Lion Eyes

by Casey Peeler

  As we’re about to grab our check, I notice the highlights for tonight’s news on the sports station. That’s when I see it - the picture of that girl and me with her lips on mine. Shit. It’s like everyone in this place pauses and stares right at me.

  Rilla

  When the news flashed that picture, the entire bar stopped. I mean, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. All I can think about is what’s going to be said. I take my arm and loop it through Tyke’s. My stomach is in knots but he doesn’t need to know that. We pay and wait outside for Laney and Jacob.

  When they walk out, Laney begins to panic. “I thought that was over,” she says. We thought it was over too. We all know that Tyke was the hero in that situation, but right now he can’t handle any bad publicity. With his past, he can’t have anything that would negatively affect tomorrow’s outcome.

  “Guess not,” he says with little emotion. I can read him like a book…he’s scared shitless.

  We say goodbye for the night and hurry to our hotel room. I thought I’d be making love to my husband by now and getting ready for his big day tomorrow. Instead, we’re glued to the TV, praying that things aren’t about to get crazy. His agent and parents have been blowing up his phone, but he refuses to answer it. Daddy has texted me and told me to stand by him, that this will be okay and Porter thinks so too.

  “It’s going to be okay, Tyke. We’ve got this no matter what. You got me?” I reassure him as we sit on the couch. He’s sitting there with his elbows on his knees. He’s a nervous wreck.

  Then it happens. “Tonight’s sports has a story you don’t want to miss. Blue Ridge’s finest is in quite a predicament. With his past, is this something the league should worry about? We’ll have more right after this.”

  “I can’t watch this, Rilla,” he says.

  “Yes you can. You didn’t do anything wrong,” I say with confidence.

  As the commercials end and the sports anchor returns, I say a little prayer.

  “Most of you have heard of TD Jamison. He’s had a tough road and this photo surfaced right before the bowl game. It was hidden from the media and from what I understand, this story is one that needs to be told,” one male anchor says to another.

  “That’s right, Tom. TD Jamison has had a hard road. He went from being the number one quarterback in the nation with programs beating down his doors to losing it all with one bad decision…”

  “I can’t watch this,” Tyke says as he stands and walks toward the door, but I don’t move. I have to know what they are going to say.

  “Right before the bowl game his team had a night out on the town and this photo was taken. I don’t know if any of you have followed him, but THE Kenton James’ daughter and TD are a hot item. This couldn’t have made him happy, but it’s the story that follows it that will make you think twice.”

  The announcer quits talking as a video segment is played and I’m in disbelief. “Hi, my name is Camden Pierce and TD Jamison saved my life. Most people say a photo is worth a thousand words and if you look at this one, you’d be deceived. That night, TD Jamison was an absolute gem, but another gentleman wasn’t. TD intervened and asked the guy to leave me alone. When we realized who he was, we wanted a picture and of course he said yes. I was a little tipsy and grabbed his face and kissed him. He asked us to delete the picture. I did before we took one that looked like this.” She shows a picture of several drunk girls and a sober Tyke. “It’s what happened after this photo that matters most. By the end of the night, I needed medical attention. TD helped my friends get me to the car. At that time, he told them to take me to the hospital but they didn’t until we were on our way home. You see, they had been drinking as well and were terrified of what could happen to them. When they couldn’t get me to wake up on the way home, they had no choice. The seed that TD planted nudged them to take me to the hospital. He also stepped in when no one else did. I have him to thank for being able to stand here today. I wanted to say thank you to TD and wish him the best of luck tomorrow in the draft.”

  I’m in complete shock. I look up to see Tyke is standing above me in shock as well. “She told the truth.”

  Chapter 38

  Tyke

  She made me out to be a hero. I’m no hero. I only did what a good and honest person would do. Every fear I had has disappeared as I wake up and open my eyes to a new day, a day that will change my life forever.

  Pulling Rilla into my arms, I hold her tightly against my chest. “Can we stay like this forever?” I ask her.

  “As much as I’d love to, you’ve got a big day and so do I,” she says and I’m confused. “I’ve got to go shopping. I haven’t found a dress yet.” You’ve got to be kidding. She begins to laugh and I can’t stand it. I begin to tickle her and as she squirms, I refuse to let her go.

  Finally, I have mercy when she looks at me with those eyes. I lean in and kiss those delicate lips and then focus on making her feel like the only person in the world for the next hour.

  After we shower and get ready to grab a bite to eat with our family, I ask her if she was serious about the dress. She tells me that I’ll have to find out later.

  For the remainder of the day, I meet with my agent and review how things will go tonight: where we sit, who’s allowed in and at the table and what to do when my name is called. I swear it’s like I’m getting ready for some awards show or something.

  Rilla showers and takes her time getting ready. I’ve yet to see the dress she’s picked out and I’m certain I probably would rather see it on the floor than on her.

