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CHAPTER FOUR

CHEETAH

I ’m at Tanner Montgomery’s house tonight for our monthly poker game. He’s my agent and has been since I started playing ball. He’s only thirteen years older than me, but he’s always been a surrogate father to me since mine lives so far away.

He likes to host a few of his local clients every month for a poker game full of good food, good drinks, bad smack talk, and the best of friends. He has a high-end man cave, complete with a poker table, pool table, and a full bar. It’s me, Layton, and Trey from the Cougars, as well as Vance McCaffrey and Daylen Humblecut from the Philadelphia Camels, the local professional football team. Vance is their quarterback, and Daylen is their tight end. Both are among the biggest stars in the league.

Vance is a little grumpy, and Daylen is a lot goofy, but they’re great guys, and I consider them friends. The two of them are the best of friends, even if a bit of an odd couple with their vastly different personalities. For some reason it works, and they’re inseparable .

Vance is from Montana and can often be seen at public events in a cowboy hat and cowboy boots, paying homage to his roots. He’s got dark hair, a little long but in style. Daylen, on the other hand, has wild blond hair that I don’t think I’ve ever seen cut or styled in the same manner two times in a row. He messes with it as much as he messes with his facial hair.

We’re headed out on a road trip tomorrow so I’m happy to be having a fun night with my friends, full of laughs and shit talk. It’s always plentiful during our poker nights. The Anacondas are on a road trip right now, which is why we’re meeting tonight. Layton hasn’t otherwise torn himself away from Arizona since they started dating. I’ve never seen him like this with a woman. They return late tonight. Layton has been counting the seconds.

Daylen is talking about their teammate, Presley, whose wife is newly pregnant. Presley apparently just made his first-ever trip to the OBGYN with her and was dumbfounded by it. Daylen chuckles. “He couldn’t get over the fact that the doctor literally stuck his hands into his wife. I guess it’s one of those things you sort of know about but don’t truly appreciate unless you witness it.”

Hmm. I’ve never thought about it. “Was the doctor younger or older?” I ask.

Daylen shrugs. “I don’t know.”

I nod. “I’ve heard that women prefer old OBGYNs.”

Daylen looks at me skeptically. “Why is that? More experience?”

I smirk as I wiggle my fingers. “Shaky hands.”

Everyone except Trey and Tanner laugh. Tanner simply rolls his eyes at us. He’s a single father with a seven-year-old daughter.

He sighs. “I went to Fallon’s appointments when she was pregnant with Harper. It’s very clinical. ”

Trey nods his head. “Agreed. You morons are a sad group.”

Daylen responds, “Sad? We’re not sad. Sad is when a nymphomaniac says let’s just be friends .”

I chuckle as I toss my cards on the table and fold my hand. “I’m out. You fuckers are taking all my money tonight.”

Trey throws his cards on the table. “I’m out too. I think I’m going to head home.”

Tanner scoffs. “It’s been less than an hour. Why are you leaving so early?”

“Gemma made me come here. Said I needed a chill night with boys, but I want to get home before she goes to sleep.”

The guys all give him shit for being whipped, but if I had Gemma DePaul at home waiting for me, I’d feel the same.

I nod at him, and with a straight face say, “Tell my future wife that I said hello.”

He gives me the finger, and I smile. I do enjoy ruffling his feathers.

A few hours later, I’m tossing and turning in bed. It’s one of those nights where you wonder what you’re doing with your life. I’m a successful baseball player. That was my childhood dream, and I achieved it. I’ve made more money than I’ll ever need in my life. I live in a gorgeous condo with amazing city views. I have a great group of friends and a wonderful family that I love. Yet for the first time in my life, I feel like something is missing.

If I’m being honest, that feeling started a few years ago when Trey met Gemma, and I had a front-row seat to watch their love story unfold. While most of the guys on the team are married, my inner circle isn’t. Layton is a thirty-four-year-old career bachelor. So are Vance and Daylen, for that matter. Ezra never dates. Our newest close friend, Quincy, goes home with a different woman every night. I saw the emotional toll Tanner’s divorce took on him. It’s made him swear away all relationships.

Trey was just like the rest of us, moving from woman to woman, until the second he laid eyes on Gemma. He was a goner from that point on. I joke about my crush on Gemma, but it’s their relationship I envy.

