TACKLE (Boston Terriers Book 4)

by Jacob Chance

  “Okay, I found this restaurant that offers quite a few vegan options. But if you’d rather, we can go grab some takeout and head to my place. We can have a picnic on my bed and watch T.V. or we can play a board game or cards.”

  “You play board games?”

  “I love them. Why is that surprising?”

  “I guess it goes against the image I had in my head of things Trevor Lincoln likes to do. Board games and cards weren’t part of it. Unless it was strip poker.”

  “You should know me better by now.” I give her my most innocent expression. “It’s difficult being misunderstood.”

  “Poor you,” she mocks.

  “I need an answer, Red. What’s it going to be? Dinner out or at my apartment?”

  She glances at the vase of flowers she’s holding on her lap and then toward me with a subtle smile on her cherry red lips. “Let’s go to your place.”

  “I knew you couldn’t wait to get me alone.”

  Grace’s soft exhales waft over my naked chest as she sleeps soundly in my arms. After we ate dinner from one of my favorite diners, we played our own game of strip poker, which I won. And then we played some sex games as she likes to call it and she won. And then we both won at the same time. It’s been a fun night.

  My phone buzzes with a text alert. Carefully, I reach over, sliding my cell to the edge of the nightstand until I can pick it up. Unlocking the screen with my thumb, I tap on the text icon and find a message from Justin, the banquet manager at the country club.

  Justin: Last minute opening for a dinner. Need you to be here for eight. Let me know ASAP if this works for you.

  I glance at the time on my phone. It’s seven now. Shit. I don’t want to end my time with Grace, but the money I can make working there is a big help. I was able to pay my rent and some of my other bills that were due. Once I was done, there wasn’t much left over. The flowers and dinner tonight were a splurge, but I couldn’t resist when I saw them. And this shift will more than make up for what I spent.

  Me: Yeah, I’ll be there. Thanks.

  “Grace,” I call her name and run my fingers through her soft locks. “Grace.” This time my voice is louder and I softly jostle her shoulder.

  “Hmm.” she stirs.

  “I need to take you home.”

  She raises her head, batting her sleepy eyes. “I thought I was staying over.”

  “I’m sorry. Something came up and I have to help someone.”

  She swipes a hand over her brow and rolls to the side. “I’ll be ready in a few.”

  “Thanks, Red.” Rising to my feet, I head into the bathroom for a quick rinse in the shower. By the time I’m out, Grace is dressed and waiting in the living room. I throw on some tan pants and the black polo I’m required to wear, adding a hoodie over it for now.

  I grab my keys and we’re out the door and in my vehicle before I know it. Grace hasn’t said much. Her hands clutch the bouquet of flowers in her lap and she looks out the passenger side window. Is she avoiding looking at me?

  “I’m sorry I had to end our night. I got a message from a friend and I have to help them out.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yep, everything’s fine.” Wait a minute. I have a friend who warned me any time a girl says something’s fine it means it’s anything but. Is that true in all cases? Is it true in this instance? Wouldn’t she say she was mad if she was? My eyes flick in her direction. She’s staring at her flowers and I can’t tell what her mood is.

  “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow night, okay?”

  “Sure.”

  “Wait. Our game is an away game and I won’t be back until late. We can get together after that.”

  “I have to work early Sunday morning. But I’m free Sunday night.”

  Shit. That’s her birthday. I can’t tell her I’m free or she’ll expect me to be with her and I know her dad has plans for dinner. What if he hasn’t told her yet?

  “Sunday won’t work for me, but we’ll figure it out. I’ll call you and maybe we can at least get together for a coffee. I’m going to miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you too.”

  I pull over in front of her building and glance at the time. Shit. I have to be there in twenty minutes. “I have to go, Red. We’ll talk soon.” Leaning over for a kiss, just as our lips are about to touch, she sticks her cheek in my face. She’s out the door before I can say anything, closing me in alone.

  Fuck. I run a hand through my hair. I know she’s mad I gave her the bum's rush out of my place, but what choice did I have? There’s no time to explain the situation tonight. It’ll have to wait for another day. And I’m confident she’ll be understanding of my predicament. She knows what it’s like to have responsibilities weighing on you.

  Slipping on clean boxer briefs, I pull them up and slip on a clean white t-shirt before climbing into bed. Pulling the comforter over me, Grace’s scent wafts from the material making me miss her. I raise the edge of the blanket to my nose and breathe the sweet vanilla in. Fuck. I wish she was with me right now. I could tell her about my dad’s ultimatum and the second job I took.

  Grabbing my phone, I type out a text to her. I smile as I read my words and send the message.

  Me: I miss you. Wish you were here with me.

  Expecting an immediate reply, I hold onto my phone, but after five minutes with it in my hand, she still hasn’t answered.

  Me: How was your night?

  This time she answers quickly.

  Grace: Fine.

  Me: What did you do?

  Grace: Went to the frat party where all your friends were.

  Oh shit. Is this her way of letting me know she doesn’t believe me? Or is she just stating a fact? Jesus. I need a fucking translator key to know what her replies really mean.

  Me: Did you have fun?

