Lion Eyes

by Casey Peeler

  Chapter 9

  Tyke

  Looking into her beautiful brown eyes, I hold her gaze. I want to look into those eyes and read what she’s thinking because I know that if I ask, she will lie. She may not tell the truth, but when I look into those eyes, I see into her soul. She’s strong and powerful and full of pride like a lioness. When she looks up at me, she doesn’t turn away. She does the unexpected and crashes her lips into mine; this time it’s her choice.

  I pull her to me and she moves closer and closer like she can’t get close enough. I take a moment to rationalize the situation. I’m completely sober but I’m not sure I can say the same about her. Slowing my movements, I pull away gently.

  “RJ, I think we need to slow down,” I say. Hurt and anger flash across her face and I lift her chin to look in her eyes. “Don’t do that. Don’t take it the wrong way. I just want to know if this is what you want. I don’t want you to wake up tomorrow and regret tonight.” She nods in understanding. I pull her into my arms and hold her. I know I said I was staying away from female distractions but she’s made it damn near impossible. I could say I’m going to stay away, but let’s be real, that shit ain’t happening. It’s been three years since I felt the need to have a girl in my life and I didn’t plan on this tonight or anywhere in my future. The bigger question is, is she ready to put whatever she has against me in the past? No matter what, I’m going to make it my mission to make her see that I’m not the guy she thinks I am.

  Rilla

  Tyke holds me in his arms. I no longer feel the effects of the alcohol. That buzz was killed the moment Josh started pushing too hard. I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect Tyke to be this kind of a person. I wanted to push him away. I wanted to keep away from the game that’s in my blood. It’s in his blood too and that scares the hell out of me.

  He pulls away and entwines his fingers in mine as we walk without a word toward campus. I’m afraid of what’s to come, but I know that there’s only one person that can help me.

  There’s an awkward silence as we reach the front of my building. I want to ask him to stay, but rules keep that from happening. He pulls me in, hugs me close, and then kisses the top of my head before telling me goodnight.

  I turn to walk in and open the door, “Hey Tyke,” He looks back at me. “Thank you,” I say and he smiles as he watches me enter the dorm.

  Once inside my room, I slide off my clothes, toss on my pj’s, and drift off to sleep with thoughts of Tyke in my mind.

  Chapter 10

  Tyke

  As my alarm clock sounds to wake me for my morning run with RJ, John mumbles something about turning it off. I let it sound a little longer for kicks. Tossing my covers off, I get ready a little faster than usual this morning. I’m a little worried about seeing her this morning. I’m not sure if last night was real or just the booze talking. I never wanted to start something serious again but I can’t get that kiss and the way she felt in my arms out of my head. Oh crap, TD. What are you saying? I can’t believe I’m even thinking like this, but there was a time when I did love someone. I know the last time was deadly, and I know it will never be my fault again but I’m not sure I can handle losing another person I love if this doesn’t work out. Not only did I lose Janie and Baker, I lost my dad in this whole mess. Maybe I should just be the cocky asshole everyone thinks I am so I don’t have to worry about losing anyone else.

  I hustle to our meeting spot, and wait for her. I wait and wait and when I’m about to give up, I see her jogging toward me.

  “I’m so sorry. I overslept,” she says.

  A grin escapes my lips, “Well, you did party a little hardy last night, and were out a little late.” She blushes and that’s a side I’ve never seen of her before. “You ready?” I question and without a word she takes off and I follow along with her.

  Our run this morning is different. She’s not on edge like she has been. She’s not keeping her guard up like before, and it’s like fresh air to watch her in her true element. She picks up the pace and I follow along as we reach the river. She stops at the rock, and I do the same. This time when she takes a seat, she doesn’t flinch when I sit beside her. I don’t say anything. I want her to talk. I want her to tell me why she had such a negative opinion of me. Maybe she will or maybe she won’t, but I’m willing to give her time.

  Rilla

  Sitting here this Sunday morning with the sun rising above, the birds chirping, and a new outlook on life, I can’t help but smile. I know I come across as a hard-ass, but deep down I care deeply about everything I love. The problem is that when what you love hurts you, it’s hard to move past it. I assumed a lot about Tyke, and that’s not a good quality of mine. I want to tell him why, but we haven’t known each other long. Maybe this is going somewhere, but maybe it’s just some fun for the moment. Regardless, I know he was sent to Blue Ridge for a purpose and the same goes for me.

  Glancing down at his hand, I place mine on top of his and he looks in my direction. I take a leap, and I speak. “Do you know why I go by RJ? Any idea what it means?” I ask him and it’s obvious that is not what he expected me to say.

  “Ruby June?” he says, laughing.

  “Uh, no. Thank goodness. Try again.”

  “Riley Jane?”

  “Better than Ruby June, but wrong again.”

  “You gonna make me keep guessing or are you going to tell me?” I shrug my shoulder and he takes it upon himself to take control of the situation by tickling me. I squirm away and ask for a truce.

  “Fine. I’ll tell ya.” Then I sit there in silence. “It stands for Rilla James.”