  She opens the door and comes out wearing a bathrobe with her hair in rollers. “I’m ready!” she announces.

  “Works for me, let’s go,” I nag her as she walks toward me and helps me with my tie. I lean in to her and she barely gives me a peck. What’s up with that? Then she points toward her makeup.

  Glancing at the clock, I know we don’t have much time and I remind her of that. She tells me she’s almost ready as she goes to the closet and returns to the bathroom. I take a seat and slip on my shoes. As I take one last look in the mirror, I catch sight of an angel behind me.

  Turning around, I see Rilla in a skintight white dress with sparkly things on it. It’s short, like really short, but perfect. I was right. It would look better on the floor. She’s wearing heels that I’ve never seen before and her legs look like they go on for days.

  “Whatcha think?” she asks as she spins around. I can’t even form a sentence.

  “Uhhhh…” is all I can manage and a smile escapes her lips.

  “Perfect.” She walks over and grabs some little purse and walks up to me, placing her hands on my chest before kissing me briefly.

  “Do we have to go?” I ask her.

  “You can take it off later. Your fans are waiting,” she says with a wink.

  “I got the only fan that matters right here,” I say as I kiss her deeply before meeting our family and Coach Porter in the hallway.

  Arriving at the arena, we are ushered to our seats and offered food and drinks. I’m a ball of nerves but Rilla is keeping me calm. At seven o’clock the announcer comes out and says that Cleveland is on the clock. Within a few minutes they have made a decision and it’s not me. Thank goodness. It then moves to San Fran.

  With each pick, my anxiety rises. Maybe I won’t get a first round or a second. What happens if I don’t get picked?

  Rilla leans over and says, “You’ve got this. I can feel it.” I kiss her forehead as New York is put on the clock. When they choose a defensive end, my heart sinks. I start to excuse myself to the restroom but Rilla takes me by the hand and makes me stay.

  Next up is Tennessee and then Charlotte. Tennessee is home for me so that wouldn’t be too bad and Charlotte’s not a bad choice, I’d just have big shoes to fill knowing my father-in-law is the great Kenton James. As Tennessee chooses a receiver, I know that I’m going second round. Charlotte has made no indication that they want me at all.

  Le
tting it sink in, I take a deep breath. My phone begins to ring. I see my agent’s name on the display and quickly answer it.

  “Charlotte wants you. I mean, they are willing to pay big. I know it’s not your top pick, but it’s a good deal. Get ready for an announcement.”

  “The 2017 Charlotte Lions’ first pick is TD Jamison, quarterback, Blue Ridge.”

  I look at Rilla, who is smiling from ear to ear along with everyone else at the table. I stand and she does as well. I hold her in my arms and kiss her before hugging my mom and walking toward the stage. Taking the jersey in my hands, the emotions are real. My childhood dream has come true and it’s better than I ever imagined as a child. When I look out in the audience, to the group of my biggest fans, all I see is the one that has promised she’ll never leave my side whether I’m on or off the field.

  Epilogue

  Rilla

  Six Months Later

  “Fasten your seat belts, we’re making our descent into Charlotte. We hope your flight from New York to Charlotte has been fabulous and when you fly next time, we hope you choose Carlson Airways,” the stewardess announces as I glance at my watch. Crap! Less than two hours to kickoff. Hurry up, plane. Thank goodness Tyke got drafted by the Charlotte Lions. Not only can Daddy pick me up today, but it is neat for Tyke to play with the same team as my Daddy.

  As the plane hits the pavement, my heart does a flip-flop. I can’t wait to see my Tyke on the field for tonight’s Thursday night game. Once we’ve taxied and been cleared to exit, I stand to grab my carry-on. Pulling it from the overhead compartment, I hear someone behind me having fun hooting and hollering about the game. “Go Lions!” I turn toward them and smile. They have no idea that I’m a bigger fan than they will ever be. Looking at my watch again, I silently thank myself for not checking a bag on this Tiffany’s Tiaras visit.

  Walking toward the exit, I see a storefront full of Carolina Lions gear with Tyke’s picture on the wall, and I can’t help but smile. Damn he’s hot and he’s mine. As I ride down the escalator, I keep my eyes peeled for Daddy.

  I see him standing there with his hands in his pockets, propped up against the wall. I give him a wave as our eyes connect. He pushes off the wall, walks toward me and takes my bag.

  “How was it?” he questions.

  “Amazing! This year’s crown has been picked and you wouldn’t believe the amount of an anonymous donation we received. I won’t have to worry about any of the homes for a long time.”

  “That’s great. You think you’re going to open any more homes?” he questions.

  “Maybe,” I say with a smile. I know my next home will be in Charlotte.

