Jilted Jock : A Hero Club Novel

by Rebecca Jenshak

  I was a bit agitated as I drove home, despite trying not to let Cindy overshadow the excitement I had to see Adele. I was going to have to get used to seeing her. She might have hidden out for the past couple months, but she wasn’t going anywhere. Cindy was all LA. It’d been something I’d once liked about her. Representative of my making it to the next level. I don’t know what I’d represented for her, but I no longer cared.

  Adele’s flight got in late, so I had a few hours to shower and make sure the place was presentable. I ordered groceries online and had them delivered in case she wanted to cook. I’d stocked my kitchen with a smaller version of the things I’d bought for her. I hadn’t used any of it, but I was hoping she’d visit enough to put them to use often.

  I knew it might be years before she was ready to come back, but with my schedule this seemed to be working. Hopefully she thought so too. It was one of many questions I needed to ask. Truth was, I was scared of the answer. Scared that even though she said she liked how I pushed her, that I was going to make a wrong move and lose her again.

  I gave kitty a bath, which she actually liked, and then put her new collar on her. She’d outgrown the last and I guess we were both putting our best foot forward this weekend. I’d use any means necessary – including my cat which I knew she loved.

  I waited for her at baggage claim with a hat pulled low over my eyes. People always recognized me in airports. I think there was something about LAX that had people on high alert for celebrities.

  Her red suitcase came around the carousel before she came into view. I grabbed it and stood just off to the side where a steady stream of arrivals exited the terminals.

  A boy, maybe around eleven, caught my eye. I smiled so as not to seem like an ass, but then ducked my head a little lower. Not everyone who recognized me came over, but this kid did leaving me no choice but to stand up straight and respond when he said, “Oh my God, you’re Finn McCash.”

  I nodded and a woman, who I assumed was his mother, followed behind.

  “Mom, it’s Finn McCash. He plays for LA.”

  I offered her a curt smile which she returned with a smirk. “I know who he is, Michael.”

  Something told me everything she knew about me came from media garbage and not my actual soccer career.

  “Will you sign my shirt?” he asked. “This is so cool. Are you going to be able to play soon?”

  “Of course, and yes, I’ll be back next week. You’re a fan then?” I glanced around to see if Adele had made it through, but there was still no sign of her. “Do you have a pen?”

  He looked to his mum. She dug through her purse until she found one. As I scribbled my name on the back of his shirt, the boy went on about games he’d seen me play – he really was a fan, reciting stats I didn’t even keep track of anymore.

  I took a selfie with him and then he told me he needed to text his friends and I was pretty much forgotten. His mum stepped closer and spoke so only I could hear. “Cindy was a fool. You’re better off without her. You need someone who appreciates what they have.”

  I had no idea what to say to that and I was just about to say a polite goodbye when a voice came from my other side.

  “Don’t worry, he has someone that appreciates him.” Adele’s voice made me jump.

  “You made it.” I hugged her all too eagerly. Five days was too long. I was so utterly head over heels and I felt like I could finally take a fucking breath again with her beside me. “God, I missed you. What took you so long? Were you the last person off the plane just because you knew it’d make me crazy waiting for you?”

  “I needed to freshen up after six hours on a plane.”

  “Mmm. I don’t mind when you’re dirty,” I whispered and nipped at her neck just below her ear, and then remembered we still had an audience.

  Pulling back, I wrapped an arm around her and then nodded to Michael. “Nice meeting you. I’ll put tickets for the next home game at will call. Hope you can make it.”

  His eyes got huge. “Really? Thank you.”

  “That’s really nice of you,” his mum said. She’d found her composure and sounded genuine in the compliment. “Thank you.”

  I navigated Adele out of the airport before anyone else could even think about talking to us. I didn’t care if it was a child selling those delicious mint cookies or a genie to grant me three wishes – I wanted away from everyone but my girl.

