Single Mom's Protector - Complete Series

by Nella Tyler

  He smiled and kissed me. “I know. I don't know what I would have done if you didn't.”

  “We totally understand why you went into jerk mode, Bennett,” Connie said while laughing.

  “Yeah, we totally understand. And even though I was in a mess with my editor and forced to write those articles about you, I never once doubted that you were innocent. I think everything is going to be okay now.”

  “I'm so glad I had you by my side, Emmi. It really means a lot to me.”

  “Anytime, player.” I giggled as I kissed him again.

  Chapter Two

  After we finished the bottle of wine, Connie laid out on the couch ready to go to sleep while finishing the movie we had abandoned earlier. Bennett and I retreated to my room, and I could hear the movie playing as we went down the hallway. We crawled onto my bed where I booted up my computer. I wanted to write the story before I got word from my editor or before she assigned it to someone else out of spite. I needed to get a move on writing it as soon as possible. I wasn't sure what was going through her head at the moment, but I wasn't going to take the chance that she would want me to put a negative spin on the article. I was writing this one my way, and she would have to deal with it.

  Once I logged in and got a Word document up, I looked to Bennett for guidance. He had something to say and now that he had been proven innocent, he should have the opportunity to tell his story. I was going to write the story from his perspective so that he could say what he needed to his fans.

  I typed away as he talked, getting in the moment. He was a skilled athlete at the top of his game. He had been steps away from being recruited to a number of teams and before he had the opportunity, scandal struck out of nowhere. He was unprepared for it and believed the city and the world would be behind him. He soon realized that things don't always work out like that. Although he claimed his innocence on numerous occasions, he felt like people had turned against him. H wasn't sure if the real story would ever come to light. He still fought tooth and nail for his innocence, and that hard work paid off. He had finally been proven innocent, and there was nothing anyone could do to change that.

  Bennett gave me plenty of quotes to work with, and I knew I would have the exclusive from him that no other paper would get. I guess there was more than one benefit to dating a sexy baseball player. I would be able to announce his innocence before anyone else got the scoop.

  The scandal would now turn on the real culprit who had put the tar on the ball, and he would now have to face a suspension of his own. He would also have to deal with the same kind of public scrutiny that Bennett had to deal with, except in his case, it wouldn't end. He would not be exonerated as Bennett had been. His career could very well be over. How tragic that he had not come forward in the beginning to save Bennett, instead he had let him take the fall for something he didn't do – not very honorable at all. That would be something he would be attacked for in the media. The next few weeks would not be easy for that guy.

  I needed to be able to back up my information; however, I wasn't about to do the same thing that Rebecca had done. Bennett helped me find the avenues I needed to get proof of his claims. It had been easier than I thought with Bennett's help, and I had everything I needed to make sure the article was accurate. It turned out I had more than I needed to write the best article I could.

  “What I didn't tell you is that they gave me an official letter that exonerates me. You can include it in the article and be that much more amazing.”

  I laughed. “That would do it. It’s great they gave that to you. No other paper will have that lead.”

  “I haven't even shown it to anyone; you will be the first to see it.” He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to me. I slowly read it over and felt pride in what the administration had to say about Bennett and the regret they had about accusing him. I was honored I was the first person he showed it to. It really said a lot about what Bennett thought of me. I couldn't have been happier that I would be the one that got to break the news of his innocence before anyone else – especially since my articles since the scandal broke had been terrible and only focused on his allegations. What was better was that I had the inside scoop – I was telling the story from Bennett's perspective; just like the features I used to do. People would really know how he felt, and no other paper would get that vantage point. I couldn't ask for a better source.

  I was able to finish the article that night, and I submitted it immediately to my editor to ensure that it would be in the paper first thing in the morning. Despite my editor's opinion of Bennett, she would be thrilled to have a front page story and even better, be the first paper to print it. A copy of the letter was included, as well as an announcement that Bennett Thomas would be reinstated as the pitcher for the Long Island Stingrays in time to play the home game that following afternoon.

  I couldn't wait to see the paper.

  Chapter Three

  I rose that morning feeling a million times better than I had in a really long time. The past few weeks had been brutal on me, I could barely concentrate on school and my relationship had taken a nosedive.

  Now that Bennett had been exonerated, everything seemed to be right with the world once again. I couldn't have asked for anything better. I rolled over into an empty bed and missed him even though I had just seen him the night before. It wasn't all a dream, was it?

  I had wanted him to spend the night, but since he was playing the home game, he really needed to get his rest and we both knew he wouldn't if he stayed. I had been more than willing to ravish him for the entire night, but he needed to get his rest. Plus he wanted to get up early to practice since he had been off for a while. Not that he needed it; he was all talent, that one. A smile played on my lips at the thought of him walking out to the field. He would be so excited to be back in action and would probably be grinning from ear to ear as soon as he got there. He deserved it, and I was so happy for him.

