Sacked (The Alpha Ballers#2)

by Lucy Snow

  It was a long way from Wichita, where I’d been staying with my parents, working at local gyms and hospitals part time, studying for certifications and trying to find something more substantial after finishing up nursing school.

  When Sandy had emailed me the link a few months ago to a job posting near where she was, I had jumped at the chance. At first the idea of moving to New England seemed a little weird to me, but I very quickly ‘warmed’ up to the notion as I looked around and found very few long term prospects in Wichita.

  So, I interviewed, mostly by phone and Skype at first before they flew me in for a weekend at the facility, and just a couple months ago I had found out that I got the job!

  So here I was, my first day in Massachusetts, breathing in heavy the pine smell in the air. It smelled fresh and clean, and I couldn’t wait to get to work.

  The first thing after we had left the airport was to drive to my new apartment. Sandy had done me a solid there too, helping me find a place in her apartment building. The rent was a little steep, but my new job was such a big jump in pay over the part time work I was getting before back in Wichita that I really didn’t think twice about it.

  Plus, Sandy and I would be neighbors! It would be just like back in the dorms at school, how could I refuse? In fact, I knew for a fact that Sandy wouldn’t have let me refuse even if I wanted to. I knew that because she said so.

  We drove along the darkened streets as the drizzling rain pooled around us. “Is it always like this?”

  “Nah, there’s been a little more rain than usual this year, but it’s not too bad.” She chuckled. “In a couple months the snow begins, you’ll love that.”

  “I have lived in snow before, Sandy, I am from Wichita.”

  Sandy threw her head back and roared with laughter. “You call that snow? You get maybe a foot per year…total? We get that in a single night here on the regular. You may think you know snow, but try waking up covered in it and having to dig your way out through the front door, or sometimes a window.”

  “This apartment you got me is on the…third floor, right? If that’s gonna happen to me, this is worse than I thought.”

  “Nah, you’ll be fine, it was a figure of speech.”

  “Whew.” I hadn’t actually seen the apartment complex yet besides in the pictures Sandy had sent me. I trusted her implicitly, and I was really happy we’d be living so close by again. I had missed her a lot.

  The rain had stopped by the time we pulled up into the Pinewood Apartments - the name still made me smile at how completely unimaginative it was. Still, the place looked big and friendly even in the low light of the evening. It was late August, so we still had longer days, but the evenings were starting to get a little colder. I pulled my jacket a little tighter as I got out of Sandy’s car and pulled the couple bags I had brought with me out of her trunk.

  I had decided to pack super light at first, just in case things didn’t work out here. Same with the apartment, I had a month to month lease so I could get out of things without too much hassle or lost money. It wasn’t that I didn’t think things at the new job or state would work out, but I just liked to be a little cautious with these things.

  You never knew what might happen.I might hate the new job, or hate living in New England, despite all the wonderful things I had heard about it, mostly from Sandy. For whatever reason, if I wanted to be able to run back to Wichita, it was good to know that was a possibility.

  Not that I was the type to run away when things got tough, mind you. I knew how to grit my teeth and get things done when necessary. But I also didn’t believe in continuing to throw myself into worthless causes, not when there were so many beautiful and wonderful things to see out there.

  Sandy led me into the complex, and to the third floor. It was bare and not too exciting, but for the amount I was paying, that was A-OK with me. Despite the salary increase, I definitely wasn’t trying to live in luxury yet. Maybe someday, but certainly not now, now was for roughing it and figuring out just how tough I was.

  We came to unit #307 and Sandy presented the door with a flourish, striking a pose. “Welcome to your new home, Charlotte! You’re gonna love it here.” I fumbled for a second, getting the keys out of the envelope before unlocking the door and stepping inside.

  The apartment was much like the outer areas in tone - drab and impossible to recognize or remember, but clean and cozy all the same. And, as a bonus, it was already furnished, which was perfect for me, considering I came halfway across the country with very little furniture stuffed into my two suitcases.

