Page 15

I roll my eyes. I know it's all in good fun, but I hate the thought of Berkley reading that shit. I’ll have to deal with that in the NFL, but I thought I had a couple more years before worrying about rumors with no truth behind them.

Flashing the headline to Graham, he chuckles from his seat beside me, shaking his head. “Let’s hope Coach doesn’t see that.”

Shit I didn’t even think about that. My head is still reeling from last night, that I didn't even think about the fact Coach would have our asses if he knew we snuck out of the hotel.

From the furthest seat away from Graves, I lean my head against the travel pillow I packed. I slept like shit last night, waking up every few hours to see if Berkley had texted me back. Even though I still have no chill when it comes to looking at my phone every few minutes. Especially when right before the bus took off, she texted me, totally ignoring my last message, only responding to the one before that.

BB

I’m working again tonight.

I keep staring at it, trying to decipher how to respond. A huge part of me wants to ask her if she’s just going to ignore my other text, but the smarter side of my brain knows if I push her, she’ll shut me out.

Another thirty minutes into the ride, my phone vibrates in my hand. My heart rate spikes when I see it's her.

BB

Heard you didn’t ride back with the guys to the hotel last night. Hope those Georgia peaches were worth it.

Fucking Bellamy.

But I also like the thought of her being jealous. It means she still cares.

BB

And yes, even though it's none of your fucking business, we did hang out in Nori a few times after you left.

I feel the continental breakfast from the hotel climbing back up my esophagus at the image.

Me

Good to know I was that easy to move on from.

BB

No comment on your Georgia peach?

Me

I didn’t ride with the guys because I was already back at the hotel.

Me

ALONE!

Me

There is only one woman I want.

I see the bubbles start and stop over and over for a few minutes.

BB

But that wasn’t always the case, was it, Nate?

Me

What’s that supposed to mean?

BB

I may have blocked you, but I still saw things. Even when I wasn’t trying… I saw all the girls you were pictured with your freshmen year. You telling me you didn’t fuck any of them?

I hate the thought of her seeing those pictures and imagining that. In all reality, it wasn’t like that at all. It didn’t happen until the end of my freshmen year when football wasn’t occupying my time and it was taking everything in me to not call her and tell her everything about her sorry ass father.

Me

I won’t lie to you, Berkley. It’s no excuse, but I was so fucked up over you, and in my mind, I had to attempt to move on.

Me

News flash… It didn’t fucking work.

Trust me, if I could go back, there would be no one but her. I wish I could erase everyone before her and after her. They all meant nothing. I couldn’t tell you one thing about them. That probably makes it more fucked up, but it's the truth.

BB

Well, congrats. Those images are what pushed me into Carter’s bed.

I hate myself even more than I thought possible. But the vision of them sends me into a fit of anger, and I’m thankful Graham is in between me and the aisle leading to Graves.

Me

Oh, don’t worry, he told me all about it last night. Including your little Friday morning fun with him. I guess everything from this past week didn’t mean shit to you.

BB

I don’t owe you anything, Nathan.

Me

You may be right. But don’t act like you’ve been sitting here heartbroken whenyou moved on within weeks. With someone like him nonetheless.

BB

You have no fucking clue what you’re talking about.

Me

Then explain it to me. Let me see you tonight.

BB

Get fucked.

BB

And not literally…or maybe I’ll hear about it on the Howler report tomorrow too.

Fuck this. I have avoided doing this to her, but I know exactly where I’m going when I get home.

I’m used to funneling my nervous energy into fuel as the quarterback of a division one school. But I’m not used to the nerves that cloud my mind as I walk into The Wolfpack on Sunday afternoon, wondering if I’m making this whole situation worse by ambushing her.

The hostess greets me, “Hi there, just one?”

Debating on how I should play this, I go with using my armor first.

Her boss.

“Is Phil available?” I ask, pretending to look for him, but really, I’m seeking out my favorite petite blonde.

“He’s actually cooking tonight. But let me tell him it’s you and see if he can step away.”

I’m still not quite used to people just automatically knowing who I am.

“Let him know I have something for his son. Just really quick.”

She nods, giving me a smile before heading to the back. I let my eyes roam the busy restaurant, but there’s still no sign of Berkley.