  “Thank you for not letting me throw it away. During this trip, I was able to visit with some of the girls at the New York home. They are precious and need a little love, that’s all.”

  “You’re absolutely right, Rilla Dee.”

  Hurrying across the street, we walk toward Daddy’s truck. As we reach it, he tosses my bag in the extended cab and makes the short drive to the stadium. Pulling into the reserved lot, my heart begins to pick up the beat. I can’t wait to see Tyke. I wish I could see him before the game, but I know that’s out. I swear each time we’re apart it doesn’t get any easier. Whether it’s Tiffany’s Tiaras or football, we both have decided we come first. He proved that this summer while I busted my tail to finish my degree a semester early so I could take over Tiffany’s Tiaras. He was there every step of the way. He lacks just nine hours of coursework, which he is completing online. I’m so proud of him not only for fulfilling his childhood dream, but for preparing for the day when football isn’t his mainstay.

  After walking through security and the ticket gate, I text him to let him know I’m here. Daddy and I grab a beer and nachos and take our seats with the rest of the fans. We could sit in a nice fancy box, but that’s not football.

  As the Lions take the field, he looks for me and I can’t wait to lay my lips on him after the game. We stand for the national anthem and then we play ball. Daddy remains quiet, like he always does, while I try my best to keep from screaming at the referees.

  When the clock ticks down to halftime, I see Tyke stop by one of the line coaches and start to walk in my direction. What in the hell is he doing? He’s got to go to the locker room.

  “Why you lookin’ at me?” Daddy questions, and I can tell he knows exactly what’s going on. I leave my seat to meet Tyke.

  As I make my way down the stands to the wall, I see security approach me. “Mr. Jamison said to meet him at the bottom of the steps.” I look at Tyke and he smiles as he nods in that direction.

  I walk down the steps and as I turn to go onto the field, I’m speechless when I see my Tyke standing there sweaty and sexy as hell.

  “What are you doing? Don’t you have to be with the team?”

  “Yeah, but I have something I have to do first,” he says as he takes a step toward me.

  “Rilla, I promise I had planned on waiting on this, but I can’t. I couldn’t wait to see you and tell you I love you.”

  “I love you too,” I say as he invades my space.

  “No, you don’t understand, every moment I’m without you I feel empty. I know we made a crazy decision almost a year ago. We’ve kept it to ourselves while everything was sorted out, but I want the world to know that you are mine. You are and will forever be my biggest fan, Rilla Jamison. Will you marry me, again?”

  A smile spreads across my face as I see the man before me. One that lost it all, got knocked back down and never gave up.

  “Yes, I will, Tyke Douglas,” I say as he stands and slides a ring on my finger. Tears fall from my eyes and I have no idea why I’m so emotional. This isn’t the first time he’s asked, but it’s the fact that the world knows I’m his biggest fan and he’s mine. He takes his thumbs and wipes away my tears as he brings his lips to mine and the crowd erupts in cheers behind us. I start to giggle and as I glance up, I see us on the massive screen, but more importantly, my daddy is looking down over the wall.

  “Don’t worry, I asked him this time,” he says with a wink as he kisses me once more before grabbing his helmet and heading to the other love of his life.

  Lion Eyes Playlist

  “Everybody We Know Does” by Chase Rice

  “South Side” by Thomas Rhett

  “Gold” by Kiiara

  “24k” by Bruno Mars

  “Tough Guys” by Caroline Jones

  “Razor Blade” by Luke Bryan

  “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert

  “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young

  “Yeah Boy” by Kelsea Ballerini

  “Star of the Show” by Thomas Rhett

  Acknowledgements

  First and foremost, I want to thank you for reading Lion Eyes, because without each of you, I would have no purpose. Thank you for being my fans.

  Every blogger out there, thank you so much for your support! You help spread the word every day for each author you love, and I will be forever grateful.

  Southern Charms, I can’t thank you enough. You go out of your way each day to support me.

  Ardent PR, thank you so much for helping spread the word about this book. Your dedication to authors is amazing!

  Beth & April, thank you for continuing your journey with me. You are both amazing and I’m thankful to call you my friends.

  Billy and Carlee, thank you for loving me and being with me through the ups and downs. You two are number one fans and I’m blessed beyond measures each and every day!

  About the Author

  Casey Peeler grew up in North Carolina and still lives there with her husband and daughter.

  Growing up Casey wasn’t an avid reader or writer, but after reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston during her senior year of high school, and multiple Nicholas Sparks’ novels, she found a hidden love and appreciation for reading. That love ignited the passion for writing several years later, and her writing s
tyle combines real life scenarios with morals and values teenagers need in their daily lives.

  When Casey isn’t writing, you can find her near a body of water listening to country music with a cold beverage and a great book.

  Connect with Casey

  Visit my website for a FREE download of Our Song

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