  Grace: It was good.

  Me: When can I see you?

  Grace: Not sure.

  Me: Can you grab a coffee tomorrow around noon?

  Grace: No, I have work.

  Me: Can I call you?

  Grace: It’s late and I’m in bed. I have to work early.

  She doesn’t want to talk to me? Fuck. She’s obviously mad about tonight. Maybe a good night’s sleep will help her feel better about it.

  Me: Okay. Sleep well. I’ll miss you.

  Grace: Night.

  Me: I love you.

  Grace: Me too.

  I drop my phone on the other pillow with a sigh. I hate this tension between us. It’s making my stomach unsettled. Somehow tomorrow I need to get her alone and explain everything.

  I’ve texted Grace a few times throughout the day and her replies have been curt, or at least they seem that way to me. Maybe I’m reading too much into it. I’m not sure how to navigate this part of a relationship. I have zero experience in this area. I’m pretty much winging it and not doing a very good job judging by her texts.

  Placing my head against the high seat back, I close my eyes. The droning bus motor is loud and the smell of exhaust is strong. Maybe the fumes will knock me out and I can stop wondering what’s going on in Grace’s head.

  “What’s wrong with you? You’re restless as fuck.” Owen’s question is blunt and I feel his watchful gaze as he studies me.

  Should I tell him what’s going on? Maybe he’ll offer some useful insight.

  “I haven’t told Grace about my dad’s ultimatum or that I’m working at the country club.”

  “What’s the big deal? Why wouldn’t you tell her.”

  “I didn’t want her to worry about me spending money on her and making an issue every time I want to take her out.”

  “Why can’t you tell her now? It’s not too late.”

  “Last night I had to cut our date short and take her home because I got called in for a shift.”

  “And let me guess, you didn’t tell her where you were going.”

  “Bingo. And I could tell she was angry about
it, but I didn’t want to blurt it out. When I texted her last night and today, her texts were clipped.”

  “So she’s still angry?”

  “Apparently. I’m going to her parents’ tomorrow for her birthday dinner and she doesn’t know, so I’ll be able to spend time with her. But I do have to work tomorrow night.”

  “It seems like if you fill her in on the situation everything will be fine. But don’t put it off any longer. If you wait it might bite you in the ass before you can explain.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll tell her tomorrow.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Trevor

  Taking a deep breath, I push the doorbell and wait. I hold my breath wondering if Grace will answer or one of her parents. A gift bag in one hand, I run the other over my brown hair smoothing the longer strands. I adjust the collar on my black polo, the same one I have to wear to work. I’m about to push the circular button once more when the door opens inward revealing Mr. Duffy.

  “Come on in. Grace is still in the dark about you being here. She’s going to be so surprised.”

  “Thank you for inviting me.”

  “You must be Trevor.” A slender blonde woman with the same blue eyes as Grace walks toward me and I know this has to be her mom.

  I smile and hold out my hand. “I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her firm, sure grip makes me smile. I bet Grace gets some of her strength from her mom. I can see it in the confident way she carries herself. I wonder if she was a spitfire like her daughter when she and Mr. Duffy began dating.

  “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Grace has told me so many nice things about you.”

  “She has?” I blurt out the question before I can stop it.

  “That surprises you?”

  “Well… you’re probably aware your daughter is no push over.”

  She laughs, “That’s an understatement and a kind way for you to put it.”

  “I love her even when she’s at her most difficult.”

  “Which is more often than not,” she nods.

  “Trevor, what are you doing here?” Grace pauses on the last step of the staircase as she descends.

  “Happy Birthday, Red.” I smile and walk toward her. Stopping when I’m in front of her, I wrap my arms around her and lift her from the stair. “I’m so happy to see you. I missed you,” I whisper for her ears only before setting her down on her feet.

  Her smile is hesitant and it makes my chest twinge to see her this way. I don’t want her to doubt anything about us. We’re solid and she needs to realize we are. My keeping secrets isn’t helping her feel secure. I should’ve confided in her from the moment it happened. While my motives were pure, I didn’t think the situation through very well.

  “Fireball, I invited Trevor here to surprise you. We wanted this to be a special birthday. You only turn twenty-one once.”

  She manages a smile for her dad before she looks my way. “Thank you. It’s nice of you to come.”

  Why’s she being so formal? We’re in love, aren't we? One date cut short doesn’t change that. I rub the back of my neck as my thoughts jumble inside my head like a giant mess of tangled electrical cords. God, girls are so confusing.

  “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, Red.”

  “Why don’t you guys go get comfortable and we’ll call you when dinner is ready,” Mrs. Duffy suggests.

  I catch Grace’s hand. “Come on. I have a present for you.” I lead her toward the living room off to the right of the entry and we lower onto the couch side by side. I don’t relinquish hold of her hand and we remain silent until her parents disappear into what I presume is the kitchen. “How’s your day been so far?”

  She shrugs. “I worked this morning and then went for a run. That’s about it.”

  “Are you upset that your dad invited me? I can go if you’d prefer.”

  “No. Why would you think that?”

  Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you’ve been short with me in every message and even now I’m getting a weird vibe.