And then one gorgeous face pops into my mind.

KAMRYN

It’s the middle of the night and I’m awake, as always. I have a million things running through my head.

The first few weeks of our season have gone well, and we all seem to be acclimating to our new city. When neither of our teams are on the road, we tend to go out with the guys on the Cougars. They’re a fun group.

I’m sitting on my sofa typing away on my computer when I notice the screen on my phone light up. I pick it up to see that a text came through.

Unknown: It’s Cheetah. You awake?

I decide to fuck with him and type back.

Me: I know a lot of cheetahs. None of whom I’ve given my telephone number to. You’ll have to be more specific. Maybe something only one individual cheetah would know.

Unknown: This Cheetah knows that you’re a vagitarian.

I can’t help but laugh.

Me: Hmm. Not true. I like a meaty burger too.

Unknown: Meaty burgers are good for you. You know what I don’t like about Philly?

Me: What?

Unknown: There’s no In and Out Burger. I guess that means I’ll have to go in and out of you.

Me: Ohhhh, I only know one cheetah with cheesy pickup lines. A cheetah who recently sent me a very tight, youth-sized jersey with his name on the back. This must be Cruz Gonzales. I have you in my contacts as kitten.

I don’t, but I will in a second.

Kitten: I bet I can make you purr like a kitten.

Me: No easy task, especially for men. Where are you?

Kitten: On the toilet. Just letting you know you’re my number one while I make a number two.

Me: So romantic. Every woman dreams of a man saying things like that to her.

Kitten: I know. I do my best work on this toilet. Why are you awake?

Me: I rarely sleep.

Kitten: Why?

Me: Because I’m busy washing my hair.

Kitten: Are you in the shower now? FaceTime me if you are.

Me: Whoops. Just got out. Sorry.

Kitten: Damn! Are you liking Philly?

Me: I think I like it better than Chicago.

Kitten: Why?

Me: I don’t have to see the Chicago Bulls logo anymore. It’s all over the place in Chi-town. Have you ever looked at that sucker upside down? It looks like a robot defiling a crab.

It’s silent for a few minutes. He’s definitely googling the logo and turning it upside down.

Kitten: Holy. Fucking. Shit. You’re right.

Me: I know. I usually am.

Kitten: You just blew my mind.

Me: My blowing skills are often praised.

Kitten: I’m willing to give a firsthand evaluation whenever you’re up for it.

Me: Good night, kitten.

Kitten: Sweet dreams, Kam bam.

I’m on the couch working on my laptop when my sister wakes up and sleepily walks out of her room. She stretches and yawns, “Morning.”

I lift my head and turn it to her. “Did you know that semen is low in calories?”

She twists her lips. “Hmm. Is that your way of telling me that we’re having semen for breakfast today?”

I let out a laugh. “Not today. There are a bunch of sliced pineapples on the kitchen table.” We’ve been eating pineapples in mass quantity since I discovered that it’s supposed to make the taste of your vajayjay better when someone goes down on you.

“Thanks. What are you up to today?”

“Not much. What about you?”

“I’m heading over to the Montgomerys’s house.”

Bailey just started nannying for the famous sports agent Tanner Montgomery. He’s a single father to a seven-year-old daughter. I think she already has a crush on him.

“How’s your zaddy doing?”

She rolls her eyes. “He’s just my boss. Nothing else.”

“Bull-fucking-shit. I know you have a crush on him. You’ve always been into older men. Hell, you saw an older guy on the television the other day and were salivating. I had to tell you it was for a Depends ad.”

She lets out a laugh as she makes her way to the kitchen and yells back, “That guy was, like, forty-five. He didn’t need Depends.”

I shout back, “Try seventy-five.” Okay, maybe he was only sixty, but it was still funny that she was so into a guy in a Depends ad .

She walks back in with a few pineapple slices in hand. “I’ll admit Mr. Montgomery is handsome for an older man.”

I nod. “Fuck yes. I internet stalked him. He’s McZaddy.”

She giggles and mumbles, “Truth.” She nods toward my laptop. “Did you sleep at all?”

I bite my lip. She hates it that I don’t sleep. “Maybe an hour or so. I just don’t need as much sleep as regular people.”

“What do you do on your laptop all night?”