  I got out of bed and went out to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I was surprised to see Connie already up. She had propped herself up on pillows and was looking on her phone. I assumed she was checking out her social media. I had expected her to sleep in since neither of us had a lot going on that morning, plus she had drunk much more wine than I had.

  I yawned as I put water in the pot and poured it into the machine. I added a filter and poured a scoop of coffee into it. I turned it on and heard the sweet sounds of coffee being made.

  “Oh my God! Emmi!”

  Startled, I turned to Connie, who was staring at me wide-eyed. She had her phone in her hand, so I knew she had some real gossip.

  “What? It's a little early to be hearing that screeching, don't you think?”

  She laughed, “I don't screech.”

  “Sure you don't. What's up? Is Ryan Gosling finally single? Cause I'm telling you, I would do just about-”

  “Emmi, quit it. No, it's you. It's all about you.” Connie had this look of amazement on her face that was pretty priceless.

  I stared at her, confused. The smell of coffee was in the air and all I wanted was the have a cup. I wasn't sure why she was saying these things and not explaining herself.

  “I don't get it.”

  “Social media – no matter where I go, it's all about you.”

  “What? What are you talking about?” I wasn't sure if that was good news or bad news, and I didn't want any more bad news in my life.

  “Your article, it just blew up! People have been sharing it all over Twitter and Facebook.”

  My mouth fell open. “What? Already?” I hadn't expected to hear about the article quite so early. Could it really have spread so fast?

  Connie ran to me and held out her phone. I grabbed it from her and scrolled through her newsfeed. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. She was right – I was what everyone was talking about that morning. I stood there in awe as I read post after post. It was so embarrassing, but in a good way. I felt heat come to my face as I blushed deeply
. Oh my God – it really was all about me. People loved my article and praising Bennett for being back in the game. I hadn't had the chance to look at my own phone that morning; I was so focused on coffee. I usually checked it after my first cup.

  “I haven't even looked at my phone yet. It must be ringing off the hook by now.”

  Connie giggled. “I would go get it if I was you. I’ll handle the coffee.”

  I ran to my room to grab the phone off my nightstand while Connie poured us some coffee. As I was walking down the hallway towards the kitchen, I saw I had 10 text messages from friends, my editor, and Bennett. They were all praising me on a job well done. Bennett was sending me kisses and telling me he couldn't wait to see me after the game. I also had two missed calls from my editor. She had left me a long voicemail message stating the surprise and joy she had felt to receive the article last night. She felt it was brilliant and couldn't wait to print it. The second stated that the article was an absolute success and the office had been fielding calls all day about it and how proud she was of me. Fielding calls about me? From who? I wondered about the papers that were interested in me. It was hard to believe I could become so popular over one damn article.

  “My phone blew up,” I said simply. I started laughing and shaking my head.

  Connie laughed. “I bet. Good for you, girl. People have definitely taken notice of you, and this can't help but be a great advantage to your career.”

  “Yeah, I guess you're right. Everyone knows my name, knows my work. Whether they like it or not, I'm everywhere.”

  Connie handed me a cup of coffee with cream and smiled. “It's amazing, girl. I'm very happy for you.”

  I took a sip of the hot liquid. I loved the taste of coffee – it was so inviting, especially first thing in the morning. Just then my phone rang. I expected it to be my editor again, but it wasn't.

  “Dad! Hi!”

  “Hey, sweetheart. How are you doing?”

  “I'm great, Dad. How have things been going? We need to get together again soon!”

  “Busy, as usual. Look you have been the buzz around the office all day and that's the reason for my call.”

  Uh-oh.

  “Oh. Why's that?” He had obviously heard all about me, whether that was a good or bad thing I was about to find out.

  “Well, this article that I read this morning is the talk of the entire office, and I have to say it's exceptionally well-written.”

  I blushed. “Dad, thank you.”

  “I can't tell you how proud I am of your talent as a writer. I know you are going to do so well as a broadcaster. Your article was very professional, as it should be. Whether you go into broadcasting or just writing, you would be phenomenal at both.”

  “That means the world to me, Dad.” I loved that he had called to tell me that. My dad was just so great.

  “I love you, sweetheart. Keep up the good work.”

  “I love you, too, Dad. Bye.”

  There was a click on the other end and tears welled up in my eyes. I had really needed to hear that from my father. He wasn't always open about his feelings, but when he did, he really made up for it. I was thrilled that he had read something of mine and genuinely enjoyed it. Connie saw tears spill out of my eyes and hugged me tight. “You deserve this, girl. I think you are going to have a great career. Your dad obviously loves you very much.”

  “Thank you.”

  We sat down at the kitchen table with our coffee and compared each other’s social media posts. I wiped the tears off my cheeks, relieved that things were starting to look up.

  “What really surprised me is all the joyful comments,” I said as certain posts caught my eye. “Where were they when he was being accused? Everyone seems so excited that he is innocent and now able to play and before they were ready to feed him to the wolves. Like, what the hell is that?”