Did she lie about being here? She doesn’t owe me anything, so why lie…? Maybe she’s out on the enclosed patio area.

My eyes stay trained in that direction, not wanting to miss her, until I see Phil coming from the back.

“Outlaw, what’s up man?” He shakes my hand. “Great game yesterday. Hell of a start to the season.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Pulling the tickets out of my pocket, I hand them over. “I brought your little guy something.”

After our first win, I spoke to our family ticket liaison and worked out a four pack for Phil and his family. I was planning on dropping it by one day next week, but I knew this was the perfect excuse to show up at Berkley’s job after our argument earlier.

A huge smile spreads across his face when he sees the tickets. “Holy shit, this is like right behind you guys.”

I smile, his excitement contagious. “Yes, and I got you four. I wasn’t sure how big your family was, but I can try to get more if needed.”

He pats my shoulder. “This is perfect. My wife is more into basketball, plus our sitter likes to go to the games, so I’ll probably go with our three older kiddos.” With a bright smile, he looks at the tickets again. “Man, thank you so much.”

“I was happy to do it.”

“We are super short-staffed tonight. I’m actually cooking and my wife is behind the bar.” I take the chance to look around, and there’s still no sign of Berkley.

I wave him off. “No worries, get back to it.” He shakes my hand, and I know if I don’t ask now, I’ll lose the chance. “Hey, is um, Berkley working tonight?”

He looks a little surprised at first. “Are you friends with Berkley? I’m going to get that little shit for gatekeeping.”

I laugh at that, but swallow roughly. “Yeah.” For some reason, just calling her my friend out loud hurts to say. “She’s my friend, and I thought she was going to be here tonight.”

“Berkley’s keeping our kids from burning down the house tonight.” He shrugs. “They like her more anyway.”

Disappointment floods me, but if I’m being honest with myself, this wasn’t my best idea. It's way too busy to bombard her with a conversation.

“You’ll have to ask her which job she prefers?” he chuckles to himself. “One is way less stressful than the other, in my humble opinion.”

Realizing I need to respond, I come up with something quick. “No problem, I just wanted to drop something off to her too, but I’ll shoot her a text and just take it by her place later.”

Phil smirks at me like he just had the best idea ever. “Our house is two blocks over on the corner of Dogwood and Glendale if you want to drop in. Take these with you.” He raises his finger in the air, pointing to the west, and I don’t hesitate at his offer when he passes the tickets back to me. “Jack Jack’s going to freak.”

Phil’s the real MVP here.

Reminding myself to play it cool, I smile. “Perfect. What’s the house number?”

“You aren’t Berkley’s stalker, right?” he asks, and I can tell he is teasing.

If he only knew. Hopefully, he never talks to Bellamy.

“Depends on who you ask,” I joke, but before he can retract his offer, I say, “We’re both from Nori Beach. No stalker.”

Just a guy hoping for a second chance after the biggest fuckup of his life.

“Oh yeah, I saw that on ESPN.”

Someone calling his name frantically from the back snaps him out of our conversation.

“Alright, gotta go. Thanks again.” He turns over his shoulder and rushes out, “We’ll be there next weekend. Stop by sometime this week and dinner is on me.”

“House number?” I call out.

“5361.”

“Have a good one, Phil.”

With renewed nerves and excitement, I head out the door and down Dogwood Street.

Laughter and squeals of fun filter out the open windows as I approach the front door of the two-story white house. I smile at the sound, remembering the time I tagged along with her to babysit my cousins in Nori Beach. That was the night she told me she wanted to be an elementary school teacher. At seventeen years old, when I was thinking about nothing but her and football, she had told me that she wanted to make a difference in children’s lives, whether it was teaching them something or simply showing them love. I think I fell even more in love with her that night. She made me want to strive for something more than just being a football player.

I knock on the door, wondering if Phil gave them a heads-up I was coming.

Feet thudding through the house is the last thing I hear before the door is snatched open, and a young, wide-eyed girl stands in front of me, gawking.

I give her a friendly smile, but before I can tell her who I am, I hear Berkley yell from somewhere upstairs, “Don’t open that door, Josie. Wait for me.”

The girl, or Josie, shrugs and yells back, “That hot new quarterback is here!”

Lord have mercy.