Besides what happened that night in the studio when we were ten, this is probably the only secret I’ve ever kept from my sister. I’m not ready to tell her about it just yet.

I twist my lips and come up with something believable. “I watch a lot of porn and get myself off.”

“Do you watch girl porn or guy porn?” she asks.

“Depends on my mood.” I wiggle my eyebrows. “Sometimes both at the same time. That really gets me going.”

Our conversation is cut short by a knock at our door. I get up to answer it, assuming it’s going to be Ripley or Arizona, but it’s Justin, our redheaded, nerdy neighbor from across the hallway.

His eyes widen and then move up and down my body. I’m in panties, no bra, and a T-shirt that just barely reaches my waist. Whatever. I’m wearing more than a bathing suit.

He starts physically shaking with nerves. “G…g…good morning, Kamryn.”

I give him a sexy smile because it will probably be the only time a woman ever smiles at him in his life. “Hey, handsome. What can I do for you?”

He hands me a plate of something covered in aluminum foil that smells good. “I made pineapple muffins. I know how much you love pineapples. I see you buying them all the time.”

Oookay. Sort of creepy that he knows about my purchasing habits.

“Aww, thanks, Justin. That was really sweet of you. They smell amazing.”

He smiles like I just told him I’d have sex with him .

I hear a door in the hallway opening and then closing just before I see Arizona and Ripley approach. Arizona looks at my state of undress and raises an eyebrow before turning to Justin. “Good morning, Justin.”

“Umm…good morning, Arizona. Do you guys have a game today?”

She shakes her head. “Not today. Rip and I are heading over to the stadium for a little training. I just wanted to see if Kam and Bailey wanted to come with us.”

I nod. “I’ll go with you. Bails is headed to Daddy Montgomery’s house.” I look back at Justin and hold up the plate. “Thanks for these. Have a good day.”

He hesitates briefly before turning and walking back into his apartment with his head down. Ripley and Arizona walk into ours before I close the door. Ripley shakes her head. “The poor guy is in there jerking off to images of you dressed like this.”

I scrunch my face in disgust. “Ugh. A ginger penis is unappealing. It’s probably like a raw carrot. Crooked and discolored.”

Ripley scoffs. “Stop being mean to gingers. Once again, I’m one of your best friends and I’m a ginger.”

“You know it’s just the men who give me the willies.” I shiver. “Ugh. Do you know why ginger men all smell so bad?”

She lets out a long breath. “God help me. Why?”

“So blind people know who to avoid as well.”

She pinches her lips together, clearly fighting a smile.

“How does a male ginger high-five his best friend?” I ask.

She raises her eyebrows in question.

I answer, “He claps his hands.”

She spits in laughter. “There is something really wrong with you, Kam.”

“Agreed.” I sigh. “Just messing with you. He really is such a sweetie…in a Ted Bundy, serial killer kind of way. I almost feel like we should give him an SOS.”

Arizona does her trademark snort-laugh. “Holy shit. I totally forgot we used to do that.” She covers her eyes with her hand. “It’s embarrassing how many times we’ve done that.”

In college, we performed a bit of a community service for nice, nerdy guys who had no chance of getting any action. We would each kiss him. All four of us, one right after the other. Full kisses; tongue and everything. We called it an SOS, as in us saving the person. Arizona and I were amused by it while Bailey and Ripley did it because they felt like we were genuinely helping the poor guys.

Ripley winces. “It’s kind of disgusting when you think about it, but if there was ever anyone in need of it, it’s poor Justin.”

I nod. “Truth.”

My close friends are all busy tonight, so I agreed to go out with my teammate, Amber, and her friend, Trisha. Trisha is very introverted and could use a little help in the confidence department, but she’s not my mission this evening. My mission is to find Amber a man. I don’t spend too much time in clubs anymore, mostly because my sister and friends don’t like it, but I wanted to take Amber out and help her move on from her hobosexual ex. She deserves a little fun.

I’m in a short black skirt and backless, midriff-baring sparkly silver halter top. The club has a great vibe and is completely packed. The music is blaring, and people are drinking, dancing, and talking, as is normal at a club like this.

We’re on the dance floor, having a blast. We’ve had a few drinks. Amber has let loose, but this Trisha chick is super uptight, constantly wanting to move off the dance floor and sit down. She’s kind of a drag.