  “Is that like first and middle or first and last?”

  “My name is Rilla Dee James.”

  “I like it. So is there a reason you now feel a need to disclose your full name?” I take a deep breath.

  “Does the last name James ring a bell?” He sits there and ponders for a moment.

  “Not really,” he says, not making the connection. I feel that I need to leave that alone for a moment. “What’s really going on in that pretty little head of yours?”

  “Tell me about you,” I say, avoiding his request.

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Whatever you want to tell me.”

  “Do you ever wonder what your purpose truly is in this life?”

  “I think we all do,” I say as I lean into his shoulder.

  “I used to think that football was everything. I mean I still do, but when something happens in your life that alters your perspective, certain things aren’t as important any more.”

  “Like with the accident?”

  “Yeah, I guess you could say that. I mean, I’m the best QB in the nation, but when you lose two people that mean the world to you, how is that even relevant? Don’t get me wrong. I still plan on going to the draft, first round. It’s just that the path to get there has been a little different than I planned.”

  “I get it. I mean, not exactly, but I understand what it means to lose something.”

  He looks at me, and I know I have to tell him. “When I was a kid, my mom left. I know what it means to lose something or rather someone.”

  “I’m sorry Rilla,” he says and it catches me off guard. “Can I call you that?”

  “Sure, and no need to be sorry. You see, she chose to take herself out of the game. She couldn’t handle the life that she was given even though it was one most people dream of. I haven’t seen her since I was six, and if she ever graces me with her presence again, that will be too soon.”

  He looks puzzled, and while I’m spilling my life story, I might as well throw the kicker in there as well. “I’m not sure I follow.”

  “Tyke, my daddy is Kenton James.” His face freezes as he puts the pieces together. Any football fan and player knows his name. He’s who every little boy wanted to grow up to be, but he’s also the player that gave it all up for one girl. Me. As if all the pieces fall together for him, he has no words. Then it h
appens.

  “Your dad is THE Kenton James? The best quarterback to ever hit the pros and make the Charlotte Lions a household name?”

  “He is. Please don’t start shooting off stats and stuff. I know them all already,” I say as he looks at me and pauses.

  “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting that, but I’ve got a question.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Why do you hate football? I mean, if that’s part of your life?”

  That’s a piece I’m not sure I want to share.

  “It’s more of a love-hate relationship, but that’s something for another day. I’ll race ya back,” I say as I stand and start to take off, but he doesn’t play fair.

  He grabs me, pulling me into him and planting a kiss on me that leaves me breathless… and standing there alone. Oh no he didn’t! I take off to catch up. That’s totally unfair and playing dirty. I hope he knows that two can play at that game.

  Tyke

  Man, I’d been wanting to kiss her the entire time we were running together and when she gave me the opportunity to not only feel her lips on mine, but catch her at her own game, I couldn’t resist.

  As I continue up the road toward campus, she’s on my heels. She blows past me and doesn’t stop until we’re on campus. When I finally catch her, she looks as if she hasn’t even worked up a sweat.

  “Took you long enough,” she says with a smile and I can’t help it. I want her. I walk toward her and pull her into my arms. I kiss her so the world can see. When I hear a horn blowing, I don’t pay it any attention, but when someone yells our way, Rilla stops. I look up, and there, in his Sunday best, is none other than Kenton James. I’m a dead man.

  “Hey Daddy!” she yells, and her face is beet red.

  “I see you’re not making it to church this morning. You sure you don’t need to?” he says with a laugh as she distances herself from me.

  “Just getting the full college experience like you wanted,” she says with sass, and her dad shakes his head.

  “Well, I’ll have lunch ready if you want to join me later. Feel free to bring the full college experience with you,” he says as another horn blows behind him, telling him to move on.

  When he’s out of sight, I look at her.

  “What?” she says like it’s no big deal.

  “Your dad’s first impression is seeing me stake my claim on your lips. And then he invites me to lunch.”

  “Ain’t no need in hiding it,” she says, and I’m seriously confused by this girl in front of me. The sass is still there, but the fun is what’s new. “You want to go too?” she asks.

  “Um. I’m not sure that’s the best idea.”

  “Oh you’re chicken!” she says as she starts to flap her arms. I can’t help but fall for her in that moment. Now if only I can keep this girl and not do something stupid to screw it up.

  Chapter 11

  Rilla

  Laney is awake when I get back to our room and she immediately notices the look on my face. “What in the world has you grinning like an opossum? Oh wait, let me guess. It has something to do with the amazing TD Jamison carrying you out of the party last night. I didn’t come back for a while. I figured I better give y’all some time,” she says and then starts making out with her pillow.

  “Shut up! It’s not like that. Besides, who could even attempt that with the rules around this place?”

  “Don’t you know rules are made to be broken?”

  “No joke. I broke all of mine last night and this morning,” I say, and Laney’s eyes grow wide. “Not like that. I mean, not where your mind is going. I swore off football players, and today, well, I might be falling for one.”

  She does it again. She breaks out in that gosh-awful squeal. “So tell me. Is he a good kisser? Are his abs a six, eight, or twelve pack?”

