First Down (Texas Titans #3)

by Cheryl Douglas

  Alana looked amused. “I’m willing to bet they have dirt on you, too. I wonder what I’d have to do to get them to talk?”

  Grayson knew she couldn’t say or do anything to make Matt or Zach spill, but his single friends were a different story. She’d only have to bat her eyelashes, and they’d sing like canaries.

  “Don’t look so worried,” she said. “I’m not really interested in digging up any dirt on you. Everyone’s entitled to their privacy, and we all have our secrets, right?”

  Grayson bit his tongue instead of asking what she had to hide. He had no right to interrogate her about her past. “How’s the new place?”

  “I really like it,” she said, smiling. “I’ve met some nice people there. Most of the residents are seniors on a fixed income, but there are also a few single moms and their kids.” She scowled. “The slumlord is a piece of work though. The tenants told me they can’t get him to do any repairs unless they threaten to report him. It’s not fair. They pay their rent on time. He’s obligated to give them a safe and sanitary home.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” As a landlord himself, he was vigilant about making sure his properties were in excellent condition. “If you don’t want the headache of dealing with him, you could always reconsider my offer. My agent has been interviewing new tenants, but no one has signed a lease yet.”

  “Grayson.” Her tone told him she wasn’t willing to reconsider and didn’t appreciate being pressured.

  “I’m sorry, I’ll back off.” The last thing he wanted was to cause friction between them. “Is there anything I can do to help you get your place in order? So many years on the ranch meant I had to learn to fix just about anything.”

  “It’s sweet of you to offer,” she said, smiling. “I just might take you up on it.”

  “I hope you do.” He’d take advantage of any opportunity to spend more time with her.

  “Your sister told me about your father’s stroke. That must have been difficult for you.”

  He was surprised Terri had confided in Alana about that. That was a dark time in their family history that they rarely discussed. “It was. My old man’s sort of my idol. He taught me the meaning of hard work.”

  “Did he also teach you how to throw a football?”

  He saw where she was going. She wanted to know if he was bitter about giving up his dream. “He did. He was my biggest fan. All through high school, he was at every game, cheering me on and making me believe I could secure that pro contract.”

  “Do you wish you’d had the opportunity to play pro football?”

  He inhaled deeply. He glanced at her while they were stopped at a light, smiling to let her know he wasn’t upset by her question. “High Rollers has become a hangout for athletes, and a lot of them have become my good friends. I’ve seen them through a lot. Injuries, trades, retirements—it’s not an easy life.”

  “Does that mean you don’t have any regrets about the way things worked out?”

  “We all have regrets, and I have my fair share. When I’m at the Super Bowl, in the midst of all of those crazed football fans, part of me wonders whether it could have been me on that field. But those days are gone, and there’s nothing I can do to get them back.”

  She rested her hand on his leg. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject. I’m just trying to get to know you better.”

  That was the first time she’d initiated contact, and he wanted more, much more, than a tentative touch intended to comfort him. “It’s okay. You can ask me anything. I’m an open book.” He was surprised to realize that with her that was true. He wasn’t guarded, wondering what she wanted from him. She’d already proved she didn’t need anything from him. She could take care of herself, which he found sexy as hell.

  “You really mean that?”

  “Of course. Ask me anything.”

  “Do you, uh, have other women like Patti in your life?”

  He wedged his tongue in his cheek, grateful the darkness meant she couldn’t read his amusement. “There have been a few.” She was cute when she was jealous, but he wasn’t stupid enough to say that.

  “Are you still seeing any of them?” She brushed her thumb over her nails as she pretended to be more interested in her manicure than what he had to say.

  “I thought I was pretty clear about that.” He reached for her hand. “I’ve never been real big on commitment, and judging by your history, you probably feel the same way. Am I right?”

  “Well, I certainly don’t want to get remarried anytime soon if that’s what you mean.”