At least seven guys have approached me and asked me to go home with them. They didn’t even ask for my name. It’s not like I’m into that get-to-know-you chit-chat much, but a fucking exchange of names and a few sentences would be nice.

Why am I so off-put by guys tonight? I’m definitely taking a girl home with me.

I’m swaying my hips to the beat of the music when a familiar, extremely attractive, very muscular, tall man with shaggy blond hair approaches me and places his hands on my hips without invitation. He gives me a bit of a goofy smile. “Wow. You’re stunning. I’m real life swiping right on you.”

I let out a laugh. “That’s funny, but I’m not a Tinder girl. I don’t need an app to get laid.”

He smirks. “No doubt. I’ve watched you swat away man after man all night.”

“Well, some guys are real assholes. Like…every single one of them in this club.” I look down at his hands on my hips and raise my eyebrow.

He takes the cue and immediately removes them. “I promise you; my friends and I aren’t assholes. We’re just here to have a little fun. We have a booth. Come have a drink with us.” He holds out his hand in a more respectful manner. “I’m Daylen.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “You look familiar, Daylen. Have we met before?”

He shakes his head. “Nope. Trust me, I’d remember meeting you. No bullshit, you’re the most beautiful woman in this club. What’s your name?”

At least this guy asked for it.

“Kamryn. My friends call me Kam. You can call me Kamryn.”

He smiles before lifting my hand and kissing it. “Come. Have a drink with us, Kamryn. I’m hoping you’ll let me call you Kam by the end of the night. Worst case scenario, you’ll have a few drinks and a few laughs.”

I place my hands on my hips. “I have two girlfriends with me.”

“Bring them. The more the merrier.” He points toward a back corner area. “We’re right up there.”

I look up and see a booth that is clearly being guarded by security. I know enough to realize they must be famous or they wouldn’t have a roped-off booth at a club with security surrounding it. Given the size of this guy, he must be a professional athlete.

I shrug. “Maybe in a little bit. Let me check with them.”

The cocky bastard smirks again before he walks away. Amber and Trisha run up to me, practically bouncing on their feet. It’s the only smile I’ve seen Trisha crack all night. Amber excitedly screeches, “Holy shit, Daylen Humblecut just hit on you. What did he say?”

“He invited us to sit with him and his friends. Who’s Daylen Humblecut?”

Amber gives me an incredulous look. “Only one of the most famous football players on the planet. He’s the tight end for the Camels.” She fans herself. “Why is that such a hot position? Between him, Travis Kelce, and Axel Broxton, I don’t know who’s the hottest, but they are big boys, and I like me a good old-fashioned big boy.”

I look up toward the booth again. It’s crowded. It must be filled with famous football players. Could be fun. I’m not feeling it, but this will be good for Amber. She’s a pretty girl with long, straight, auburn hair a few shades darker than Ripley’s. Guys dig ginger women. Trisha has no shot, but who knows what will happen?

I wave. “Follow me.”

Trisha fiddles nervously with the bottom of her looks-like-she’s-about-to go-to-church floral sundress, complete with a white cardigan sweater. “I think I might leave.”

I shake my head. “Nope. You’re staying. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Will you let me help you a bit?”

She pinches her eyebrows together. “How so?”

I take Trisha’s hand and pull her toward the bathroom. I spend about ten minutes doing the best I can with her hair and makeup, pulling her frizzy brown hair into a more stylish ponytail and adding a little color to her pale skin. It’s a vast improvement .

Amber fixes her already perfectly applied makeup, accentuating her big, green eyes. She’s adorable. I make it a policy to never sleep with teammates, but I’d be totally into her if I met her at a club.

After finishing up in the bathroom, I lead us toward the booth. Daylen’s face lights up as we approach. Like Cheetah, he has one of those larger-than-life smiles.

Now my mind drifts to Cheetah. I can’t shake him, and it’s annoying me. Maybe I should go home with one of these guys tonight. I need Cruz Gonzales fucked out of my system.

Daylen stands. “Kamryn, please meet Vance, Beau, and Presley.” He points to each of them. “The beautiful lady next to Presley is his wife, Layla.”

Presley wraps his arm around her proudly. “My pregnant wife, Layla.”