  “Amazing and I’m guessing eight? That I’m not sure of. All clothes remained on.”

  She starts dancing around and takes me by the hands to follow in her silliness, and I do. I celebrate the fact that, in this moment, I didn’t let the fear of the game win. Instead, I took a leap and went for the two-point conversion.

  After filling Laney in on everything else, I shower and get ready to go have lunch with Daddy. Pulling down the dirt road, I feel butterflies dance in my stomach as the house comes into view. It’s nothing massive. It’s just enough. It’s an old farmhouse that has been renovated to fit the two of us. When Daddy gave up football, he knew what he wanted to do with his life. He’s always been good with his hands, so he personally took this old worn-out house and restored it to the beautiful home it is today. He made sure that I had everything a little girl could ever dream of. I also had a tree house and my own space in his workshop so that I could learn the tools of the trade as well. That’s right. I’m not a clueless little girl. I understand the importance of taking a plan on paper and creating a masterpiece. That’s how I would spend most of my days off from school. My daddy taught me that there’s more to life than football, which is something that most people around here can’t understand.

  Turning off the car, I walk up the steps and open the door.

  “Daddy, you home?” I call out, but my nose tells me he is because I can smell the meat cooking and I know his famous goulash is in the works.

  “In here,” he hollers from the kitchen.

  “How was church?” I ask.

  “How was your college experience this morning?”

  “Daddy!” I start to say and he looks at me. He doesn’t say a word. He can read me like a book.

  He goes to the refrigerator and pulls a cold beer from the bottom drawer, tosses me a Cheerwine soda, and takes a seat while lunch finishes. He looks at me and waits.

  “Fine. Before you form any opinions, listen to all of this. It’s his fault. He’s totally invaded my running time. He met me every morning and has been driving me crazy.”

  “Yeah, that’s not what I saw, Rilla,” he says with a laugh.

  “He kinda saved me last night.”

  Daddy stops mid-sip, “What do you mean he saved you?”

  “Look, before you go getting all papa bear on me, it’s partly my fault. You told me to have the full college experience. So I did. Did you know that campus is anything but dry? We were flat-out drinking in front of campus police after the game without a word.” Daddy gives me a look but I continue. “Anyways. That’s not the point. There was a party at your rental house.”

  “Wait what?”

  “Yeah your house that always has stuff broken. I know why. It’s called college boys, a keg, and a whole lotta people.”

  “Get to the point, Rilla,” he says as he sets his beer down.

  “Basically, this one dude wouldn’t leave me alone. Tyke kinda punched him twice for me then he tossed me over his shoulder and carried me out of there when I pitched a fit.”

  Daddy doesn’t say anything for a minute. “So let’s get this straight. He goes out of his way to protect you and this morning y’all are swapping spit?”

  “Now that you put it that way. It doesn’t sound anywhere near as good.”

  “No it doesn’t, and you better be glad I was the one that caught you. Can you imagine what everyone at Blue Ridge Baptist would have to say about that? They’d all be praying for you and spreading rumors at the same time.”

  “Stop it! But that’s so true. Look, I think I might have judged Tyke wrong. I don’t think he’s the guy the media makes him out to be. That kind of guy wouldn’t have stepped in like that. It was almost like he had to protect me, not that I need protecting. That other guy was about two seconds away from a knee in the nuts.”

  “Rilla, listen to me. I know how the media is. I’ve been there. I know how things can be blown out of proportion. I know you’ve had your opinion about him, but you don’t know his full story. You know I believe there’s a bigger purpose to things. You can’t let what happened with Ben in high school keep you from following your heart. Tyke invading your quiet time might be part of the pla
n too. Maybe he needed to find you. Maybe he needs someone that won’t judge him for once or maybe one that doesn’t fall at his feet every time he turns around. I hope you’re starting to realize that not all football players are cocky and full of it.” I look down at the table. “Look at me. Do you feel that way about me?”

  “Of course not, Daddy. You’re different. Besides, to me, you’re not some football player. You’re more. You’re my daddy,” I say confidently.

  “But at one point in my life, everyone looked at me like they do Tyke. It took losing something important to me to find what truly matters in this world. Maybe that’s why your paths have crossed. You understand the game, but remember, choosing this life isn’t an easy one.”

  He doesn’t say anything else. Instead, he stands to take the piping hot cheesy goodness from the oven and places it on the stovetop. He grabs two plates, handing one to me. That’s the end of that conversation because he’s always been a man of few words.

  After eating, I do my laundry and then get ready to go back to campus. I give Daddy a hug, and when I get ready to leave he tells me to bring Tyke by the house. That makes me excited, but scares me a little bit.

  Tyke

  Waiting on RJ to get back to campus feels like a freaking eternity. I take my phone out and laugh. I don’t even have her number. I open Facebook, find her profile, and send a message and a friend request. Hopefully she’ll text me when she’s back. Looking at the time, I decide that I need to talk to Mom. I haven’t talked to her much since I’ve been here, but she understands.