Page 42 of Falling Stars (Wild at Heart #2)

MAVERICK

As I pull up to my old high school in Baylee’s car, my phone rings. “Vale Security” flashes on the screen.

“Hey, Eddie. Thanks for getting back to me.”

“Sorry we’ve been playing phone tag. Listen, I’d love to help your girlfriend, but we’re booked solid through the month.”

Damn. Vale Security installs security for NFL teams and executives, so I’m not surprised they’re booked, but I can’t leave Baylee defenseless.

“What if my brothers and I install the cameras? Could you stop by and check Baylee’s system and let me know how we can refine it?

” Because I’m not sure how I can get on that flight to New York without Baylee.

Leaving her feels like my heart is being ripped out.

If she has a great security system, at least I’ll know she’s safe.

“I might be able to work in a consultation.”

“Put us down for that and then pencil us in for a follow-up appointment in case she needs additional systems put in place. I won’t be able to sleep at night if I think Baylee might be in danger. This asshole has given her nightmares.”

“Any idea who might have it out for her?”

I scrub my face with the palm of my hand. “My best guess is a rival salon. One of those women is always talking trash whenever she walks by, but I can’t say for sure.”

The soonest he can stop by is a few days after my flight. It’s better than nothing. We’ll install the cameras before I go.

I try to shake off the anxiety of that call as I walk into my old high school. It smells like cleaning agent mixed with textbooks, dirty teens, and nacho cheese.

It’s funny how a smell can take you back to a different time.

All I was worried about back then was winning my games every weekend and getting a scholarship to college.

“Maverick, it’s wonderful to see you,” my old principal says as she escorts me down to the gym. “The kids are thrilled about your visit!”

I wipe my clammy hands on my jeans. I have no idea what I’m supposed to say to them today. Coach just told me to come and that I’d figure it out as we went.

We pass by Baylee’s old locker, and I remember my beautiful girl leaning back and shyly smiling at me.

She was in love with me then, and I was too fucking stupid to see it. Too stupid to realize I loved her too. Too scared to take that next step with my best friend.

I wish I could go back to high school and shake some sense into myself.

The only thing I can do now is prove how much I love her. Like Rhett said, show her with my actions that she and Leo mean the world to me.

To me, that means getting her a top-of-the-line security system so we can catch the sick fuck who’s messing with her. Baylee has enough on her shoulders without having to deal with that crap.

I resist the urge to leave the sheriff another message. He’d better return my calls soon, or I’m gonna camp my ass at the police station until we can talk. I’m guessing the reason I haven’t heard back is because he doesn’t have any leads.

When we reach the gym, my old coach takes over my tour and shakes my hand. Once the principal leaves, Coach Taggert leans over and says, “I still remember when you were a freshman, and y’all released those frogs in the girls’ bathroom.”

“Sorry I was a little shit.”

He nods. “That’s par for the course. Come talk to my team. You’ll be happy to know they’re a whole new batch of little shits.”

Coach has the team sitting on the bleachers. We sit in two chairs to face the kids. One immediately raises his hand. “Maverick, I watched all of your college games. Did you really make millions of dollars when you got drafted?”

Coach rolls his eyes. “That’s kind of personal, don’t you think?”

I chuckle. “I appreciate you watching my games. Thanks for being a fan. My contract was for millions, but because I landed on the injured reserve list, I won’t make nearly that much because my contract wasn’t guaranteed. NFL teams can’t guarantee all the contracts because it’s a high-injury sport.”

“That sucks,” the kid grouses.

“Tell me about it.”

All the kids laugh, and my anxiety eases up.

A half-dozen hands go in the air, and Coach tells them to put them down. “How about we start with Mav sharing what his experience was like in high school. He can talk about what it took for him to become one of the top tight ends in Texas.”

I pat his shoulder. “It helped that I had a great coach.”

“Of course it did. Duh.”

We all crack up, and I turn back to the team.

“It helps to have a coach who helps you keep things in perspective. Coach Taggert never put too much pressure on us. If you’re here, it’s because you probably pressure yourself.

” Several kids nod. “It’s easy to love the game, especially if you have camaraderie.

In terms of mindset, I ate, slept, and drank football because I loved it. ”

I rub the back of my neck, wondering how honest I should be.

But maybe this will help one of the boys.

“Frankly, it was a good escape. My father was kind of an asshole. My brothers were great, but sometimes, they weren’t around.

And, well, football gave me a reason to be at school instead of at home. ”

Coach doesn’t say anything, but he knew my situation.

I scan the faces of the teens in front of me, and a few are looking like maybe they understand what I just said.

“Maybe you’re like me and this is an escape.

But it can be so much more if you invest yourself.

