TACKLE (Boston Terriers Book 4)

by Jacob Chance

  “I’m impressed you tried it.”

  “Thanks. It’s only a muffin. Not like I wrestled a lion for you.”

  “Ooh, can you do that if I agree to go out for coffee with you again?”

  “You gotta give me more than that. A tug at the least.”

  She snorts. “Oh my God. That’s gross.”

  “Hey, there’s nothing gross about it.”

  “Sorry, but giving some guy I don’t know a hand job is gross.”

  “You know me.”

  “Not well enough to jerk you off.” Fuck. I’m getting hard just hearing her talk about it.

  “Theoretically speaking, how well do you have to know someone before you’ll jerk them off?”

  She covers her face with her hands and mutters, “I can’t believe we’re having this discussion.”

  “I think this is a great topic of conversation. Now answer the question.”

  Her hands lower and her cheeks are awash in pink. “I hardly ever get embarrassed except when it comes to you.” She shakes her head. “I don’t have a set amount of time before I’ll do that.”

  “Then how can you say it’s too soon?”

  “Because it depends on when I feel ready.”

  “And you don’t feel like now is the right time?”

  “To touch your dick?” I nod. “Hell no.”

  “Damn. That’s a little disappointing.”

  “Too bad.”

  “I was hoping for a different answer, I’m not gonna lie.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure this is a first time for you. I told you I’m not like other girls. If that’s a problem then you know where the door is.”

  “Ouch.” I grimace. “Let me down easy at least.”

  “As if you need me to. I’m sure you’ve got a waiting list of girls.”

  “To touch my dick?”

  “Yep.” She pops the last consonant.

  I bark out a laugh. “I’m honored you think I’m so in demand. I’m not who you seem to think I am. I’m not denying that girls like me, but I’m not out fucking around all the time.”

  “Just some of the time?” Her tone is droll.

  “Well… not lately.”

  “If you’re holding out for me, it’s going to be a long ass wait. I hope you’re ready.”

  I grin. “You didn’t say it’s never going to happen. That means there’s a chance it will.”

  Practice is almost over and I’m still elated after my coffee date with Grace. I don’t care what she thinks, I’m marking it down as our first official date. I can’t remember any girl ever making me feel so excited to spend more time with them. If it was anyone other than Grace I’d probably be concerned that she’d make more out of the time we’d spent together. But she’s the least dramatic girl I know. I wish she’d be excited about our coffee date.

  Not even the unexpected sight of my father standing on the sidelines talking to coach can dampen my spirits, and that’s saying a lot. He only comes around when he wants to bust my balls about something. I wonder what it is this time?

  I wave to my dad as we head into the locker room and try not think about how my good mood will probably fall flat by the time he finishes with me. Lawrence Lincoln is used to getting his way and he doesn’t handle it well when someone disagrees with him.

  “What’s your dad doing here?” Owen inquires with concern. He knows how my dad can be.

  “I’m not sure, but it can’t be good.”

  “Maybe he came to say hi and take you out to dinner.”

  I chuckle, “Yeah, I’m sure that’s it.”

  Owen laughs. “You’re probably right, but don’t put up with any shit from him, bro. You’re a great guy and you work hard. He should be proud of you.”

  “You’d think he would be, right? Unfortunately, unless I play in the NFL I’ll never measure up in his eyes.”

  “He got over your brother, Brady, not playing professional ball.”

  “He did, but things were strained for a while. And Brady went into broadcasting so it’s not so bad. He’s doing something my dad deems worthy of a Lincoln.”

  “Don’t worry until you have a reason to. I’ll be home if you need to talk.” He grips my shoulder encouragingly.

  “Thanks. I’m gonna hit the shower.”

  The waitress pauses beside our table. “Would you like coffee or dessert?”

  “I’d love a black coffee,” dad replies.

  “What about you, sir?” she directs at me. My stomach has been tied in knots the entire time we’ve been here. All through dinner I waited for the bomb to be dropped, and nada. But now that we’re running out of time I know it’s coming.

  “No, thank you.”

  She walks away and I remove the napkin from my lap, placing it on the table in front of me.

  “What’s this I hear about you changing your major?” Fuck. There it is. How does he know?

  “Don’t look so surprised. Did you think I don’t know everything that goes on with you, son?”

  “I don’t think it’s something you need to know. It’s my college education and I get to choose what I want my degree to be in.”

  “Secondary Education is not a degree program of any value for you.”

  “It is if I want to teach English to middle schoolers.”

  “Trevor, you’re going to switch back to a business major tomorrow. I already put in a call to the dean and he said it’s not too late to make the change.”

  “Dad, I’m not majoring in business. I don’t want to work in that field. I’m going to do what I want, not what you want.”

  “And I’m footing the bill.”

  “I’m here on a full scholarship.”

  “Who pays your rent and gives you spending money?”

  “You do.”

  “Exactly. I do. Tomorrow you’re going to rectify this situation.”

