Second Shot: A Men With Wood Novel

by C. M. Seabrook

  I exhale heavily and place Noah in his arms, who looks up at him and starts to babble happily.

  “He’s a good-looking boy,” he says.

  I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat.

  Noah’s little fist wraps around one of my dad’s fingers and he continues to gurgle and coo.

  “Thank you for bringing him.” He doesn’t look up at me when he says it, just continues to watch Noah, affection filling his dark eyes, and for a second I swear I see tears there.

  My breath is shaky when I suck it in. “I know I should have told you sooner.”

  “We’ve both done things…Made mistakes.”

  “Yeah.” I lick my lips, shifting uneasily beside the bed.

  He looks up at me, holding my gaze. “I know why you blame me for Sam.”

  “Dad. I-”

  “Let me finish. I need to say this.” His brows draw down, his expression serious. “I wasn’t there for either of you when you were young. Not the way I should have been. I can give you excuses, but I won’t.”

  I sit down on the chair beside the bed. “I know it must have been hard after Mom died.”

  “I’ll admit I didn’t know what I was doing. And I was…” He motions for me to take Noah, who’s starting to squirm in his arms.

  I pick him up, then place him back in his stroller, turning it so that my dad can still see him.

  We sit in silence for a few long moments.

  “I was gutted after your mother died.” He holds my gaze with the same hard eyes that I’d never understood. My eyes. Soft, brown, rimmed with flecks of gold. But it’s the soul behind them that I recognize now. Filled with pain. Loss. Sorrow.

  Maybe Kane is right, and I’m not so different from him as I thought.

  “You never talked about her.”

  “I should have.” He rests his head back on the pillow, his eyes closing for a brief moment. When he opens them again, they’re misted over. “You look like her. Except your eyes. You always had my eyes.”

  “And your stubbornness,” I add.

  He chuckles. “Yes. And that.” His smile quickly fades, and he says, “Maybe if your mother had a bit of your spirit…”

  I frown at him. “You always said I was like her.”

  He shakes his head. “I was worried you were.”

  “I don’t understand. You loved her.”

  His lips tug down and he wipes his palm across his face. “More than anything in the world. I would have done anything for her. Would have given up my career if she’d asked. Done anything to still have her here with me. I blame myself every day…”

  “She was in a car accident. It was no one’s fault.”

  He shakes his head. “It wasn’t an accident.”

  “But you said-”

  “I tried to protect you and Sam. It was hard enough losing your mother. You didn’t need to know that she…” He glances away, grimacing.

  “That she what?” Goosebumps prickle my arms.

  He lets out a long, quivering breath. “She was passionate. So full of life. Then there were times…” His eyes close briefly, the lines in his face becoming more pronounced. “She was pulled into a darkness. A place I couldn’t reach her. It got worse after she had you and Sam. The sadness. It ate away at her. Until…”

  “She killed herself?” Ice spreads across my skin. All I can think about is Sam.

  He gives one small nod.

  I sit back in the chair, pressure building in my chest.

  “She was bipolar. I didn’t know when we got married. Not that it would have changed anything. I loved her. Loved her highs. The way she thought she could conquer the world. But her lows…they were brutal. And each time she hit rock bottom, I knew I was only one step closer to losing her for good.”

  Bipolar. I don’t know much about the disorder, other than what I read in my first-year psychology textbook. It’s one of those mental health issues that still has a stigma around it.

  “I know I was hard on you, Brynne. I tried to make you strong.” He reaches out for me to take his hand, but I sit there, numb, trying to process everything he’s saying. He gives a small, sad smile. “But you always were tougher than I gave you credit for.” He sighs, pulling his hand back. “It was Sam that I should have been worried about. But by the time I realized what was going on with him, it was too late.”

  My head is spinning as I try to make sense of what he’s saying. “You’re saying Sam was…No. I would have known.”