She’s got a very small baby bump. I wouldn’t have known she was pregnant if he didn’t mention it. She looks familiar to me, though I can’t place her. They’re an attractive Latino couple.

Vance rolls his eyes. “He manages to sneak in the fact that he knocked her up into every conversation.”

Okay, I definitely recognize Vance McCaffrey. He’s a super famous quarterback. A fucking hot-as-hell famous quarterback with longer, dark hair. Good lord, he’s sexy in a cowboy way. While the rest of the guys are dressed more stylishly, Vance is in old jeans, a flannel top, and cowboy boots, giving off that I don’t give a fuck allure.

While Daylen smiles, Vance scowls. He’s broody. I can tell. Not my usual type, but I might make an exception to get that rugged, sharp jawline between my legs.

I nod toward Amber and Trisha while I introduce them to the gang.

Daylen motions for me to sit next to him, but I push Amber to do so. Daylen reminds me too much of Cheetah. I need the opposite of Cheetah tonight.

I sit near Vance and stare right at him. His face is still sour. “ What crawled up your ass, cowboy?”

Daylen starts laughing hysterically. “Oh, shit. She’s got your number. You better be nice to her, McCaffrey. The last hot chick who gave you the time of day has been ghosting you ever since.”

Vance narrows his eyes at Daylen. “I’m not getting ghosted. My texts are just so interesting that she’s taking time to think about her reply.”

He says it deadpan. I’m trying to hide my smile, not knowing if he seriously believes that.

Daylen lets out a deep, booming laugh and Vance cracks a small, crooked smile. Okay, grumpy bear has a sense of humor. I like that.

Vance throws his arm around me. “You’re just sour that your crush sat next to me, Humblecut. Must be your teeny weenie.”

Daylen asks, “What do you call a woman who likes small dicks?”

Vance cautiously responds, “What?”

“Your last girlfriend.”

I spit out laughing and Vance glares at me. I sheepishly admit, “Sorry. That’s funny.”

He raises an unimpressed eyebrow. “Do I look like the type of man who has a…teeny weenie?”

I slowly and obviously rake my eyes up and down his big, thick body. He most certainly doesn’t.

Daylen breaks me out of my ogling by asking, “Are you a model, Kamryn?”

I turn my head to him. “At times, yes, but my real job is being a professional athlete, just like you.”

His eyes widen in shock. I get that reaction all the time.

“What sport?”

“Softball. I’m on the new team in Philly. The Anacondas.” I nod toward Amber. “So is she.”

Amber isn’t listening, too engrossed in a conversation with Beau. He’s cute in a more militant way. He’s got a buzz cut and a giant body. He must play defense. Amber said she likes a big boy. While all the guys sitting here fit the bill, he’s certainly the biggest of them all.

Daylen widens his eyes as if something just occurred to him. “Ahh, you’re friends with Cheetah and Layton, right?”

I nod. “I am. My friend is dating Layton.”

Vance and Daylen look at each other as something passes between them.

Vance slowly removes his arm from around me and says, “They’re good friends of ours too. We all share the same agent.”

“Tanner Montgomery?”

He nods. “Yes. Layton and Cheetah are like brothers to us.”

I study his face. He’s not going to make a move on me because of Cheetah. Fucking guy is cockblocking me even when he’s not here.

I swear, I’ve had it with men.

A cute girl walks by. She’s walked by this table at least three times. I assumed she wanted the guys’ attention, but this time, she winks at me. Fuck these guys. If they’re not going to touch me because of Cheetah, I’m bailing. I’m going to talk to the hot girl. I said I wanted a woman tonight anyway.

I stand. Amber and Trisha immediately begin to follow me. I point at them. “You two stay.”

Amber leans over and whispers, “I used to date a guy named Beau. I can’t do anything with this one. It would be weird.”

I shake my head. “If you sleep with two people with the same name, they cancel each other out and lower your body count.”

She pinches her eyebrows together. “Is that true?”

I nod. “Yep.” I just made it up, but the girl needs some action to help her move on from her ex, and Beau is just what the doctor ordered.

She agrees to stay. Trisha says she’s grabbing an Uber, and I don’t bother to stop her. She’s nice, but without a little help from me, this will be nothing but awkward for her. I feel bad leaving her, but I came here tonight to get Amber laid, and she looks well on her way. Now it’s my turn.