  Raking a hand through my hair, my frustration shows. “Dad, I want to teach English. I’ve been thinking about it for two years and I finally made up my mind.”

  “I don’t care if you’ve thought about it for ten years, it’s not happening. Do you know how little money teachers make? How do you expect to support yourself and a family on that income?”

  “I’m still planning on trying for the NFL. The teaching is what I want to do after I retire from football.”

  My father laughs. “You want to go from a multi million dollar contract to making fifty thousand dollars a year? That’s quite a lifestyle change.”

  “Don’t mock me, Dad. I’ll make millions in salary and endorsements and invest wisely. I don’t need all the trappings of wealth. I’m not that guy. I’ve given this a lot of thought and I know it’s what I want. Why can’t you support me?”

  “I’m looking out for your best interests because you’re not able to do so.”

  “Does mom know?”

  “No, she doesn't. But I’m sure she’d feel the same.”

  “I doubt that very much. Mom would want me to be happy regardless of what job I chose. That’s what parents are supposed to do.”

  “Your mother has the luxury of not worrying about those things because I take care of them for her. I’ll be the bad guy if it means a better future for you.”

  “Dad, you’re not listening to me. I want to be an English teacher.” He stares at me broodingly. The silence stretches on endlessly and I want to shout to break it. I don’t get a chance to calm down before the waitress returns, dropping off his coffee. Her eyes take me in and I’m sure she can see my anger. Once she walks away my dad shifts his weight in the seat drawing my gaze toward him.

  “If you really want to be an English teacher you’re going to have to prove it to me.”

  “How am I supposed to do that?”

  “You’re going to get a job and pay your rent, food, phone, and car insurance. I’ll still cover your health insurance, but that’s all.” What?

  “Dad, how am I going to find a job that will pay me enough to take care of all those bills?�
�

  “That’s not my problem. Change your major back to business and I’ll keep paying for everything. If you really want this, and my support, then you’ll figure it out.” Son of a bitch. I can’t believe he’s doing this. Fuck him. I’ll find a way to make this work. I don’t need his money.

  “Okay. If that’s what it’ll take to prove how serious I am about this, so be it.”

  “You better find a job fast. Rent is due in less than two weeks.”

  Chapter Eight

  Trevor

  The door closes behind me and I lean back against the cool metal, closing my eyes. What a fucking disaster tonight turned out to be. It was even worse than I imagined. Pushing off the door, I kick my sneakers off and drop my keys on the entry table. Dragging my weary feet, I make my way to the couch and drop down on the opposite end from Zeke.

  “What’s up?” he sweeps a quick glance my way. “You look like shit. What happened to you?”

  I spent the last two hours driving around mulling over my situation. There has to be a way to make this work. I refuse to fail and have to go back to my father and ask for help.

  “My dad dropped a grenade on me at dinner.” Owen strolls out of his room and takes a seat in the chair.

  “How’d it go?”

  “I was just about to fill Zeke in. He took me to dinner because somehow he found out I’d changed my major to Secondary Education instead of Business.”

  “So? Why is that a big deal?” Owen prods.

  “No son of his is going to teach English to middle schoolers. It’s not elite enough for the Lincolns.”

  Zeke’s tongue clicks against his teeth showing his disgust. “He said that?”

  “Not in so many words. He put a different spin on it, but that’s what it comes down to.”

  “How did it end? Was he still pissed?” Owen leans forward in his seat.

  “It ended with him telling me to get a job and pay my bills because he won’t be. He said I need to prove I’m serious about this.”

  “Getting a job in addition to going to school full-time and being on the team is going to be a tall order to fill.”

  “I know. I need something with early morning or night hours. If you guys hear of any job openings let me know.”

  “If you want, I can go over your bills with you and figure out exactly what you need to make.”

  “Thanks, man. I’d appreciate that. I wish I had some money for you to invest and make me a quick profit from.”

  “Being a financial planner isn’t the most exciting job, but there’s a dependability about numbers that’s comforting. We can work it out. You may need to adjust your phone plan and eat less, but we’ll come up with a solution.”

  “Thanks. Failure is not an option. I won’t throw in the towel on this one. It took me a long time to make up my mind about what I want to do with my life… my life, not his, and he pulls this shit. This is why it’s taken me so long to make the change official. I should’ve expected something like this. Why didn’t I see it coming?”

  I spent all day yesterday searching for a job. I looked everywhere and came up with no leads. Which was disappointing since Tuesdays are my lightest class day and there’s only a short football practice. I was hoping to go on some interviews, but we’re into the middle of September and it seems that all the positions have been snatched up by students. I’m not sure what I’m going to do.

  “Hey. Happy hump day.” Grace slides onto the seat next to me.

  “Hi,” I mutter, my thoughts still focused on finding a solution to this dilemma. She unpacks her laptop and places it on the desk in front of her.

  “You seem like something’s wrong,” she offers, puckering her brow as she studies me.