  “He was diagnosed a year before…” My father swallows hard. “But I knew before then.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “He didn’t want me to. He loved you so much, Brynne. He didn’t want you thinking bad of him.”

  “I wouldn’t have. Maybe I could have helped.”

  “It’s what he wanted. I don’t even know if I should have told you now. But I think there’ve been too many secrets between us.”

  “Does Kane know?”

  He nods, making my stomach sink. “He was the one who came to me. Told me there was something going on with Sam. I didn’t want to believe it at first. But the drugs. The wild, reckless behavior. They were just a symptom of the disorder. If I would have been paying closer attention, I might have been able to help him.”

  My stomach twists.

  “I failed you both. And I’m sorry.”

  I don’t correct him. Maybe I should. But I don’t.

  “The ironic part was I lost you both because I was afraid to lose you.” There’s desperation in his words, and a resignation that stirs a small ounce of sympathy for the man.

  I reach across and take his hand. “You haven’t lost me. I’m still here.”

  His fingers squeeze mine. “I want to be part of your life. Part of Noah’s life. If you’ll let me. Maybe I’ll be a better grandfather than father.”

  “There’s still time to be my dad. Unless, of course, you have plans to trade Kane,” I joke, making him smile.

  He chuckles. “Trust me, the thought went through my head. But I don’t want him taking you and my grandson to another city. That’s assuming you two are together.”

  I shake my head at his lack of subtlety. “We are.”

  “Good.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “I didn’t think you’d have a problem with him. He’s already a son to you.”

  “He is.” His expression goes serious. “But that’s not why I approve. He cares about you. Always has. I’ve watched that boy with you. I’m just surprised it took him this long to make a move.”

  “You might be surprised, but it was actually me who made the first move.”

  I laugh and he shakes his head. “No, darling. That doesn’t surprise me at all.”

  Chapter 30

  Kane

  “Nothing’s changed in the last ten minutes,” Blake says gruffly, when I check my phone for a message from Brynne.

  I grunt and put it in my bag before starting to undress.

  It’s the first game we’ve played without Coach on the bench, and the locker room is filled with tension. There’s a strain between the men and I know it’s because of me. Blake has been a moody son-of-a-bitch since we got on the flight to come here. Sebastian won’t speak to me. And the other guys keep tiptoeing around me like I’ve got the fucking plague.

  No one speaks. Only the odd muffled curse. There’s just this bloody silence filled with accusation and suspicion.

  Until Tyler Slade walks into the room. Black hair slicked back, dark eyes shiny with mischief, he’s got a smirk plastered on his ugly, pot-marked face. The kid is like adding gasoline to an already simmering fire, and I know there’s going to be trouble the second he opens his mouth.

  “Holy shit, man,” Tyler says, punching my shoulder and laughing raucously. “Rumor has it you knocked up Coach’s daughter. No wonder the man had a heart attack.”

  “Fuck off, Slade.” I give him a warning glance, but he doesn’t seem to notice, or he doesn’t care.

  �
�I don’t blame you. The chick is hot.”

  “Shut it, asshole,” Sebastian grumbles beside me.

  “Jesus, you guys are too fucking serious. I’m just saying, if I’d had the chance, I’d totally have done her.”

  I place my palm on Sebastian’s chest when he starts to stand.

  Tyler throws his jacket down on the bench and continues like he’s not aware of the friction he’s causing. “I mean, since we’re all into family sharing, mind if I have a go at that sister of yours when Starowics is done with her?”

  He doesn’t see the punch coming. Neither do I. One second Blake is sitting on the bench, the next he’s on top of the kid, his fist smashing into Slade’s jaw.

  Sebastian and I jump on him, pulling him off, but he fights us.

  “Calm down.” I slam him up against the wall, my forearm against his throat.

  “Did you hear what he said?” Blake struggles against me. He’s big, but I’m bigger. And I’m able to hold him back.

  Tyler touches his bloody lip, then spits. “It was a fucking joke. Jesus, man.”