  Once in my truck, I framed her face with both hands and kissed her like I’d thought about every day since I’d seen her last. I didn’t pull back until the windows were starting to fog up and my jeans were tented.

  “Sorry about that back there.”

  “I’m not. It was fun getting to claim you in front of one of your adoring fans.” She said the last part with enough snark it made me grin.

  “Ready?”

  She laughed. “Yes. I’m three hours ahead and bound to crash after the adrenaline wears off.”

  “I can think of all kinds of ways to keep your adrenaline going.”

  I took off toward my apartment with a singular mission – get home and get naked.

  Traffic was shit and testing all the patience I possessed, which wasn’t a lot to begin with, but we finally arrived, and I killed the engine and felt a new bolt of excitement jolt through me.

  “Someone has been waiting all day for you to get here,” I said as I helped her out. Pushing open the door from the garage into my place, kitty waited just like she always did when I got home.

  “Marshmallow!” Adele strolled past me and knelt in front of her.

  “The pictures didn’t do her justice. She’s beautiful and so big.”

  I nodded and watched as my cat ate up the attention. Adele picked her up and snuggled against her.

  “Come on, I know you must be tired.”

  She didn’t bother protesting and the yawn that came not five seconds later would have given her away anyway.

  I led her to my room and left her suitcase just inside the door.

  “I’ll give you the grand tour tomorrow.”

  “I’m just going to sit here for a minute and then I’ll be ready to do whatever you want.” She said slipping out of her shoes and sitting on my bed. Marshmallow curled up on her lap and Adele petted her with a contented smile.

  “We’ve got all weekend. I didn’t make any plans tonight so we can watch a movie, or go out…” I knew that last one wasn’t happening, but I threw it out there just in case.

  “Okay.”

  “I’m gonna grab something to drink. You want anything?”

  “No, I’m good.”

  “Be right back.” I stood in the doorway for a moment longer letting the image soak in. She was here. She’d come to me at last.

  By the time I got a glass of water and came back she was fast asleep.

  I chuckled lightly under my breath and pulled the covers over her. After I’d tucked her in, I turned out the light and joined her. It was a long time until I finally drifted off. I held her in my arms, breathed her in, and let my imagination run wild with scenarios of every night being just like this.

  I woke up to the smell of bacon and an empty bed. Even Marshmallow had abandoned me. I pulled on a clean t-shirt and sweatpants and wandered out to the kitchen. She didn’t spot me right away, so I got to take her in – long hair pulled up into a high ponytail, tank top, no bra, bless the good Lord, and small sleep shorts that seemed funny since she’d fallen asleep fully clothed meaning she had to have put them on after she woke up this morning. She padded around the large space barefoot, humming and fully engrossed in whatever she was cooking.

  “Smells great.”

  She jumped and then glanced over to me with a shy smile.

  “I hope it’s okay I ransacked your kitchen.”

  “Make yourself at home. If you need anything, just add it to the grocery list on Alexa and I’ll have it sent to the house this afternoon.”

  “What’s the plan for today?” She grabbed two plates and s
tarted placing food on both. Bacon, eggs, toast, fruit.

  “I thought you might want to see your brother, so I could take you over there this morning. Team thing isn’t until tonight. We’ve got all day.”

  “I’d love that.”

  We sat at the huge dining room table that I’d never used before. I almost always ate in the living room, but she’d put out place settings and honestly, I’d have eaten in the bathtub if that’s what she wanted.

  “Nothing that requires syrup this time, I see.”

  She blushed and I leaned over to kiss her. Marshmallow jumped onto the table and walked between us.

  “You’ve wasted no time becoming her favorite again.”

  She smiled and ran her hand along Marshmallow’s back. “I think she remembers me.”

  I’d been yapping on about her for months, so yeah, my cat hadn’t a chance to forget Adele. “I think so too.”

  After breakfast we showered together. It took us probably the better part of an hour before we’d both had enough of one another to tide us over until later.