So my advice to you is to be here because you love it.

Because you love the game and your teammates.

Put your whole heart into it. Not everyone will go on to play in college, and that’s okay.

That doesn’t diminish your contribution one bit.

The fact that you’re a part of something special is reward enough. ”

A hand goes up, and I nod. “Was Coach Santos at Lone Star State scary? ’Cause he looked scary on TV.”

“He can be tough, but he’s also fair. He expects a lot out of everyone, just like Coach Taggert. And we need that. We need someone who sees us for the football players we’re going to be someday. I was kinda scrawny when I walked into this gym as a freshman, but Coach saw me for who I could be.”

As I say those words, I realize it also describes Baylee. She’s always looked at me like I’m the best version of myself.

The kids pepper me with more questions, and then Coach sends them outside to do drills. I help them with footwork and reading the plays. By the end of the afternoon, I’m hot and sweaty, but riding the kind of high you get from this game.

For the next few afternoons, I help them with drills. I get to know everyone’s names and positions, and I add their games to my calendar so I can watch them online in the fall.

After practice, Taggert pats me on the back. “You’re great with them.”

“Thank you, Coach. I’m having a blast.” It beats sitting around my condo and watching ESPN anchors rip me apart.

“Not to be nosy, but how’s your rehab going?” He lowers his voice. “I heard your injuries were pretty bad. Did you really break your neck?”

“I did.” I blow out a breath. “Couldn’t walk for three days. Scared the hell out of me.”

“I bet.” His bushy brows furrow. “A cervical spine fracture is pretty serious. My cousin got one, then got reinjured.”

“How’s he doing?”

His face goes grim. “He passed a week after getting hurt again.”

Fuck. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Stopping, he turns to me. “There’s no shame in quitting. I’m not saying you can’t get back to top fitness again, Maverick, but you’re still young. I’d hate for you to experience what my cousin did.”

“I hear what you’re saying.” Then I break out a familiar line. “Gotta see what my doctors say. One said I shouldn’t play again, and the other one is on the fence.”

“You’ve always been hard on yourself. Just listen to your body, okay?”

“Yes, sir.”

He crosses his arms. “What about that pretty lady you’ve been courting?”

I suppose everyone knows about us now after I serenaded her in public. “Baylee and I are solid.”

“That the same girl you used to run around with in high school? ”

“Yeah. We’ve been close for a long time.”

“She gonna head back to New York with you?”

Anxiousness coils in my gut. “We’re still figuring things out.”

But the more I think back to what Sylvia said, the more I realize Baylee needs to stay here. Even if Baylee could leave her shop, it’s not like Sean’s gonna follow us to the East Coast to see Leo.

It’s not that I didn’t believe Baylee before, but I guess I thought we had time to figure things out.

Except I have less than two weeks left, and I haven’t figured out anything except that she needs better security.

“Well, don’t take too long to figure it out. Baylee’s a good woman. I’d hate for you to lose her.”

The thought of that makes my chest tighten.

Coach pulls off his baseball cap and wipes his sweaty forehead. “My wife loves Baylee’s salon. I’m glad to hear you finally figured out what was under your nose the whole time.”

Nodding slowly, I let out a sigh. “I was a dumbass.”

“You said it. I didn’t.”

I laugh. “Thanks, old man.”

“Speaking of being old, did ya hear I’m retiring at the end of this year?”

“I thought maybe you had another year or two.”

He slaps his hand with his baseball cap. “I did too, but my wife has been sick. And I want her to spend our golden years doing something other than sitting on hard stadium seats.”

“Damn. Is she okay?”

“She’s doing better, but I’d rather focus on her than the game.”

“Makes sense. So who’s gonna take over? One of your assistants?”

“Not sure yet.” He lifts a brow. “I’m taking applications if you’re interested. ”

In the back of my head, I hear those ESPN announcers tearing into my mediocre rookie stats. “Thanks for considering me, Coach, but I’m hoping to return to the NFL.”

“Figured as much, but I thought it couldn’t hurt to ask.” The look of disappointment on his face makes my heart sink. I wish I could give him the answer he wants.

“Don’t you think taking over as head coach would be a big step for someone who’s never coached before?”

He chuckles. “Don’t be daft. You know this game inside and out, and you’ve always been a leader on the field.

You were great out there with the kids this week.

Sure, there’d be a learning curve, but I’m retiring, not dying.

I could advise you for a while. Share my drills and schedule. Help you get your footing.”

I’m not sure what to say.

As we resume our trek inside the field house, a familiar face hops up and down in front of me.

“Maverick! As I live and breathe, are you a sight for sore eyes!”

Then Nicole throws her arms around me as though I didn’t see her earlier this month in my elevator.

Shit.