  I have no clue how the kid even knows about Kiley, but there’s something in the way his lips curve up slightly, a hidden knowledge in his eyes, that makes me uneasy.

  “You’re a douche, you know that, Slade?” Sebastian says, standing in Tyler’s way so he has to go around the other side of the benches.

  “How does he even know about her?” I hiss, releasing Blake.

  “He lives in the building.” He glares at Tyler, who’s still smirking at him, albeit on the far side of the room. “He saw us together.”

  No. It’s more than that. The kid isn’t smart enough to put two plus two together, let alone figure out that Kiley’s my sister.

  The guys are watching us, and more than a few brows are raised.

  I turn on them, and growl out, “None of this shit is any of your business-”

  “When it messes with the team, it is our business,” Sebastian says, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. “You’ve been a real asshat this past year. And now Blake has a pickle up his ass about something, which obviously has something to do with you.”

  “We can talk about this later.”

  “No. Fuck this shit. Since when do we hide things from each other? And why the hell does the kid think you’re screwing Kane’s sister?” He scowls at Blake, then at me.

  “Kiley’s been staying with me,” Blake mutters. “I’m just helping her out.”

  “Helping her with your tongue down her throat,” Tyler says, a cocky ass grin spreading across his face.

  “Fuck off, Slade,” the three of us say in unison.

  “As entertaining as this is,” Matt says, tossing a towel at us. “We’ve got a game to get ready for. Think you can get along for a few hours?”

  “Yeah,” Sebastian grumbles, sitting down on the bench and pulling out his skates. Blake nods as well.

  “You’re acting like pussies,” Austin Branson says across from us, dragging his hand through his blonde hair, then placing his helmet on. The kid is just as vulgar as Tyler, but when he speaks there isn’t the same animosity in his words. Just the boorish truth. “And why, because of a pair of tits? Hope they’re worth it. Because if you assholes don’t get your head out of your asses, you’ve already lost the game for us.”

  Chapter 31

  Brynne

  “Are you sure you don’t mind taking him?” I ask as I hand Noah over to Kiley.

  She gives me one of her rare smiles. The bruises have started to fade, and she’s put on a few pounds since she’s been staying with Blake, but there’s a sadness in her eyes that never seems to go away.

  “I’m happy to help.”

  “Thank you.” Felix is coming over soon to look at my new pieces, and after that I could really use a nap myself. I haven’t slept much this past week, and even less since Kane has been gone.

  “I’ll take him back to Blake’s apartment for his afternoon nap.” She puts him in his stroller, then takes the diaper bag from me. “That way you don’t have to rush.”

  “You’re a saint. You know that?”

  She blushes and looks away.

  “I’ll order Chinese tonight, and we can watch the game together.”

  “Sound good.”

  When she’s gone, I tidy up quickly, but I don’t have much time before I get the call from the front desk letting me know Felix is here.

  I’m nervous. Other than Kane, I haven’t shown anyone the new pieces I’ve been working on.

  They’re different. A lot different than anything I’ve ever painted. But I think they’re good.

  Of course, Kane thinks they’re brilliant. But I swear I could paint a giant red dot on a blank canvas and he’d think the same thing.

  “You look good,” Felix says when I answer the door, his dark eyes roaming down my body in a way that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

  I don’t know if he’s always looked at me that way or if I just never noticed it before, but it makes me uncomfortable. And for a second, I hesitate before widening the door and letting him in.

  “Nice place.” He walks in, his posture tense, nostrils flaring as he looks around. “It always shocks me how much money these athletes make. I mean, seriously, half of them have the emotional and intellectual IQ of a five-year-old, and they’re making millions. Blows my mind.”

  I open my mouth to argue, but I realize that he’s just repeating the same monologue I used to say, even though I know the truth. The men who’ve made it as far as Kane have worked their asses off to get where they are.

  “Come on. I’ll show you what I’ve been working on.”