  It was a small studio, just the way I liked it. There was a small kitchenette off to the right, and a little alcove with a table and chairs. On the left side was a bed, closet, and the door to the bathroom.

  There wasn’t much space, but for the next few months I really didn’t anticipate spending too much time here. I plopped myself down on the bed to take in the entire thing, such as it was, you know, get used to my new home. New home. That had a funny sound to it.

  Sandy stood near the fridge, watching me, her hands on her hips, expectantly. “Yes?” I asked, smiling, already knowing where this was going. “Can I help you?”

  “You ‘may’ help me, yes, indeed. Get up and get ready.”

  I furrowed my brow. “Where are we going? I just got here.”

  “You’re not going to spend your first night here moping about at home.”

  I got indignant. “Excuse me!? I do not mope!” There was a smile on my face, and I knew I would cave. This was a game Sandy and I had played many times before, I wanted to stay in and relax, get used to the place, and she wanted to do something wild.

  “You brought a dress, right?”

  “More than one, yes.” I had a weakness for dresses - I couldn’t wear them to work, but aside from that, I would rather be wearing one.

  “Good.” She stepped toward the door. “We’re going to a club. More of a lounge, really. Dress appropriately. I’ll be back in 45 minutes to get you, yeah?”

  “You know I have work tomorrow, right? First day and all? I can’t stay out too late.”

  Sandy sighed, exasperated. “I know, I know, it’s all you’ve talked about for months now! You’re gonna be working hard for the next few months so I need to make sure you have at least a little fun before you go and do that thing you do.”

  “What thing I do?”

  “Oh, honey, you know how it is, something at school or work comes up and you just go heads down, oblivious to the world again. I’m gonna make sure you have at least a little bit of a social life, OK?”

  I withered and caved in, like I knew I would. It wasn’t that I was weak, it was just that Sandy was really good at making sense, occasionally, and this was definitely one of those times. “I can’t stay out too late, you know. I have to be at the facility pretty early tomorrow morning.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll make sure you get back here with enough time to sleep it off. 45 minutes?”

  “Fine, fine. I’ll be ready. Also, I hate you.”

  “The feeling’s mutual.” Sandy opened the door, but turned back to me first. “It’s really good having you here, Charlotte. I missed you lots.”

  I beamed back at her. “Likewise, babe, this is gonna be so fun!”

  “See you soon.” She closed the door behind her and I was alone in my new place for the first time, thousands of miles away from home.

  I looked around again and sighed before standing up and lifting my suitcases onto the bed. I didn’t have time to unpack, just enough to get my clothing and makeup out.

  Now was as good a time as any to investigate the shower, but I had better be quick about it if I was going to be ready to go out in less than 45 minutes.

  I wondered about this lounge Sandy was taking me to. Did she expect me to meet someone on the first night? Of course, that might be nice, but also it would be way too much too fast. I mean, I had just gotten here, and I was about to start a new job tomorrow!


  I gathered the dress I was going to wear and started to get ready.

  …And THAT is how I found myself at the club. It wasn’t at all like a lounge and Sandy was a dirty liar and I hated her. Of course I didn’t really hate her - how could I hate one of my best friends when she was so clearly having such a good time?

  At the same time, though, this place was almost impossible to move around in. And that was even before you tried to talk to someone.

  OK, that’s enough rewind. We now rejoin our program already in progress…

  “That’s a good one,” he said, his eyes crinkling with his smile. His voice was deep and rich and warm and I wanted to dive into it and swim forever.

  “Why thank you, I pride myself on knowing how to return a greeting.” I closed my eyes and nodded to myself, not an easy feat when your entire being is saying, ‘stare this guy down, memorize what he looks like so we have fantasy material for the rest of your life!’ “It’s not a skill that gets enough credit these days.”