“What!?” Berkley hollers back, followed by three pairs of feet clomping down the steps, heading our way.

She rounds the corner, a cute redheaded toddler on her hip and two more kids close behind. My stomach dips at the sight of her. Her blonde hair pulled up on top of her head, and there’s no makeup on her gorgeous face. I always loved her like this.

Berkley’s surprised expression quickly morphs into one with narrowed eyes and pursed lips.

I smirk at her, and that’s when the young boy runs up, standing beside his older sister. “Is this for real right now?”

“You are, like, my brother’s idol,” Josie says, at the same time Berkley speaks up again to ask, “What are you doing here, Outlaw?”

Digging into my pocket, I pull out the set of four tickets and squat so I’m at eye level with Jack. “You’re Jack, right?”

He gasps and nods enthusiastically. “How’d you know?”

“Your dad sent me. I went to The Wolfpack to give him these.” I hold the tickets out for him to see.

Berkley steps up, peering over Josie’s shoulder, and that’s when I spot the little guy attached to her leg as well. It's obvious these kids love her.

Trust me, little dude, I get it.

“Oh my gosh! This is frickin’ awesome!” he screeches.

“Jack, don’t say frickin’,” Berkley reminds him, but there’s a small smile on her face.

“Oops,” he shrugs.

“Can my sister come too? She can throw a football almost as good as you.” He smiles proudly at his big sister, and it's adorable.

“Yep. I got you guys four tickets, but I told your dad I can get more if I need to.”

“Bruh, this is the best day ever,” he says, tugging on his sister’s arm, and she rolls her eyes at him playfully.

I laugh. I can tell this kid is a handful.

“Berkley, will you be there?” he looks up at her, adoration shining in his eyes.

Looking at the tickets, she ruffles his hair. “Yep…but it looks like you have even better seats than me.”

Jack’s smile beams from her to me.

“Thank you.” He gives me the wolf sign, and I do it back.

The youngest girl in Berkley’s arms lets out a howl, and I officially love this family.

“Be right back,” Jack says after handing the tickets to Berkley for safe keeping.

“Do you guys know each other?” Josie asks, looking between Berkley and me.

Berkley says, “Kind of,” at the same time, I say, “Yep, since we were sixteen years old.”

Raising my eyebrow at her, I keep it PG because I notice the way Josie is watching us closely.

“Hey, QB, do you have a few minutes to spare?” Jack appears back in the doorway with a football cradled in his arms.

Nodding, I give him a smile. “Yeah, buddy.”

Berkley’s eyes widen, but before she can shut down the idea, I say, “Only for a few minutes, though.”

“Perfect.” He starts walking down the hall, waving for me to follow. “Come on, we have more room in the backyard.”

I motion for his big sister to lead the way. “You too. I gotta see this arm of yours.”

Berkley stands there with her mouth agape, probably pissed that I’ve now invaded another part of her life.

I reach my hand out for the quiet little guy wrapped around Berkley’s leg. It takes him a minute, but he finally relents.

Tapping Berkley’s non-toddler-carrying hip, I say, “Come on, BB. After all, I really came here to see you.”

“Okay, so little dude wasn’t lying about your arm,” I say, impressed with Josie’s spiral.

She smiles proudly. “Thanks.”

“You ever thought about playing?” I ask curiously; there still may not be enough, but more and more opportunities for females in football are popping up throughout the states.

Josie shakes her head. “No, it’s the same season as volleyball. So I already know when I can try out for the middle school team, I would rather play volleyball.”

“That’s cool,” I say, watching Berkley pretend to tackle the toddler who’s running with the ball. Her loose bun falls, and I’m captivated watching her pull the scrunchie from her hair and slide it onto her wrist, letting her long strands cascade down her back.

“Do you look at every girl the way you look at Berkley?”

Damn, this kid is preceptive as hell.

Chuckling, I smirk. “Nope, just her,” I respond, right as the littlest girl runs my way, and I scoop her up. At first, I worry she’ll freak out from the stranger-danger, but she immediately giggles.

Berkley watches us with a genuine smile on her face, and Josie joins in with tickling her little sister.

“Can we have our ice cream now?” the one who doesn’t let Berkley out of his sight asks, and I get the sense maybe he’s a bit overstimulated.

