Rookie Moves: A Quick Snap Novella

by Tarrah Anders

  “No, he won’t be able to. He’s got a thing this weekend.”

  “I thought there wasn’t a game this weekend, what’s that called a goodbye week?”

  “Bye week. It’s called a bye week. Yeah, he’s not playing but he has another commitment.”

  “Oh really, what’s he doing?”

  “He’s doing something with a few guys on the team, they’re going to be working across town with Habitat for Humanity.”

  “Oh, that’s amazing. I’m so happy that he’s changed his ways.” She claps happily.

  “What’s that mean?” I ask.

  “Oh, he’s had a little bit of a past of getting into some trouble.” She shrugs.

  “Well, everyone has a past, so whatever.” I shrug not bothered by what she’s saying.

  It’s not like I was expecting him to be a monk before meeting me. He’s a football player and a damn attractive one. He looks like trouble and talent all wrapped up in one.

  But at least now, he’s doing a lot of things to brighten his image.

  Chapter 16

  Grant

  She’s kneeling before me.

  I look down and see her mouth wrapped around my cock moving up and down with her hand following on my shaft. She applies light suction as she pulls up on the crown, blows a breath on the sensitive skin, then my cock disappears down her throat.

  Fuck! It feels exquisite.

  I blow out a ragged breath and lean back, fixating my gaze on the ceiling.

  She maneuvers between full coverage and then licking the underside of my cock. Between her lips, also with pressure and her hands.

  I’m not sure whether or not I can hold off any longer, with the quickness of my breaths along with the pleasure that races down my spine is telling me I’m going to come any second.

  I tap her shoulder, unable to form words and when her beautiful blue eyes meet mine, she sucks harder, squeezes my cock with her hand and milks it like that’s what she was made to do.

  Holy Crap!

  My orgasm rips through my body as I clench the comforter on my bed. Deep animalistic noises expel from my throat that sound like lion calls in the wild as my come hits the back of her throat. Half a minute later, she pulls off me, and I fall back onto the bed. My chest is heaving from my entire body feeling sensations that are indescribable while she climbs up onto the bed and lightly runs her fingers across my semi-erection.

  “Now, we have to go out to dinner,” she says.

  “You mean to tell me you’re not full?” I joke as she hits my chest.

  “I’ve got protein now, so I should probably fill up on actual food, you perv.”

  “I should probably carb it up, make sure I have plenty of energy for all the manly things that I will be doing this weekend.” I grin.

  “I hate to break it to you, but there’s no shortage of man things that you do. You do remember that you play football, right?”

  “I do remember that. As a matter of fact, I found my jock strap in my locker yesterday before practice in a block of ice.”

  She stifles a laugh, and I see the tears of laughter forming in her eyes from forcing herself to control it. “What?”

  “I’m the only rookie on the team this season, so they’re getting me good.”

  “Haven’t you proven your worth yet?” She asks.

  “I may have, but I’m still a Rook and will likely remain one until probably next season. I don’t know how it works. I never was the rookie in college or high school.”

  “Aw poor baby.”

  “It’s fine, I play well on the field and now off. So I just keep doing what I’m doing, and the coaches will be happy.”

  “What do you mean off the field. I know you had a bit of a reputation before, but is that something that was a concern?”

  “Well, yeah kind of. That’s why I was at the food bank that day. I’ve been requested to do better and not draw negative shit to my name.”

  She nods. “I see. Then you’re probably not going to like what TMZ was reporting this morning.” She reaches for her phone and a minute later, she turns the screen to me.

  Was that Seattle’s latest acquired player, Grant Toolson showing his blue moon during a midnight swim with a mystery woman? Could it be the same mystery woman that he’s been seen with at a few other functions recently?

  I read the headline twice, to make sure that my eyes weren’t deceiving me.

  How is it that I haven’t received a phone call from the coaching staff?

  Who the heck took this blurry photo and how would they have been able to piece together that it was Emily and me?

  “Well shit, this doesn’t look good for either of us.” I say.

  “I wouldn’t worry about it too much. You can’t tell that it’s us and the entire article is speculation anyways. What I see is a tall man with a very white butt, and a shorter female. I think it was the night patrol who took the photo before yelling out to us.”

  “Must be why the team hasn’t said anything to me yet. Because it’s not one hundred percent clear that it is me.”

  “There’s nothing in the photo that says it’s you and nothing that says it’s me. We’re good.”

  I hear a growl of a stomach and I’m not sure if it’s her or me, but a reminder of what we were talking about before comes to mind.

  “C’mon, let’s get some food in your stomach. And let’s try to get better at pillow talk.”

  She laughs and moves to get off of the bed. I grab her by the wrist once I sit up and pull her down for a kiss.

  “Mmmm that’s better.” I smile with my eyes closed.

  “Food,” she rubs her stomach lightly and pulls me up and looks down at my nakedness. “Clothes, then food.”

  “Toolson!” The head coach bellows into the loud locker room.