  I drove to her brother’s house a little regretful to share her. Aubrey was at the door when we pulled up and as soon as we stepped out of the truck, CJ ran past her and threw himself against Adele’s legs, hugging tightly. He didn’t let go even while she hugged Aubrey and then Chance over the top of him.

  “Alright, buddy, you can let go. She’s spending the day with us and you can’t hold on to her the whole time.”

  “Like hell he can’t.” Adele scooped him up and hugged him properly. He squealed and laughed.

  Aubrey and Adele chatted excitedly, and Chance offered me a shrug. “You want something to drink?”

  “Water would be great.”

  We let the women have time to catch up and settled on the couch.

  “Guess there are some perks to you dating my sister if it means she’ll be visiting more often.”

  “Hopefully.”

  “So, what’s this event you’re going to tonight? Something with the team?”

  “Yeah, big media night. Cocktails and dinner as they unveil the new safe-standing supporter’s section.”

  “How’s Adele feel about going to something like that?”

  “She’s excited. I think.” I hadn’t second guessed it until now. “Didn’t she and what’s his face go to parties and things?”

  “I don’t think so.” Chance shook his head. “Maybe office parties or that type of thing, but they were long distance for most of their relationship and when they spent weekends together, I think they mostly just stayed in.”

  I nodded. We were basically falling into the same routine and I didn’t like the idea of doing anything the same way she and Dick had. Tonight, we’d do it up right and I’d make a point to take her out more often from now on.

  “It’ll be fun. Don’t worry, Adele’s solid and I’ll be there.”

  “Just keep an eye on her. I know what those events can be like and I don’t know how Adele will react. If you hurt her or put her in harm’s way, I’ll have to punch you.”

  I chuckled under my breath. I understood that he worried about his sister, but he didn’t know how strong she was. Girl was unbreakable.

  The ladies joined us, and the conversation switched to our plans for the rest of the weekend. I let Adele answer and kept my plans to myself which was essentially not leaving my bed until she had to go to the airport.

  Aubrey eventually asked the same question Chance had earlier. “What’s the team event for tonight?”

  “Unveiling of the new safe-standing section to donors and local celebrities.”

  “Sounds fancy.” Aubrey elbowed Adele. “What are you wearing?”

  “Oh.” Adele looked to me with wide eyes. “I just brought a black cocktail dress. Is that okay?”

  I had no idea what a cocktail dress was, but I nodded. “It’ll be perfect.”

  “No, you should see some of the dresses these women wear to the events. I remember the pictures of Chance with Piper Ramsey. She was red carpet ready in every single one,” Aubrey stated with a twinge of jealousy and Chance shook his head and placed a kiss to his wife’s temple.

  I could practically feel Adele’s panic.

  “We can swing by the store and look for something else if you’re worried, but honest, anything you want to wear will be perfect.”

  Aubrey clapped her hands. “Ooooh. Let’s go shopping.”

  Adele looked uncertain.

  “Come on,” Aubrey pleaded. “I need some girl time. I need to get out of this testosterone filled house.” She looked to Chance. “Sorry.”

  “No need to be sorry about my high semen count, princess. There’ll be more little men running around in no time, better get used to it.”

  “Gross.” Adele grimaced. “Also, aww, are you guys trying for more kids?”

  “I will tell you everything in the car.” Aubrey was already standing. “What time do you need her back?”

  Apparently, I wasn’t invited. “The event is at eight.”

  “Perfect. I’ll deliver her to you by then.”

  I walked Adele to Aubrey’s car and hugged her. “Have fun.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay with this? I was supposed to be spending the day with you.”

  “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed I’m going to miss an opportunity to have sex in the changing room of various Los Angeles stores, but I’ll be alright. Tonight, though, you’re mine.”

