Page 21

Chapter Twenty-One

Jax

Jax lay on a padded bench at his physical therapist’s office, catching his breath. He had a weighted collar around his ankle and had finished his reps, rebuilding the muscles that had atrophied during his confinement in the damn cast from which he was finally free.

The brace would continue to be a fixture to protect Jax’s newly healed bones from an accidental kick or trip, but the X-rays showed the bones to be solid, and the prognosis was positive.

Full recovery by the middle of summer, as his doctor had told him. It was definitely something to celebrate in the future.

Having worked out a schedule that had been approved by his doctor and physical therapist, Jax was getting better every day. He’d dropped twenty pounds since his cast was removed, and he was looking forward to losing another fifty.

He wanted to settle around the two hundred mark when all was said and done because his football career was over, and he didn’t need the bulk for the defensive line any longer. He couldn’t remember when he’d weighed in at two hundred pounds, but he was anticipating the trim down. It reminded him of the memorable vacation they’d taken to the Bahamas on Valentine’s Day, which had been quite memorable.

“ We’re going where?” Cade gasped as he stared at the papers in his hand. They were in the living room of the Greystone on Valentine’s night. They’d catered in dinner and had made a picnic on the floor, having lit a fire with romantic music playing softly in the background.

Ford had given the two of them envelopes with hearts drawn around each of their names. He’d demanded they open them together, so they counted to three and did as instructed. Inside were first-class airline tickets to Nassau with an internet printout of a beautiful home which he’d rented for the three of them.

“ Nassau, Bahamas. I rented a house for us where we can swim and enjoy the private beach. There’s a bus that passes by the driveway and will take us to town for a dollar each. I’ve hired a cook, so we don’t have to worry about food, and there’s maid service included. It’s my Valentine’s gift to the two of you.” The happy grin on Ford’s face warmed Jax’s heart.

That night, the three of them danced and laughed and made love. Cade called it a seventy… he and Ford in a sixty-nine with Jax buried deep inside Cade. When Jax felt Ford’s tongue swabbing his balls after he and Cade had both climaxed in each other’s mouths, Jax couldn’t hold back. It felt too fucking good to keep it inside.

The vacation was perfect. The three of them took Jeep tours around the island and even a catamaran voyage to another island for a day at a private beach where they swam naked and made love on a large blanket under the shade of a palm tree. They took many wicked pictures, and Jax knew he’d count the time as some of his favorite. Life with Ford and Cade would be wonderful.

“Okay, Wes. How much weight was that?” Jax had a weight room at home next to the indoor pool area where he could continue his therapy so he could recover as quickly as possible.

A boot camp was coming up in a week, and Jax wanted to be able to demonstrate the exercises to the participants without causing damage to his healing leg. He needed to make an impression on the participants because he had visions of his future that kept him motivated. His two lovers motivated him as well.

“Cajun, that was forty pounds with ten reps, three times. Don’t go above fifty before we take another X-ray, okay? You don’t want a stress fracture in the newly healed bones because you did too much, too fast, okay? You’ll get back to normal in time for the season, but take it easy at the minicamp,” the therapist, Wesley Martin, said.

The guy had played college ball as a cornerback, so he had an idea of what was required of a football player recovering from a serious injury. Of course, Jax couldn’t tell him he wasn’t going to play for Chicago anymore because the news of his impending retirement was yet to be shared outside of his close circle.

The Cajun needed to show up at minicamp to prove he was able to play so he could go into free agency. He’d balked at the idea when Stan had informed him of the necessity to keep up the charade of playing again, but his agent told him not to dismiss the idea entirely. He might be able to pick up a coaching gig if he followed up, which was something Jax hadn’t even considered. For the sake of his future endeavors and the future of his family, he wanted to be strong and healthy.

“Thanks, Wes. I’ll see you on Wednesday, I guess.” Ford entered the weight area. He had a grin on his face, which brought a matching one to Jax’s.

Things had been a bit of a rollercoaster lately because it seemed each day brought a new raft of bullshit. It all started when that woman, Senior Special Agent What’s Her Name, had invaded their lives. Jax was happy he had no more family left to cause a problem because it seemed as if poor Kincade had enough problems with his parents to fill a warehouse.