  “Man! You just keep getting called into the principal’s office.” One of the guys jokes while I walk by the lockers.

  I stand in the entryway rubbing my towel over my wet hair.

  “You wanted to see me Coach.” I ask nonchalantly.

  “When was the last time you were at the beach?” He asks, looking down at his clipboard from practice.

  “Spring break, senior year. Need me to do a beach cleanup or something?” I ask, feigning complete innocence. “I’m not a big fan of sand though, but if you need me there, I’ll be there.”

  “Just a question, where were you the other night?” He asks shaking his head.

  “Well, I went out to dinner with my girlfriend, sir.”

  “And after?” He quizzes finally looking up at me.

  “Back to my place, nothing noteworthy.”

  “Staying out of trouble, Toolson?” he asks.

  “Definitely. After our talk, I have been on my best behavior.” I nod.

  “That’s what I like to hear. Keep it up. The owners are happy with your performance and we want to keep them happy that they wanted you as a Seahawk.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “That’s all. See you on Monday.” He says dismissing me.

  Phew, that was a close one.

  Chapter 17

  Emily

  The day started out great. I went to a luncheon with my mom and we were joined by young women in the state who had a desire to be entrepreneurs and some who already were. With my mother’s background in business, and from starting up her own marketing firm when she was fresh out of college, she has been a strong figure to women who want to make a name for themselves in a male-driven world, before she was the mayor’s wife.

  Hearing stories from some of the young ladies at lunch gave me hope for the future and it inspired me. It made me question exactly what I want out of my life. Dating someone else, who is in the public eye is different than I thought it would be. I am learning the importance of appreciating someone for what they bring to the table and even though I’ve never dated someone in sports before, he isn’t just his job and that’s not something that I was expecting. I don’t want to just be the m
ayor’s daughter.

  I want to follow in the same footsteps of my mother. With my business degree and with minoring in marketing, I have a sudden inspiration to look at what my career could look like.

  After lunch, I was on a roll and sat at the desk in my room to write out my goals and even started on a business plan.

  After a few hours, I had a general outline, I went in search of my mother to get some of her feedback and found her in the backyard, tending to her garden. I stop behind her, nervous to approach the subject, but also eager for her feedback. I swallow a lump in my throat and run my hand through my hair.

  “Hi mom. Can I get your help with something?”

  She stops tendering the soil and pulls off her gloves noting the seriousness in my tone.

  “How can I help you sweetheart?” she asks sweetly.

  “Today was really inspiring and I wanted to run some of my ideas by you, do you have some time? It doesn’t have to be now, since you’re out here, but later maybe?” I stand awkwardly.

  “Nonsense. Let’s chat right now. Whatever it is, is definitely important.” She pushes herself up off of the ground and grabs her tools to place on the deck nearby.

  She places one arm around my shoulders, and we walk back up to the house together.

  We walk into the library and I lay out my notepads and paperwork on the center table and stand back. My mom steps forward and pulls her reading glasses over her eyes to get a better look as she peers down.

  “Why, this looks like the start of a business plan.” She stands straight excitedly.

  “Yeah.” I reply sheepishly.

  “You decided what you wanted to do?”

  “Today was such an inspiration. I mean, I’ve always looked up to you and what you did with yourself before all this politics stuff, same with daddy and his business before. I was talking to one of the girls who was interested in graphic design and the way she looked at you and talked about you, just connected all the dots for me. I want to do something in marketing and I think my plan—with your help—of course could be a good option.”

  “Anything that you choose to do, honey, would make me proud, you know that right?”

  “Yes, I do, and I think this is what I really want.” I tell her proudly.

  “Well, then. I love a good business plan. Let’s get to work, shall we?” She sits down and I take a seat across from her.

  We strategize for hours together. She gives me good ideas, and we work on digging into some of the details deeper and before I know it, it’s dark outside and our kitchen staff are putting out dinner in the other room. My father interrupts our planning and drags us away from the room to eat. I have a date with Grant later, for dinner—so I just sit at the table with them and listen to my mother tell my father about my ideas.

  After I sit with them for dinner, I’m getting ready for my dinner date with Grant and am feeling content and energized from the day. I feel like there’s a new purpose and I am craving for it to begin.

  Grant is looking devilishly handsome and I’m really enjoying the unshaven look on him tonight. I spent the first part of our date talking about my business plan and the gamut of exciting feelings that I’m thriving on from working with my mom all day. He told me about hurting himself and learning that he’s not suited to really work with his hands and is better at sports than anything else.

  We laughed at his stories from the site and he sat and listened appreciatively as I retold some of the stories from the luncheon.

  We were eager to get back to his place as we were leaving the restaurant that we didn’t pay any particular attention to the crowd that gathered outside the restaurant. There were a few people holding out pens and pads of paper for autographs and Grant told them that we’re just enjoying a quiet night out as he declined signing anything as we made our way to his waiting truck at the valet station. We got in and headed home.

  Why do I feel that was a wrong move? Is he allowed to say no to autographs?