  “I just have some stuff on my mind,” I downplay it. I don’t need her knowing my family drama.

  “I can listen if you want to talk about it.”

  “No, unless you have a job opening and you’re looking to hire someone, then there’s nothing you can do about it.” She rakes her teeth over her bottom lip, looking lost in thought. “You look like you need to talk, too.”

  She shakes her head. “No. I do know of a job opening, but I’m not sure you’d be right for the position.”

  “I can handle any job there is.”

  “The small restaurant my family owns is going to be open late three nights a week. We need someone to wait and bus tables on two of those, and do anything else that’s needed. I already have someone to cover the third day.”

  “I’ll take it.”

  She quirks a brow haughtily. “I don’t remember offering it to you.”

  “Come on. I need that job.”

  “You need a job?” Grace sounds more than a little skeptical and I can’t say I blame her. I’m sure it would be hard for most to believe the son of Lawrence Lincoln needs to work.

  “Look, I’m not bullshitting. I don’t want to go into details about why I need it, but I do.”

  “I’d be your boss. Could you handle doing whatever I said without arguing?”

  “Of course.”

  “Even if it means cleaning toilets or washing dishes?”

  “I don’t have any options. I’ll do whatever’s needed if you’ll give me a chance.”

  “Fine. You’re hired, but you’re on probation for a month. I’ll see how you do.”

  I grin. “I’m going to be the best employee you have.”

  “Hmph, we’ll see.”

  “So when do I start?”

  “How about tomorrow at five?”

  “I’ll be there.”

  “Don’t you need to know where you’ll be working?”

  “I know where you work.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I have my sources and I can’t reveal them.”

  “Okay. I can respect that, but make sure you’re on time. I don’t put up with my employees being tardy.”

  “Yes, boss.” I wink.

  “This right here might be the best thing about this place.” I kick my feet up on the cushioned lounger and lean back. Glancing around the small green backyard it feels misleadingly peaceful and I can pretend I’m not in the city.

  “You don’t know what you’re missing out on, man. Living in the frat house is nonstop entertainment,” Clancy informs me as he mans the grill. The smell of hamburgers and hotdogs filters through the air and makes my mouth water.

  “I don’t want people around me all the time. I like my space.”

  “Yeah, but there’s never a shortage of hot girls either.”

  “I thought you’d have made a play for Leah by now.”

  “I asked her out.” He almost seems embarrassed, but that’s not really Clancy’s style.

  “And what did she say?”

  “She said yes, but she didn’t seem too excited about it. Am I losing my touch?”

  “Leah’s not like all the girls you usually screw around with. If you’re looking to get laid, then find someone else. I’ve spent enough time with her to know she’s a nice girl.”

  “That’s the thing, I like her. I’m not sure what to do about it though. What if I like her so much I want her to be my girlfriend?” He shudders as if the thought is repulsive.

  “Would that be a bad thing?”

  “Yeah, it might be.”

  “Then don’t go out with her.”

  “Yeah, you might be right. I’ll have to think about it.”

  “Hey, fuckers, what’s up?” Owen steps out onto the large back deck, closing the slider behind him. “How’s it going?” he asks before raising the beer bottle to his lips.

  “It’s going,” I reply and take a deep pull from my own drink.

  “What, did you smell the food from all the way at your place?” Clancy quips.

  “I can sniff out a free meal like no one’s business.” Owen jokes, but it happens to be true. Wherever there are good eats he’s sure to show up. “Who else is around?”

  “Flynn’s in his room and Nolan’s somewher
e. I think a couple other guys are here too.” Clancy keeps his eyes on the burgers and dogs, flipping them over like an expert grillsman.

  “Oh yeah, some good food, beer, and a little World Class Wrestling to cap the night off.”

  “Jesse’s gonna kick Kid’s ass tonight,” I sit up and rest my feet on the decking, straddling the lounger.

  “I don’t know. Kid’s due a win,” Owen offers.

  “Ronnie’s sexy as fuck,” Clancy interjects.

  “We should try to get tickets when they come to Boston,” I suggest.

  “Great idea. I’m in.” Owen silently toasts with his beer.

  “I’ll go. I’m pretty sure Nolan would be up for it too,” Clancy comments.

  “Sounds good. Let’s get a count of tickets needed and we can order them when they go on sale.” My lips inch into a smile as I think about me and my boys at WCW live. This is going to be awesome.

  Chapter Nine

  Grace

  “Wow. I can’t get over how many people are here.” My dad shakes his head, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth. It’s great to see him this happy; the lines of worry beginning to dissipate. Tonight is the second time we’ve been open for our new schedule and we ended up unlocking the doors thirty minutes earlier than we intended.

  “I know, right?”

  “Great idea, honey. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “You don’t need to know. I’m taking care of business like you taught me. Oh and speaking of that, I hired someone to help out during the extended hours. He’s coming in soon.”

  “He?”