“He ready to go?” Ford asked, walking over to the bench where Jax sat.

Wes rubbed down his leg with a mint-smelling lotion to keep the muscle loose until Jax could soak in the hot tub before swimming laps in the pool. It was part of the therapy, and Jax liked the way his muscles seemed to be rebuilding themselves. He hoped his lovers liked the results.

“Yeah, Mr. Thomas. He has an appointment with his ortho on Thursday for another set of X-rays. It’s probably going to be his last.” The guy gave an optimistic smile. It was music to Jax’s ears.

Ford walked the therapist out and Jax stripped off and stepped under the warm water from the poolside showerhead to rinse the sweat before he hopped into the hot tub. The spray felt incredible, and when he gingerly slid into the hot tub, he allowed the jets to ease his sore muscles. He’d been working hard enough to get back into shape sooner than later, but the ache in his legs let him know he hadn’t been doing enough.

Jackson closed his eyes and smiled when he heard dress shoes crossing the tile leading to the hot tub. Jax opened his eyes to see Ford peeling off his clothes. “How are you doing, Cajun?” Ford teased as he unbuttoned his dress shirt.

“Well, I wouldn’t hate it if I had someone in the hot tub with me to make sure I don’t drown. Then, I might need help getting out so I can do some laps. You wouldn’t mind helping me, would you, babe?” Jax didn’t take his eyes of Ford as he continued to strip. Oh, it was good to be in love with two beautiful men.

Ford chuckled. “I wouldn’t mind at all, Jackson. I’d do anything for you, as you know, love.” Ford climbed into the hot tub, and Jax pulled him to sit on his lap. He loved the feel of Ford’s muscular glutes against his thighs.

Cade and Ford started working out with weights and swimming with Jax when the three had time, but Cade had also started running on the treadmill. The three of them worked out together at least three times a week, and they were all pleased with the results—on themselves and their lovers.

Jax teased his man. “So, someone has a birthday on the horizon. What might you want, Mr. Thomas?” He ran his tongue along Ford’s neck. He loved when Ford or Cade surprised him with special things, so he was determined to do the same for the two of them whenever possible. The love the three men felt for each other was demonstrated physically at every opportunity.

“I want the two of you in bed for a whole day, Jackson. I want the three of us to make love and fuck and laugh. It’s all I’ve wanted since the three of us got together.” Ford’s soft tone prompted Jax to pull the man to straddle his lap before sinking down a little in the hot tub, so their hard cocks touched. When Ford’s long fingers surrounded his hard erection to rub against Ford’s own, it was heavenly.

Ford’s tongue slid up his neck and there was a nip at the spot just above his collarbone which was a hot button. Jax gasped at the sensation. “That’s easy for me to do, baby. Where would you like this to take place? Here at home, or somewhere exotic?” Jax whispered into Ford’s ear as the blond stroked the two of them in the relaxing water.

“Oh, I want it here. This is the most romantic place on the earth, Jackson. This is where our love lives.” Ford picked up the tempo of the motion, continuing to stroke the two of them as Jax slipped his ring finger through the tight muscle at Ford’s entrance.

He worked slowly and gently, but when Ford thrust back in acceptance, the big man changed fingers to his middle one and buried it deep until he found his blond lover’s prostate. Once he hit the nerves, Ford began working them faster as he pushed back on Jax’s finger until he brought the two of them to explosive climaxes together.

He turned Ford, who was glazed over, to rest his back against Jax’s chest as they reclined in one of the lounging spots in the hot tub. The bubbles were on low, and it was easy to get lost in the sensation… forever.

Jax was sitting in the office he shared with Ford and Cade. Ford had gone back to work after a little nap, and thoughts of his upcoming birthday had Jax’s mind going in all directions.

Cade had suggested they try to find Sela when Abigail Mellon/Fiona Porter had shown her face again, only to drug their lover into believing his sister was with him. Ford seemed disappointed when he put the pieces of his hallucination together.

Jax wondered if Ford wanted to be reunited with his sister. He knew she was the only person in his family who was ever supportive, so maybe it was time to get Ford back in touch with the only family member he’d want to know?