  Chapter 18

  Grant

  Yesterday and today, I’ve learned that I’m not so great at using tools. I’ve managed to hammer my thumb five times, I’ve tripped over freshly poured cement and managed to get myself stuck in chicken wire. Building things is not easy and its only lunch time.

  I’m eating my sandwich quickly, because I’m set up to do an interview as soon as the media gets here and they’re just going to have to deal with me looking like I’ve been hung out to dry from the morning.

  Even though, all I wanted to do today was sleep in and get a massage for my sore muscles, I got up at the crack of dawn to meet the rest of the crew and a few of my teammates at the worksite before the official start time.

  Even though this build has been grueling, it’s also been rewarding. I would prefer doing something like this, versus attending a charity dinner, because I am actually putting in the work, not just handing over a check. Sure, there are some far more qualified professionals who could likely build a better house, but this is still going to support a family in need and that’s what is important.

  Three media vans pulls up and I shove the last bit of my lunch into my mouth and stand up.

  Here goes nothing.

  “My parents know that I’m sleeping over here tonight.” Emily tells me as soon as she walks in.

  “Hey there,” I kiss her quickly before she brushes past me.

  “Hi. Oh hey, Jake. I hope that’s okay.” She nervously looks between Jake, who’s sitting on the couch and me.

  “I have a date tonight, so I’ll either be coming home late or not at all,” he declares. “So, regardless, I’ll be out of your guy’s hair.”

  “Thanks bro.” I say patting him on the shoulder.

  “I’m not doing it for you, man. I’m tired of being the only single dude in our group of friends. I need to go get me a woman. Hey Emily, do you have any single friends that wouldn’t mind a humble and attractive man like me?”

  “Humble?” I laugh.

  “I can be, when the mood strikes.” Jake grins.

  “Sorry, my friends are fake, they would tear you apart in moments.” She shakes her head.

  “What’s up with chicks having shitty friends?” Jake mumbles standing up and disappearing down the hallway to the bedrooms.

  “When are you on TV?” Emily bounces with excitement.

  “I’m on TV practically every Sunday and you’re excited about this one single interview that is probably only fifteen seconds long?”

  “I mean, yeah. I want to see you all dirty from building things with your hands.” She winks.

  “Is that a turn-on for you?” I pull her closer by the waist and trail kisses from her cheek down her shoulder with her shuddering underneath my touch.

  “It can be,” she whispers.

  “Hey! No sex in the living room! Stop the hanky panky you two!” Jake comes back into the living room wearing a button up shirt and sounding like my grandfather.

  “Our clothes are still on, and I’m just giving my girl a proper hello.” I defend.

  “I don’t want to have to sanitize everything, so let’s just keep all juices to ourselves and in the privacy of our bedrooms, deal?” Jake grabs his wallet from the counter in the kitchen and heads towards the door.

  “Um, juices, really?” Emily scrunches her nose.

  “Deal. Don’t do anything that I wouldn’t do,” I warn him before he slams the door shut.

  “Is he okay?” Emily asks.

  “Yeah, he’s fine. He just gets a little sensitive when he goes on dates. Want something to drink?” I ask.

  “Do you have any of those ciders that I like?”

  “I actually do.” I grab us drinks and we sit on the couch.

  “I can’t believe that I’m so excited to watch the news.” She says before taking a sip from the bottle.

  “I can’t believe you are either, it’s nothing special.” I shake my head.

  “Shhh. shhh. It’s on.” She pats my knee and our attention go
es to the News on the television.

  After a few breaking news stories, the news goes to a community segment and the camera pans from one side of the unfinished house to the other. Conners and Wilson are both hard at work and I’m giving the interview.

  My interview is talking over some of the shots from inside the house, other workers on the roof, and then me putting in a window. It’s great coverage and I don’t sound like a complete idiot. I’ve got dirt on my face and all over my once clean shirt. There’s a tear in the knee of my jeans from when I got it snagged on a nail and my day old stubble makes me look at least ten years older.

  The small news segment is over and then the next goes to Montgomery and a few of the other guys at the local library reading to some of the kids. All in all, the team got some excellent out in the community coverage and by the way that Emily is looking at me right now, I’m definitely going to get laid.

  So, it’s a win-win.

  Chapter 19

  Emily

  I am on my way to the kitchen to make myself a sandwich about to pass the library, but as I approach, I hear my father talking to someone, and I slow my steps and press myself against the wall when I hear my name.

  “Do you think the plan is working out?” A man that’s not my dad asks.

  “I’ve gotten the approval ratings for the relationship, and it’s about fifty-fifty.” My dad says.

  “Why isn’t it higher?” The other guy asks.

  “It appears that there was some video on social media that went up where they were seen avoiding people and refusing autographs, well your guy was.”

  “How come the team wasn’t aware of this? That seems like it would be something that would come up?”

  “With all due respect, it’s not like he’s drunk driving or getting into bar fights. It’s not news that is huge or sensational.”