“Sure, bud. Why don’t all of you go in and wash up,” Berkley says, rubbing his back.

Josie grabs the youngest from me and leads her siblings inside.

“I’m going to walk Nate around the front to tell him bye and thank you.”

That’s my cue. Damn, I was hoping for an ice cream sundae too.

Jack runs back to me, giving me a fist-bump and thanking me again for the tickets.

“See you on Saturday, Nate,” Josie calls back over her shoulder.

“I’ll look for you guys.”

Instead of taking me back through the house, Berkley waves for me to follow her through a small gate that leads from the backyard to the front.

“That was sweet of you. I know they’ve been before, but never not in the nosebleeds, so this is going to be so special for them.”

“It feels good to be able to do it. I had the idea after Phil told me how much of a fan his son is.”

“I thought you said you were really here to see me?” she asks, and her voice is so steady, I can’t tell if she’s calling me out because she wants to catch me in a lie, or because she’s disappointed if that isn’t the reason.

We stop at the edge of their front sidewalk. “After the way we left things earlier, I wanted to see you in person, so the tickets were the perfect excuse to show up at your job. It just worked out even better when Phil offered to let me drop them off here for Jack.”

“I typically don’t question his parenting skills, but thank God, you aren’t an ax murder.” She rolls her eyes, and I see through her tough exterior. The smirk on her lips tells me she likes that I’m here. She likes that I took the time to seek her out.

I shrug. “Kinda hard to be an ax murder and the quarterback of the local college…plus, I told him we were friends.”

She side-eyes me. “Great, as if I don’t get tired of hearing about you already. Now I’ll get twenty-one questions from my boss.”

“What are you going to tell him?” I gently nudge her side.She pops the scrunchie against her wrist, and it takes me back to our teens when I would steal her hair ties to wear them on my wrist, staking my claim.

“That you’re the dumb jock who made me fall in love with you, the boy I very willingly gave my virginity to, who treated me like the queen I am, until one day you broke my heart, even though you believed you were doing the right thing. Does that sum it up?”

Well, fuck. That hurts.

“Or you could tell him, I’m the love of your life, groveling for one more chance.”

The front door swings open, interrupting the moment. “Are you guys going to kiss or what?” Jack yells and then slams the door. Movement in the front window catches our attention. Josie and her three younger brothers all have their faces pressed against the glass, watching our exchange.

A laugh bursts from me as Berkley lets out an exasperated huff and covers her face.

“They are hella cute. Is Jack about the age you want to teach?”

Her facial expression softens again, and she nods. “Yep, he’s in second grade. I’m focusing on early education.”

I smile, happy to hear her dreams are coming true. “Just the way you are with them shows how perfect of a fit that will be with you.” I nod to the house. “And Josie really looks up to you. That was super obvious.”

“I think Josie, like every other girl in Mountain Ridge, has a crush on you, Outlaw.” She playfully jabs me in the stomach, and I feel it down to my toes.

I would kill to truly feel her hands on me.

I move closer and tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. “Well, there’s only one I want, and I’m not so sure how she’s feeling about me these days.” Picking her hand up in mine, I gently slide the scrunchie off her wrist and onto mine before she even realizes what I’m doing.

Berkley gasps. “Hey, that’s my favorite!”

I shrug, searching her eyes. “Come on…for old times’ sake.”

Again, she fights her smile, shaking her head at me.

A loud crash comes from inside, and Berkley immediately turns to head up the front porch. Josie yells from somewhere inside that everything is fine, but Berkley doesn’t stop.

I rush out, “When can I see you again, BB?”

She stops, possibly considering her words before she turns around. “Give me a few days, Nate. I’m trying to work through some things in my head. Just get through this weekend. You have another big game ahead.”

Understanding, I nod, trying not to let my disappointment show. “I know you have to go, but I want to make sure you believed me earlier. That report was bullshit. I didn’t even look at another girl this weekend. I stared at my phone, waiting for a text from you most of the time.”

She stares at me for a few beats before whispering, “I believe you.” Then she twists the knob on the door, leaving me with a softly spoken, “Have a good night, Nathan.”

I stand there for a few minutes after she disappears through the door, contemplating when it's appropriate to text her again.

Smiling to myself, I walk down the sidewalk.

I’ll give her a few hours.