  He chuckled. “Glad to hear we’re on the same page. Alana, I like you, and I think we could have fun together. I don’t want to complicate this by labeling it. Why don’t we just agree to hang out, have a good time, and see where it takes us?”

  Her lips twisted into a reluctant smile. “It’s so simple for men, isn’t it? You don’t feel the need to analyze things to death the way we do.”

  If he were being honest, he would have admitted he’d spent a lot of time analyzing his feelings for Alana. He wasn’t any more ready to tell her that than she was ready to hear it though. “I believe in going with the flow. It’s a hell of a lot harder to paddle upstream than it is to let the current carry you.”

  “I guess you’re right,” she said, drawing in a deep breath. “Thanks for reminding me I don’t always have to plan things out. Sometimes it’s okay to just let things happen.”

  The rest of the short drive was filled with soft music from the speakers, the wind whipping through their hair, and her hand in his. Grayson had been traveling that road his whole life, but it had never felt better. He could have spent all night with her, just driving around and enjoying her company. But the drive ended too quickly in the small visitor’s parking lot.

  “Let me walk you up,” he said, reaching for his door handle.

  She grabbed his forearm. “You don’t have to. The place is a bit of a mess. There are paint supplies everywhere, and I don’t have much furniture yet.”

  “I don’t care about that.” He slid out and slammed the door behind him. He wanted her to know that he supported her decision to live there. For him, all that mattered was that she was safe and happy.

  Alana looked hesitant as he helped her out of the car.

  “Don’t worry,” he said, pulling her against his side as he pushed the button to lock the doors. “I couldn’t care less what the place looks like. I’m just looking for a good-night kiss.”

  She backhanded him in the stomach, laughing as she did. “Why am I not surprised to hear you say that?”

  “Because you know I have no restraint with you.”

  She looked at him, her expression growing serious. “I missed you while you were away. I didn’t expect to, but I did.”

  “I missed you too,” he whispered, kissing her nose. “I can’t tell you how many hours of sleep I lost thinking about you.”

  “I was kind of disappointed you didn’t call.” She stepped through the door he held open for her. Once they were inside the elevator, she said, “I shouldn’t have expected to hear from you, but—”

  “You did.” He backed her up against the wall as he closed his hands around her face. “I like that.”

  She wrapped her arms around his waist and tried to wipe away her smile. “I should have kept my mouth shut. Lord knows your ego is big enough already.”

  Grayson lowered his head, teasing them both by brushing his lips over hers. It wasn’t enough to satisfy him, and judging by her whimper, she felt the same way. Before he could give her more, the doors opened, delivering them to her floor. Alana seemed tense as they walked down the hall. The pungent smell of food and cigarette smoke assailed them, and loud TVs and old country music permeated the quiet.

  Grayson knew she didn’t want to invite him inside, so he reached for the keys. “Let me do the honors.”

  “You don’t have to.” She tried to snatch them back, but he held them out of her reach. “I don�
��t want you to come in.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because this isn’t the kind of place you’re used to spending time in, and I’m… embarrassed.”

  It killed Grayson that he’d been the one to plant that seed of uncertainty. “Listen to me. The way I reacted had nothing to do with how I felt about spending time here. It doesn’t matter to me where we are as long as I’m with you.” He tipped her chin up, coaxing her to look at him. “I mean it, Alana. I care about you. I just wanted you to have a nice place to live, somewhere safe. That’s the only thing that matters to me.”

  “I like it here,” she said, looking at the door to her apartment. The beige paint was scuffed and peeling, and the old brass doorknob was scratched. “I see the potential. I can imagine what it’ll look like painted with new curtains and furniture, and—”

  “I don’t want you to tell me,” he said, unlocking the door. “I want you to show me. Show me what you have in mind for this place.” Grayson loved the way her face lit up when she got excited.

  Alana flipped the light switch, bathing the small foyer in a golden glow. “I’ve just primed this area. I’m going to paint as much as I can every night.”