  “Your texts seemed out of character for you. And when I dropped you off Friday night you seemed upset.”

  “I’m fine.”

  There’s that word again. Fuck.

  “Here.” I hold out the pink gift bag with her present inside. “It’s just something small.” I feel awkward waiting to see if she likes it. I’m the guy who makes other people feel uncomfortable and this slip of a girl has my head spinning and stomach rolling anxiously.

  She pulls the white rectangle of tissue paper from the bag and slowly unwraps it revealing the black picture frame. Her lips mouth the words as she reads the poem.

  As if painted with an artist’s brush,

  the reds, oranges, and golden tones of your hair reflect the fire in your soul.

  The blue palette of your irises stole my breath the moment they connected with mine, forever changing me.

  We crashed together, the world around us disappeared.

  I was lost in your sweet scent and the sensual tangle of our limbs.

  And when reality reappeared, I knew there was no place I’d rather be than surrounded by your fiery warmth, floating on the endless sea of your blue eyes.

  Reading through it again, her lips move, but she remains silent. She smiles, raising her eyes to mine. “I love this. It’s beautiful.” She shakes her head, eyes lowering shyly to her lap before sweeping back up. “Do you really feel this way about me?” Her voice quivers with doubt.

  Reaching forward, I cup her face in my hands. “Yes. I mean every single word I wrote. Do you think I’m the kind of guy who writes poetry for girls? Or at all for that matter?”

  She presses her lips together. “No, probably not.”

  “I can tell you this is a first for me. And it’s because I love you, Grace. Buying you a gift would’ve been a much easier option, but I wanted to give you something that showed you how I feel.”

  “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

  “Can I kiss you, now?” My palms tense on her cheeks. “I’ve missed your lips for the past two days.”

  “Of course. Why are you asking?”

  “I want to make sure we’re in a good place before I do.”

  “We’re in a great place. Now give me my birthday kiss and make it a good one.”

  “Yes, ma'am. These lips are at your service.”

  After dinner and cake, the two of us sit out on the back deck, cuddling on the two person swing. My arm around her and her head on my shoulder as we repeatedly rock back and forth feels so right. I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt so tranquil. I’m dreading going to work. I have to leave soon and I don’t know how to tell her. We’ve had such a great time and now the hour is getting later. Minutes are racing by all because I don’t want to be anywhere else.

  “Thank you for being here. This has been the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

  “I’m glad, Red. Wherever you are is where I want to be.” And now how am I supposed to broach the subject of needing to leave?

  “What do you have planned for the rest of the night?” I ask.

  “I’ll stay here for a few more hours. I don’t want to run out on my folks.”

  “I’m going to hit the road if it’s okay with you.” Maybe if I put the decision on her, she won’t be upset.

  “Okay.”

  Was that an okay no problem or an okay that really means it’s not okay at all?

  “I’ve got some things to take care of before tomorrow. Coach scheduled a double practice session.”

  “I’ll see you in class in the morning.”

  “I’ll talk to you before then, Red. I’ll miss you as soon as I drive away.”

  She smiles. “You better.”

  “I didn’t know I was going to see you tonight.” I spin around at the familiar voice.

  “Sandy. What are you doing here?”

  Smoothing her hands over the tight black polo she’s wearing, she arches her back pr
ovocatively.

  How did I ever find her attractive?

  “I’m bartending this reception. It’s my first time.”

  “Gotcha. Well good luck. Hope it goes well for you.”

  Her eyes scan me from head to toe. “You’re working too?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Why do you need a job? You’re loaded with money.”

  I jerk my head toward the kitchen area. “I need to keep moving before I fall behind.”

  “Come see me and I’ll give you some drinks.”

  I’m sure that’s not all you want to give me. A few months ago, I might have been all over her offer. No strings attached sex seemed like a good deal. But now I’m not even tempted and I’m wondering why I ever was. Perspective can change in a snap and mine did the moment I met Grace.

  The event keeps me busy as I run trays of dinner courses out to the tables and then clear them away. Back and forth, the servers rush from the kitchen to the tables. Thousands of steps have been taken by the time the end of my shift rolls around. My stomach growls hungrily. I haven’t eaten since late afternoon at the Duffy’s and it’s almost midnight now. I also haven’t texted or called Grace. Shit.

  Grabbing one of the dinners set aside for the staff, I head to the giant table at the far end of the kitchen and sit down to eat. Slipping my phone from my pocket, I type out a text.

  Me: Hey, how was the rest of your night?

  I wait for a reply, setting my phone down on the table while I dig into the roast beef dinner. After a couple of minutes there’s still no reply. I set my fork and knife down and call her. The phone doesn’t even ring before a recorded message plays in my ear.

  “This number is no longer active. Contact your service provider for more information.”

  What the fuck? What’s going on? Dropping my chin to my chest, I pinch the bridge of my nose. This has my father written all over it. He mentioned I’d have to pay for my own phone. I thought he’d ask me for money or send me a bill. I didn’t imagine he’d deactivate my number without a heads up. What an asshole. And now I have no way of getting in touch with Grace. I hope she’s not worried or angry because she hasn’t heard from me.