  “People are like that. They are sheep and can't think for themselves. They just follow what everyone else is doing. They thought they finally found something to explain his talent, so they didn't bother to question it. People love scandal and gossip – they feed off of it. Look at the celebrities around you. People don't like happy couples. They want to read the dirt about the cheating scandals and who is breaking up. It's sad, really.”

  “Well, I wish more of his fans would have been supportive. Things were really bad for him for awhile there.”

  “I'm sure the real fans were with him the whole time, but this is a big world we live in. Just be happy that it's over.”

  “Yeah, I'm sure you're right. I just can't believe the turnaround. But obviously, it's good news for everyone, and I'm really happy he gets to play today.”

  I couldn't have been more excited about the attention I was getting for breaking the news of Bennett's innocence, but I was really surprised by how my audience seemed to have switched their attitude so drastically. It was really weird. Not everyone had been a fan of my articles when I was trying to stick by Bennett throughout the accusations, but here everyone was praising me now that he was innocent. When I was focusing on just his allegations, people were eating it up as if they were sure he was guilty and now they were going to the game. I really couldn't understand it. It was all a little messed up in my opinion, but I guessed I shouldn't argue or worry about it. Bennett was okay now and able to play on his team and that was what mattered. Not anyone's opinion on the matter.

  There was no point in questioning it. I would just roll with the punches and see what happened next, but I would just keep it all in the back of my mind, just in case I needed it for future reference.

  Chapter Four

  Going into the game, I was completely pumped. The stands were packed with fans as usual, and it put a smile on my face. I grabbed myself a couple franks and a beer before heading to my seats. I had some of the best seats in the house, so I always had a good view of the game. My father always bought them for me and it made going to the game that much better.

  The practice portion was already over, so I didn't get to see Bennett until he came out for the game. I could just imagine his excitement of being there, something he had probably worried would never happen again. When his team came out onto the field, I saw him right away. He had his arms splayed out in the air and was turning in circles around. He was embracing his innocence and showing everyone he was back for good. I had a huge smile on my face as I watched Bennett – he couldn't have looked happier than he did in that moment. I was so proud of him.

  The game got underway, and I cheered exuberantly for my man as he went about winning the game for his team. His pitching was exceptional and I knew it was all part of him showing the city that he knew what he was doing. He had done nothing wrong, and it was obvious that his team was happy to have him back.

  The crowd was crazy all around me as they cheered Bennett on. I couldn't have been more surprised considering what Bennett had been through in the past week. One of the great parts of being at the games was the crowd. They brought the energy and intensity to the game. If you were in the crowd, you could really feel their excitement about being there. You could feel the love in the air at that moment for Bennett, and it really made me wonder how many of them had believed him. How many of them had believed Bennett throughout the whole ordeal? Or were they just coming around now that his innocence had been proven?

  There was no point in dwelling on it, but it was a difficult thing not to do. Although I was an unwilling participant, it probably didn't help that my articles had helped cause the media frenzy that had fuelled people's dislike for Bennett. The articles helped people conspire against him. I even had to admit that the way the evidence had originally come out, it had appeared as if Bennett were guilty. Even I could admit to that, so all those people that don't know Bennett personally – what are they supposed to believe?

  It didn't matter anyways; he was found innocent at that was all that mattered.

  The games that had taken place in Bennett's absence had not gone so well. It had even looked
like they were in a downward spiral, so it was great to see Bennett back on top once again.

  I stayed throughout the whole game; cheering Bennett on and seeing his team win their first game since he had been away. I stood up and cheered along with the crowd as they went wild.

  I was confident everything was going to be all right from then on.

  Chapter Five

  The weeks following the game were amazing. Things between Bennett and me only seemed to be getting better the more time we spent with each other. My man was an amazing catch, and I was a lucky woman. He was kind, attentive, and always made me feel like number one. At that point, we were basically spending every moment together and I wasn't one to argue about that. I couldn't have been happier with how our relationship was going, and I wanted it to keep going along the same lines. I had finally found someone that was true to me and wanted to build something real with me. The drama was over for the time being and that helped things out between us a lot. I didn't have to worry about another scandal breaking because there just wasn't anything to talk about. It was nice to be in a somewhat normal relationship again without any front-page news going along with it.

  I couldn't deny the fact that I was falling in love with Bennett. Could you blame me? The guy was just so absolutely dreamy. Of course I was falling in love with him, there were probably a hundred other girls wishing they were in my position. He was everything I wanted in a man and partner and finding him had been a true gift. Things between us were moving fast, but I didn't want to complain about that after everything we had already been through. It was best to just enjoy what was going on between us because we never knew when it could turn the other way again.

  When I was out and about, especially at school, I made sure to continue to downplay our relationship. I didn't want anyone sniffing around again and causing us any more trouble. I didn't need any more nightmares – we had just gone through one and it was more than enough for a lifetime. Deep down I didn't think it really mattered, I was certain we were considered old news at that point, but I wasn't taking any chances. I just wanted to be happy for a while and not worry about whether or not we would be front-page news the next day. Bennett seemed to feel the same way and that had a lot to do with why we were so in sync with each other.