He called Mitch Ross to get his take on the idea because he trusted the man. “Mr. Ross’ office,” Mitch’s secretary, Roseanne, answered.

“Hi, Roseanne. It’s Jax Delacroix. Is Mitch around? I’ve got some business to discuss.”

The young woman chuckled. “How’s the leg, Cajun?”

“Gettin’ better every week, Roseanne. I have my last set of X-rays on Thursday before the Doc finally cuts me loose. How’re you doing, doll?”

He’d met the woman once when he went into Mitch’s office after his other secretary quit. He liked Roseanne a hell of a lot better.

“I’m signed up for your boot camp, Mr. D. I’m getting married in August, and I wanna lose about fifteen pounds. You better work us out to exhaustion,” she said, giggling at the end.

“Aw, hon, you shoulda called me. I’d have worked with you for nothin’.”

Roseanne was a cute wirehaired redhead. She was a sweet young woman of about twenty-five, and Jax knew she was competent. Mitch had bragged about her skills more than once.

“Now, that doesn’t pay the bills. Hang on. Mitch’s just off the phone.” She put him on hold.

Jax kicked his feet up on the large oak desk he shared with his men. It was a huge thing, but Cade had the cutest little desk in the corner, and Jax loved it when the three of them worked in the office together... which reminded him of that Fiona woman and her questions regarding the shelter.

“Jax? How are ya? How’s the leg?” Mitch always had a smile in his voice.

The Cajun chuckled. “It’s good, Mitch. I’ll be ready to show at minicamp, anyway. I have a question for you. Did you call Liam O’Malley to tell him about the Clark Street Shelter where Cade was working before it was shut down?”

Mitch’s silence unnerved Jax. Surely, Mitch wouldn’t be involved in anything shady, would he?

Finally, the man spoke. “Wait, are you talking about that idiot Cade used to represent him at the deposition? No, I didn’t contact him at all. He’s a shady fucker, Jax. I did a little investigating when Cade called Lionel to tell him the name of his lawyer. The guy’s a shyster from what I’ve been able to determine, but I didn’t say anything because he didn’t get involved in things during the depo and the divorce hearings. Why? Did he say I told him about that job? I’d never heard of that place until you told me Stan’s husband managed it.”

None of it made sense, but there were other pressing issues. “Put a pin in that for now. Can you find…” He told Mitchell Ross everything he knew about Sela Thomas, which wasn’t much, but it was important to Ford—which Jax reiterated to the lawyer more than once. When they hung up, Jax sat in the chair and tried to decide what to do with the rest of his day.

There was the temptation to go up to the theater room and watch a cable show he’d indulged in when he was home alone in the past, but that wouldn’t be productive at all. The second temptation was to go downstairs and take a nap, but that wouldn’t be productive either.

Jax decided to take a ride out to the stadium. He’d only intimated to Tony O’Brien he was planning to retire from the team, so he was still welcome. Someone would be around to indulge in conversation, so after pulling on jeans and a sweatshirt, he hopped in the Hummer. He was grateful to be free of the cast and the brace. They’d only weighed him down.

Jax pulled up to the gate to see the player’s lot was mostly full. He recognized the vehicles everyone drove, and he double-checked his phone to see he hadn’t missed a scheduled meeting. He was still a part of the team, after all.

He rolled down the window as he approached the gate. “Hey, Troy. What’s up?” Troy was the guy who’d worked the gate since Jax first started with the team, and while they didn’t know each other well, they’d exchanged pleasantries.

“You haven’t heard the news yet?”

“Naw. I had PT this mornin’ and I didn’t check my messages. What’s up?” Jax hoped the gossip was good. Cade and Ford always had good gossip. Jax wanted to surprise them with some of his own.

“Beau Richelieu had a heart attack over the weekend and passed away. Mr. Talbot’s holding a press conference right now.” The guard pointed to the black armband around his bicep.

“Shit. Okay, can I get in?” Jax felt the weight of the news settle on him. The team would be devastated. The man was beloved by them all.

The gate opened, and Jax drove through, parking in his spot before he hopped out and hurried into the stadium. He saw Artie Connors at the players’ entrance, just like clockwork. “Hey, Art. Where’s the press conference?”

