AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She won’t fall for Colt? Or Beau?”
Vale sings, “Someone’s sounding jelly.”
“I’m not jealous,” I blurt. “I’m worried. This isn’t a game for us.” Vale grins like The Joker. “Okay, fine. It’s an NFL football game, so I’m worried. We need help.”
“Ruby will help,” Stacey promises. “And she won’t want a quad with you and your men. She’s kinda got a thing of her own.”
“Like?” I’m so intrigued. I had no idea all of these secret groups were hiding amongst Charleston’s elite.
Then again, it’s called “The Holy City,” so that only means it’s brimming with secrets and sinners and hypocrites.
But for our groups, love isn’t a sin. So, we protect those who have to keep theirs a secret.
“Like it’s not for me to say,” Stacey answers, “but it’s why I think she’ll help. And she’ll be fun. She’s a huge football fan, too.”
While they take a break, Stacey shares Ruby’s contact information with my phone, and I fetch lemonade from the kitchen.
Before I call Ruby, I’ll run it by Beau and Colt. They told me I’m in charge of Operation Beard, but I need to consult with my troops.
They’ll be home this evening. Since they’re veterans, they don’t have to stay overnight at training camp. Plans of greeting them at the door, holding a tray of cocktails, and wearing naughty panties make my kitty tingle.
But when I check my phone, making sure I have Ruby’s contact, there’s a missed call that’s an immediate lady-boner killer.
“Great,” I mutter while Vale and Stacey recline in my new office, enjoying their lemonades. “Dad called.”
“Imagine that.” Vale chuckles. “Word is out you’re dating the NFL’s top player, and now our dad, a former top player, too, wants to coach you. Watch.”
“I’m not taking advice from him.” I sit on my desk, polishing my hand over the burl wood. I went from an old IKEA desk to something that looks like Jane Austen was here. “Dad’s a pro at cheating, divorce, and child support. I’ll do the opposite of whatever he says.”
“Was he abusive or something?” Stacey sounds concerned.
“No,” I answer. “He’s just an unfaithful horn-dog who tries to lie about all the kids he has. Every year, we discover a new half-sibling.”
“He’s actually mellowed out.” Vale sounds sincere. “Since Mom died, I think it changed him. I think he’s trying to be better. So, just see what he wants. The worst that can happen is you hang up on him.”
The worst that can happen?
I look around the sun-filled room, taking in my new office, home, and life. I’m waiting for my new hunky boyfriends to get home, and hopefully, one of them snores tonight, and I can’t sleep.
Hopefully, that’s the worst that can happen to us.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“I’m ready for the butt ball.”
BEAU
Coach took it easy on us at first.
Camp started with slant routes. Colt and I can run those diagonal drills blindfolded. The same goes with Goodwin, Martinez, and Smith. The whole offensive line was in the zone.
Then we ran post and corner routes, and my completions looked good.
But today, Coach wants to run go routes. Is he testing me and my shoulder? Definitely. But I want to know, too—do I still have a golden arm?
Colt goes deep, working on his speed while I drop back, waiting, knowing he usually takes five seconds before I go for yards, thirty yards each time.
For a while, all’s good.