  Finn

  Because traffic was shit and the girls had spent longer than planned, I had to meet Adele at the event. I couldn’t wait to spend the evening with her. Yeah, we’d gone days without seeing each other, but knowing she was so close and not with me was killer. I didn’t want to waste one second of her time in California.

  Aubrey’s car came into view and I walked over to open the passenger door. I swear if she hadn’t stepped out of Aubrey’s car and hadn’t said my name, I wouldn’t have recognized her. Nah, that’s not true. I’d recognize her anywhere, but I would have had to look twice.

  The dress she wore was unlike anything I’d ever seen her wear. The skirt was long but had slits that ran up each side so when she took a step her gorgeous legs peeked out. The top of the black dress wrapped around her small waist and the front dipped just enough to see the tiniest bit of cleavage.

  “You look… well, I’m speechless.”

  “Have fun you two,” Aubrey said from the driver’s side and waved.

  After she was gone, Adele smiled and did a little turn to show off the dress. Her confidence in it was as sexy as the rest of her. “You like it?”

  “Very much. I regret that there’s a mandatory dinner because I’d like to devour you instead.”

  “Oh no you don’t,” she admonished playfully. Her long hair hung in big waves around her shoulders and I fingered a strand and pulled gently. “It took hours to look like this. I need photographic proof before you wreck it.”

  There’d be plenty of photographers snapping photos tonight, but I pulled out my phone and held it in front of us. She leaned close, and we both smiled as I took a couple.

  “There. Proof.”

  I offered my arm and she linked hers through mine as we walked inside.

  “I’m a little nervous,” she admitted. “I don’t know anyone.”

  “Are you planning on leaving my side?”

  “No.”

  “Then you have nothing to worry about.”

  The place was already loud and crowded. There were a lot of media and people important to the organization in some way, but I had no idea who most of them were. There was a private dinner for the team first while everyone else had cocktails outside. I didn’t let go of Adele’s hand as I led her into the dining area.

  Most of the guys were still standing around and talking before the meal was served, but I led her straight to the table.

  Foster spotted us and came over carrying three flutes of champagne.

  “Hey, you guy
s made it.”

  He tried to hand us the flutes, but I shook my head. “We’re good.”

  “Adele?”

  “No, thanks.” Her voice was a little off, but I didn’t know if it was being offered a drink or just her nerves about meeting everyone.

  He shrugged and an easy smile tugged at his lips. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Judd Foster.”

  Shit. “Sorry, right. Adele, this is my buddy Foster.”

  “Good to put a face with the name,” she said.

  Foster smiled, but thankfully he avoided any cheesy comments about his face. I knew he was dying to interject something like, And what a face it is or something equally as awful. The guy was one bad pickup line away from being in the douchebag hall of fame. Always working the charm. In his world view, even the women he wasn’t interested in needed to be wooed.

  “Lauren went to the ladies’ room, but – ah, never mind, there she is.” He smiled and tipped his head to Lauren making her way into the room. She sauntered over and Foster made the introductions.

  After that, more of our teammates drifted over and Adele seemed to relax once conversation flowed around us. And thankfully, no one else tried to hand her a drink.

  I squeezed her hand and leaned down. “Are you okay?”

  “Stop looking at me like that. I’m fine.”

  I didn’t entirely believe her, she still looked a little nervous, but my asking her nine thousand times wasn’t going to help. I took her at her word and tried to loosen up. I let Chance get in my head and I kept finding myself tensing for the second she was gonna freak out.

  When Kenton called for a round of shots, I turned him down, but then Adele smiled and nudged me forward like maybe it was important to her that I not treat the situation any differently just because she was there. I took the shot but didn’t feel quite right about it and decided to pass on drinking anymore.

  “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” I asked, brushing my lips against hers.

  “Only about a dozen times.”

  “Plan on hearing it a dozen more.” I kissed her harder, sweeping my tongue inside. I was starting to think maybe Dick, the fucker, had the right idea about staying in – getting her naked would have to wait and I was running thin on patience.