“Up in the club room, Cajun. It’s a horrible thing, losing the Coach. The guys are in the locker room watching it, sir.” The man’s sad expression was just a preview of what Jax would be met with when he joined his teammates.

Jax nodded in thanks and hurried to the locker room to see everyone had filtered into the trainers’ area where there were televisions. The press conference was in full swing with a number of club officials in attendance. As Jax looked around the locker room, he saw the shock on everyone’s faces, just as he felt on his own.

The chatter quieted as the cameras settled on the podium. “It’s with a heavy heart I announce the loss of our leader, dear friend, and fellow warrior, Beauregard Richelieu. Beau has been with the team for nineteen years and has been instrumental in building the team to the level it is today. We will always be thankful to Beau for his contributions, and as a football club, we will miss his inspiration and commitment to the members of this Chicago Breeze family.

“In light of the loss, we’ve decided to promote from within to maintain the momentum we were building last year. After a vote of the partnership, we’ve hired Anthony O’Brien, former defensive coach, as the head coach of the Chicago Breeze for the upcoming season. Tony has been instrumental in making the Chicago defensive line something to be feared in the conference, and we look forward to seeing the direction he’ll take the whole team this coming season.”

Talbot sounded insincere when he spoke of the role Beau had played with the team. It wasn’t a secret he hated Beau, but the rest of the sports world didn’t know it, nor would they entertain the idea of it. To Jax, Beau had been their leader and the loss was felt deeply.

Jax watched as Tony took the podium, surprised to see his nervous demeanor. “Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. It’s with much humility that I accept the position of head coach for this fine organization on the heels of the devastating loss of our leader and brother, Beau Richelieu. I know I speak for the players when I say this is a loss none of us anticipated. Beau was a friend and mentor to all of us, and he will be sorely missed.

“As for the team, we’ll work through our grief and make Beau proud of us this season. Change doesn’t come without pain, and we ask that you’ll be patient with us and allow us time to grieve our loss. Thank you for coming out today. We’ll keep you apprised of any further changes made in the interim.” Tony stepped aside and Talbot took over the mic again.

Jax scanned the training room, seeing the emotions evident on everyone’s face. They had no idea what to say or do, so he stepped forward, noticing Denny Walker wasn’t there. “Y’all, let’s have a moment of silence for Beau. He was a true leader, and I know we’ll all miss him.”

The players in attendance rose from their seats and moved to the middle of the training room, joining hands. Linder and Sumter stood next to Jax and held his hands as they all bowed their heads. Jax remembered Beau’s reaction to his coming out, and he was happy to have known the man. He was truly a good guy.

When the door to the locker room opened, they all released their grips and stepped apart. When Tony walked in, stunned face evident, everyone waited for him to say anything. “Guys, I’m glad you came out in support. It says a lot about the caliber of this team.

“Beau worked with management and didn’t pass down a lot of information regarding the direction the team was taking for the next season, which was likely a contributing factor for how we always got off to a slow start every year, but I’m not gonna speak ill of the man because he was a mentor to me when I started with this team.”

The players clapped in support, taking away the nervous expression Tony had worn.

“Forewarned is forearmed. I plan to operate the club in a different fashion. The draft is in a month. We’re in the trading period, and I was working with Beau, along with Roger Burke, regarding the upcoming season. It’s also open season for free agency, and we’ve just gotten through the goddamn Combine. I’ve got a meeting with Roger and the rest of the scouting team in two hours. Jackson, I want you in that meeting. I need you to concentrate on defense for me because I need to look at the bigger picture now. As for the rest of you, if you have any recommendations regarding players you’ve followed at the college level or even coming out of high school, talk to Delacroix and Burke.

“Thanks for coming out, guys. I’ll send texts regarding arrangements for Beau’s funeral once I’ve heard anything.” Tony walked away.

Jackson was in shock. He was on his way out of football as far as he was concerned. He was ready to move into the life of being a former player and starting his own business. Being sucked back into the machine wasn’t anything he could wrap his head around as he listened to Tony’s words.

Jax’s current lifestyle wouldn’t be welcomed in the hallowed halls of upper management, he was sure. Tony O’Brien had lost his goddamn mind when it came to having Jax on his coaching staff, which Jax should remind him of in a minute.