “Badges of honor, sis. You carried two watermelons in there for nine months! Screw anybody who cares about a few scars.” Her hands perched on her hips as she postured in mama-bear mode—regardless of the fact she was six years my junior.

  My lips twitched and I pulled her into a hug, letting some of my stress melt. “You know I’m only giving you a pass on the cussing jar because the girls are gone, right?”

  “Yeah, yeah.” She feigned aloofness but hugged me back anyway. Then I felt the sharp sting of her hand on my ass. “Now grab that tray and get on out there! Hot men are waiting to be seduced.”

  I pulled back and dropped my eyes to my outfit. I’d gone with a snug pink tank that showed off my assets, and a denim skirt that was probably a bit too short for a thirty-four-year-old, but I tried not to think about that. My fingers pulled at the skirt hem as I crossed to the kitchen counter to retrieve the tray of sweet lemonade our mother was known for. Condensation already beaded on the pitcher, and I wasn’t even out in the heat yet. It had felt like a sin to turn on the air conditioning at this time of year, but it seemed I was doing a lot of things I wouldn’t normally do lately.

  Jill opened the front door for me, and I swear, if I hadn’t been balancing a laden tray, she would have physically pushed me outside—probably with a foot to my ass. “Tits out,” she commanded before closing the door and leaving me on my own. Crap.

  My preview through the living room window told me exactly what I’d see when I lifted my eyes: my very hot and apparently very single new neighbor. I’d spotted him coming and going in his sleek black car over the last two weeks as contractors swarmed the house like busy ants preparing the place for his occupancy. The guy was tall and muscular, with dark hair that was a touch too long to be conservative and an ass that was a touch too nice to be ignored. I had yet to introduce myself, unable to move past stalker mode as I kept tabs on his movements from the safety of my dining room. But today was clearly move-in day, so an introduction was not only appropriate, it was compulsory. I’d been trying to psych myself up since his arrival this morning with a full
truck and a friend to help him unload it. The same friend whose abs I’d just spied through the window and was about to get a closer look at—whether I was ready or not.

  Unfortunately, I’d made the colossal mistake of spilling the beans about my hot neighbor to my sister. Clearly, I was a slow learner because less than thirty minutes after I’d hung up the phone, she barged her tiny little ass through my front door and directly into my business. Thus, my current errand to deliver lemonade—and myself—on a platter for the taking.

  I could say I didn’t know how I’d gotten myself into this situation, but I knew exactly how it had happened. And I chose to blame it all on Mike, my bastard ex-husband. Of course, Mike hadn’t always been a bastard. In fact, he’d been the love of my life. It just so happened that I, apparently, had not been the love of his. That realization was a blow I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

  But I’d already wasted too much mental energy on Mike, so it was time to return my focus to the tasty lemonade and the even tastier new neighbor and his friend. Come on, Jenna, you can do this. I took another deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and pushed the girls out as far as they would go. God, I hoped I didn’t look like some puffed-up tropical bird. My eyes remained glued to the tray as the ice clinked against the sides of the pitcher with each step down my driveway. It was only when I reached the sidewalk that I dared look up.

  And there he was—tall, dark, and sweaty. And living right next door to me.

  It couldn’t be mere coincidence that had landed this man in my path the very same week I’d vowed to get back my love life—I mean, sex life—hmm… love life? Hell, I didn’t know. Whatever it was, I knew it involved a hot man who shared absolutely nothing in common with my ex. I swallowed thickly and plastered what I hoped was a casual yet flirty smile on my face.