  “And well you should, that was better than most I get. A good 8 out of 10, at least.”

  I smiled back. “Only 8 of 10?” I looked around and motioned to the masses around us. “Tough crowd tonight.”

  “Yeah, you got the hanging judge around here.”

  I wrinkled my nose at him. It was tough to even look directly at him he was so blindingly gorgeous. I wondered if it would become easier in time, or would I always have to look at him indirectly, like with a mirror or something. Might still be worth it. “So you’re the hanging judge? Harsh and cold, taking an absurd amount of glee in cutting people down to size?”

  He paused, then smiled. “I think you mean the headsman.”

  I took a sip of my drink. “Factually correct, I guess.”

  “Factually correct is the best kind of correct, I always say.”

  I smiled back, saying nothing.

  “No, really,” he continued, “my friends are always telling me I say that too often. Also,” those brown eyes nearly ate me up, and I was A-OK with that, “this conversation started out getting a little dark.” He held out his hand. “I’m Parker.”

  “Parker? I’m Charlotte.” I took his hand in mine, looking down and marveling at how my hand looked tiny compared to his. “Nice to meet you.”

  “The pleasure is all mine.”

  “Even with only an 8 out of 10 greeting response?”

  “We can work on that.” He looked at me hungrily, and while for any other guy that would have me heading for the hills immediately, with Parker it felt almost comfortable. I could tell already that he wasn’t the kind of guy who hid his desires, and I found that so refreshing. Too many guys tried to keep themselves in check, scared that girls would reject them.

  Parker, I could tell, didn’t experience rejection very often.

  It was then that I realized we were still holding hands. Parker must have realized it at the same time, because both of us stared at our hands together. He smiled and pulled me in a little closer, reaching around my back with his other arm.

  “Easier to hear each other this way.”

  I took a small sip from my drink. “You’re right. Especially since we have such important diplomatic discussions to get to!”

  “The fate of the free world truly is in our hands,” he continued, playing along with my word games expertly, to my delight. This was so rare, to meet a guy who could jump around in a conversation so quickly. I never would have thought I could meet a guy like that at a club. Maybe New England men were better?

  “I’m Charlotte,” I whispered, taking in his manly scent as the hulking man took up most of my vision. I got hints of vanilla and sandalwood, two things that made my toes curl in anticipation. Down, girl, you just met him. Don’t get ahead of yourself!

  “I know, you said that already. I’m still Parker.” Ugh, I was being so weird. Parker? That was a funny name. His first name was a last name! I giggled.

  He furrowed his brow a bit, which somehow managed to be an even sexier look on him than before. “What?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh more. “It’s-it’s nothing, I’m sorry.”

  Parker stared at me intently, a small smile forming on those perfect lips. “Tell me, Charlotte. Don’t start keeping secrets from me already.”

  I pressed my hand against his huge and rippling biceps, barely contained in his tight shirt, as if to push him away, feigning annoyance, but as much as I pushed, his arm barely moved. “I’ll keep secrets if I want to!”

  Parker smiled wider and crossed his arms under his mammoth chest, looking down at me with a twinkle in his eyes that made me want to climb all over him, despite us not being alone. How could this man do this to me, make me feel these things, so quickly after meeting him? All he had to do was glance at me, give me even the smallest hint of a smile, and I was already undressing him with my eyes, and lusting over doing it for real.

  Is this how men felt when they saw a pretty girl walk by? No wonder!

  “I’m waiting,” he said, tapping his foot on the ground like a schoolteacher. “Out with it.”

  “It’s nothing, it’s just that you have a last name for a first name, and that always makes me laugh.”

  “Would it be funnier if I also had a last name for a last name, or if I had a first name for a last name?”

  “I…I hadn’t really thought about that. Gimme a second.” It was then that I noticed that I had never taken my hand off Parker’s arm. I looked at his chest straight on as I thought, my eyes starting to wander downward each time until I pulled myself back up. Ugh, while it was exhilarating going a little wonky over a guy, I didn’t want to come off like a complete dork.