  Felix reaches for my hand, his attention back on me. “That…boyfriend of yours, he’s out of town, right?”

  “He’ll be back tomorrow.” Unease settles in my stomach. I pull away from his grip, but he hesitates before releasing my hand.

  “Then we have all night.”

  “Excuse me?” I take a step back, putting distance between us.

  “I’m kidding, Brynne.” He chuckles, but it doesn’t hold any humor.

  “Right.” I chew on my bottom lip.

  “But you could offer me a glass of wine.”

  It’s something I would have done without hesitation in the past. I can’t count the number of bottles we finished together over the years.

  Maybe it’s me who’s being weird and awkward.

  This is Felix.

  One of my best friends.

  The man who was there for me when no one else was.

  “Um.”

  “Come on, Brynne.” He gives me a lighthearted smile. “We’re celebrating.”

  “Celebrating?”

  “I wasn’t going to say anything yet, but I spoke with Gisselle Peppers, and I may have gotten you a spot in her gallery next month.”

  “You’re kidding?”

  “She just wants to see one of your pieces.”

  “Oh my God,” I squeal, which is something I never do, and throw my arms around his neck. “Thank you.”

  “You know I’d do anything for you.” He holds me a little tighter, and when I try to pull away, he hesitates.

  “Felix,” I warn.

  “Sorry. Hard habit to break.” He lets me go. “Now let’s get that glass of wine.”

  Forgetting my initial unease, I lead him into the kitchen and pull out a bottle of Chardonnay from the wine cooler.

  “Where’s Noah?” he asks, taking the glass I hand him.

  “A friend’s watching him.”

  “Too bad. I was hoping to see him. I bet he’s getting big.”

  “He is.” Guilt creeps into my chest. I’ve been a terrible friend lately. Especially after everything he’s done for me. “I’m sorry I haven’t called. Things have been hectic here.”

  “I heard about your father.”

  Everyone has. It had been all over the news, which only pissed the man off more than he already was. Because one thing Steve Jacobs
hates is being seen as weak.

  I take a sip of my wine, and I let him talk, listening to him go on about his latest projects. We quickly fall back into our old easy dialogue.

  Almost an hour goes by, and I’m shocked when I realize we’ve finished off the bottle of wine.

  He lifts the empty bottle and raises a brow. “Another one?”

  “No. I better not.” I’m already feeling a little wobbly and lightheaded.

  “Always a lightweight.” He chuckles. “Why don’t you show me those new paintings?”

  He’s close, closer than he needs to be when he follows me down the hall toward the room where my work is set up.

  “So, this is what you left me for.” He goes to the windows and stares out at the city below. “Can’t say I blame you.”

  I frown, because I can’t tell if he’s joking or being serious. “Felix.”

  He turns, his hands shoved in his pockets, expression casual. But there’s something in his eyes that I can’t read. Something dark. And a small shiver of fear races down my spine.

  “Here…” I swallow past the lump that’s formed in my throat and move towards the large canvas that I finished working on yesterday. “What do you think of this one? Maybe you could show it to-”

  His arms wrap around me, and he pulls my back against his chest.

  For a heartbeat, I freeze.

  Shit.

  I turn, trying to move away, but when I do he traps me. “Felix, don’t-”

  His breath is heavy in my ear. “These pieces. They’re fluff. You’re better than this. Better than him.”

  “Stop.” I get loose from his grip, but only for a moment, before he grabs my wrists, then tugs me back towards him.

  “You need me, Brynne.” He pushes me so that my back is against the wall, and causing the canvases that were stacked against it to topple over.

  “Let me go.”

  Fear sucks my breath away, choking me.

  “This isn’t you. You told me that you wanted away from this life. These people. You were happy when it was just the two of us.” He has my hands pinned at my sides. He’s not as big as Kane, but he’s a hell of a lot stronger than I am.

  I twist my wrists, and I’m able to get one free. Raking my fingernails across his cheek, I scream, “Get off of me!”