  Grayson looked up, noting the bulb in the ceiling. There wasn’t even a fixture. The adhesive floor tiles in the kitchen and foyer were peeling, and the carpet was worn and dirty. No matter how many coats of paint Alana used, she would never be able to fix that mess. He forced his jaw to relax when he realized he was clenching his teeth. “Can’t you get the landlord to replace the flooring?”

  “Apparently he hasn’t done any cosmetic upgrades since he bought the place nine years ago,” Alana said, grimacing. “I’m going to have the carpet cleaned as soon as I’m finished painting. That should help.”

  Grayson wandered into the small living room/dining room combination. Alana had been hard at work, repairing holes in the walls and sanding before she painted. He hated knowing that place would never live up to her expectations. After all of her sweat equity, it would still be in dire need of updating.

  She crossed her arms as she leaned against the wall in the foyer. “You have that look on your face again. I thought you were going to try to keep an open mind.”

  “I am,” he said quickly, forcing a smile. “I was just thinking about how much work it’ll take to bring this place up to snuff. Evenings, weekends… When am I going to see you outside of work?”

  She pointed to a paint tray and brush. “You can come over and help whenever you like.”

  Grayson grinned before leaning in to kiss her. Even a task as mundane as painting would be fun with her.

  Chapter Twelve

  Grayson was on the phone the next morning talking to his real estate agent when Jaxon barged in. Grayson scowled before turning his chair around and lowering his voice. “I don’t care if it’s not on the market. I want to know who owns it and how much he bought it for. Then we’ll make an offer he can’t refuse. Tomorrow’s not soon enough. I don’t care. Cancel your open house or send one of your lackeys. I want you in my office with papers to sign before the end of the day, Bernie. Good. I’ll expect to hear from you within the hour.”

  “You’re talking to your realtor?” Jaxon asked. “Why?”

  “None of your business.”

  Jaxon snatched a file from the corner of Grayson’s desk and started reading it. “You had Alana’s husband investigated? Why?”

  “He’s her ex-husband,” Grayson reminded him. If she found out, Alana would no doubt chastise him for sticking his nose into her business, but he was just trying to protect her. To do that, he needed to know what kind of man he was up against.

  “So what’s it to you?” Jaxon thumbed through the documents and glossy photos. “Did Alana ask you to do this?”

  “No.”

  “Does she even know about this?”

  “No. Now would you give me the goddamn file and get back to work already?” Grayson reached for a bottle of pain reliever in his desk drawer. He tossed two capsules in his mouth before reaching for his water bottle.

  “Why’re you so bitchy this morning? You left with my date. You should be gloating. Unless she shot you down?”

  “Alana just needed a lift to the party. We both know there’s nothing between you two, so quit bustin’ my chops.” He sighed as he leaned his head against the leather headrest. “I’ve got the mother of all headaches.”

  “Why? What’s wrong?” Jaxon asked, setting the file on Grayson’s desk. “You didn’t drink enough to be hung over. What’d you have, two beers all day?”

  “Something like that.” Grayson squeezed his eyes shut and pressed his fingertips into his temple. “This girl’s got me goin’ crazy.”

  Jaxon laughed. “It’s about time you admitted it.”

  “The thing is��� I may have made a couple of bad calls, but I did it for the right reasons. I think.” He wasn’t sure of anything anymore. He felt as though he’d already betrayed Alana’s trust, and he didn’t know what to do about it.

  Jaxon chuckled. “Why don’t you let me be the judge? Start at the beginning and talk real slow. I haven’t had my second cup of coffee yet.”

  Grayson took a deep breath, wishing he’d had the energy for his usual run before work. It may have helped him sort through his jumbled thoughts. “I didn’t think having Alana checked out was so terrible. It’s not uncommon to run a background check on someone who’s in a position to embezzle money from your company, right?”