  Then Parker’s hand was under my chin, lifting my head up as he came closer, and before I knew it, he was kissing me. I couldn’t help it, I moaned into his kiss, inviting him in, feeling myself collapse into his arms right there on the dance floor. I closed my eyes.

  The pounding music disappeared.

  The other people disappeared.

  Everything else disappeared but Parker and me and our kiss.

  It was that amazing. Like everything a girl dreams of a first kiss being, it was all of that rolled into one. And it seemed to just keep going and going.

  Our tongues danced together as we learned how our bodies moved together. It was electrifying.

  Finally, Parker pulled away, and I opened my eyes again, feeling like it had been hours since I had seen anything. He still smiled at me. “Whoa,” I said, still without complete control of my faculties.

  “Whoa? That’s pretty good. I haven’t heard that one before, not in a long time.”

  “Shut up, give me a second.” I pushed him again.

  He cocked his head to the side and stood up straight, towering over me. Guy must have been a good 6’3” at least. And that short dark hair, those deep brown eyes…wait a second, wasn’t I trying to get control of myself? This was not the way to do so! “You sure do ask for a lot of seconds. So demanding.”

  “Jerk.”

  “Guilty as charged. Shall I go?” He turned, widening the gap between us, and I could feel the polarity shift, like he really intended to go, and for a second I was worried.

  “N-No, don’t go.”

  “Had you there for a second, didn’t I?”

  “You’re the worst, you know that?”

  “The worst how? The worst guy who’s ever kissed you in a club while having a last name for a first name? I just want to know where I’m at, here.” He held up his big arms, moving his hands back and forth like he was trying to gauge the size of something.

  I couldn’t help but smile at it, though I wasn’t sure if provoking or encouraging this kind of behavior was a good idea. “Just the worst. You know, in general.”

  “Yeah. I’m pretty bad, aren’t I?”

  “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

  “I’m gonna kiss you again.” He started to move his head forward and down toward mine.

  “When?
” I asked, tentatively, seeing him stop just in front of my face.

  “I dunno yet, I’m thinking about it.” That brow furrowing again, argh, I couldn’t stand it, but it was so gorgeous to see.

  “Think faster.” I tapped my foot on the ground but I was sure it was lost in all the sound around us.

  “Give me a second, why don’t you? You took all my seconds and I want one of them back.”

  “Have I ever told you how much I hate you?”

  “Well, that definitely makes me want to kiss you again.”

  “When was that, by the way?”

  “Right now.”

  “You better…” and then our lips met again and the volume on the world turned back down as we came together.

  When we finally broke the kiss, Parker looked around. He had noticed the crowd dancing around us for the first time. He looked sheepish for a half second before composing himself. “Shall we dance, then?”

  In that moment I did something more bold than I had ever done in my entire life. I don’t know what made me do it, but I had a hunch and I went along with it. To say that I’m glad that I did, in retrospect, is the biggest understatement of all time.

  I pulled Parker in close to me so he wouldn’t misunderstand. “How about we get out of here instead?”

  If Parker was at all surprised by what I had just said, he didn’t show it, not even for a moment. “Yeah. Let’s do that.”

  I, on the other hand, was completely flummoxed. Just who was it that was speaking for me this evening?

  Here I was in the middle of a new state on the other end of the country, on my first night, at a club, asking a guy I had just met, a complete stranger who I had just let stick his tongue down my throat, if he wanted to get out of here?

  What was I thinking?

  I knew what I was thinking just as I asked myself the question. I was thinking that this was all new to me and that I might as well make the most of it. Enjoy myself and throw myself completely into it.

  Parker took me by the hand, giving me a look that could melt stone, and I followed as he headed toward the exit without delay. It was as if the throngs of people around us parted and let us through, like they knew we had somewhere else important to be.