  “It may not have been a bad idea, but isn’t it customary to have potential employees sign a consent form before you dig around in their past? There are privacy laws.”

  Grayson knew his friend was right. Whether the check was ethical or not was irrelevant. It felt wrong, given the feelings he was developing for Alana. He’d learned things from the private investigator’s report that she should have told him. She would never have the chance to confide in him because he’d stripped her of the opportunity. “I can’t take it back, no matter how much I wish I could. Do you think I should tell her about it or just leave well enough alone?”

  “I guess it depends.” Jaxon pointed at the file the investigator had compiled on her ex-husband. “Are you going to tell her about this too? If you do, she might think you’re just as bad as he is.”

  Grayson swiped his hands over his face, wishing he could go back to sleep and start the day over. Jaxon was just trying to help, but he was making him feel worse. “You’re saying you think I should just keep my mouth shut?”

  “This girl means a lot to you, doesn’t she?” Jaxon asked, frowning. “I’ve never seen you stress like this before—over a woman, that is.”

  “I like her, okay?” Grayson had no intention of defining his feelings for Alana. It was way too soon for that. “And if she finds out I had her and her ex checked out, she may not be willing to give this thing between us a chance.”

  “So come clean,” Jaxon said, shrugging. “Tell her you screwed up and you’re sorry and it won’t happen again.”

  Grayson glared at him. “That’s it? That’s your brilliant advice?”

  “What else are you gonna do? The way I see it, you’ve got two choices. Keep your mouth shut and hope she never finds out you’re sneaky and underhanded, or lay your cards on the table and tell her you want to try to be a better man for her.” He smirked, letting Grayson know he was overdramatizing for effect.

  “That’s not all.” Grayson looked at his cell phone, wondering if he should call Bernie back before it was too late. “I told Bernie I want to put an offer in on Alana’s building.”

  “You what?” Jaxon shouted, leaning forward. “Are you crazy? You can’t do that!”

  “Come on, man. You’ve seen the place. It’s a dump.” Maybe he was losing his mind. Surely a sane man wouldn’t consider laying out millions so a woman he barely knew would have a nicer place to call home. “According to Alana, the guy who owns it refuses to do a damn thing. Those tenants deserve better than that. Besi
des, it’s a good investment.” At least he hoped it was.

  “You’re not doing this because it’s a good investment,” Jaxon said, looking him squarely in the eye. “You’re doing it because you hate that she’s living in a place you don’t approve of.”

  Grayson swallowed. Jaxon was right, sort of, but he’d be damned if he would admit it. “I’m a real estate investor. I’ve bought lots of properties, and plenty of them were owned by jerks like this. I fix them up, rent them out, hold on to them for a while, and make a nice profit when I decide to sell. This is no different.”

  “Liar.”

  Grayson wished he hadn’t told Jaxon about the real estate transaction. He should have known his friend would never understand. Jaxon’s childhood had left him seriously messed up, and the only person he’d ever felt the need to protect was his mother. As far as he was concerned, the rest of the world could fend for themselves.

  “I don’t know what the hell to do,” Grayson admitted. “I care about her. A lot. I don’t want to make mistakes that could cost me a chance with her, but I can’t change who I am to please her either. I want to protect the people who matter to me. But since when is that a bad thing? Most women would be flattered.”

  “Alana’s not most women. Her ex did a real number on her, and the last thing she wants is to make the same mistake twice.”

  Somehow hearing his friend remind him of that only made Grayson feel worse. “I’m nothing like him. He’s seriously messed up, man. According to the investigator, he’s obsessed with Alana, and he’ll do anything to get her back.”

  Jaxon chuckled. “Can you blame the guy?”

  “He’s not getting her back,” Grayson said, slamming his palm on the desk. “She’s done with him, and he needs to get that through his thick head.”

  Jaxon whistled, long and low. “Wow, you have got it bad, my friend. Jealousy? Possessiveness? Over-protectiveness? Not your M.O. with women.”