Home Field

by Laurie Winter

  Mary slid back her chair and stood. Obviously, Julie was also very pleased Reagan had come into their lives. But for now, her observation would stay unspoken. “I should get home and get ready for church. Can I catch a ride with you and Aiden?”

  “Sure, we’ll leave in an hour.” Julie turned toward the family room. “You hear that buddy? We’re leaving for church in one hour.”

  Aiden mumbled his response.

  Mary left the house to make the short walk back home, praying her resilient daughter could once again find meaning and happiness in her life.

  ****

  Reagan drove his luxury SUV toward a small but well-maintained home. After considering Aiden might have liked to ride in his sports car, he decided the two-seater was too small for the three of them. Maybe next time he could bring the sports car and take the kid for a spin. Catching himself, he realized there may not be a ‘next time.’

  Twice now, he’d found an excuse to see Julie again, each time he’d been left scratching his head over his own impulsiveness. He needed to regain his self-control and stop being led astray by the auburn haired beauty. Then he remembered the party he was throwing for his sister. Maybe he should invite Julie? Or maybe he should let today be the end. No more invitations. Just say goodbye after the game and walk away.

  As he parked the car, he tried to calm his growing anticipation. He was so hyped, like he was ready to run on to the playing field. Maybe he shouldn’t have had that third cup of coffee.

  A climbing vine of white flowers wove its way up the south facing brick. Small beds of colorful flowers greeted him as he walked on the path.

  He rang the doorbell, and Julie quickly appeared.

  “Come on in.” She motioned a sweeping gesture with her hand.

  Reagan stepped inside a home that was cheery and bright. The space was filled with comfortable furniture and beautiful artwork, open windows let in a light summer breeze. Within the ease of her home, Julie looked radiant and relaxed. He noticed her glowing smile and a laidback look with a ponytail resting at the base of her neck. Holy smokes, she looked hotter than ever.

  He had dressed casual today, in an attempt to avoid detection. His loose gray shorts and yellow Nirvana T-shirt should make him look like any other guy sitting at the park, watching a kid’s football game. A baseball cap and sunglasses topped off his disguise. The last thing he wanted was to divert attention from Aiden and the other kids playing today. “You have a beautiful house.” He looked around the family room. “And you have good taste in art. Renoir is one of my favorite painters.”

  Julie’s eyebrows rose.

  A jock who loved art—always stunning. “I know… I’m just full of surprises.” He winked. “When I travel to another city for a game, I make a point to visit its art museum. Last fall, I saw this painting at the Detroit Institute of Art.” He pointed to a green landscape reproduction hanging above her sofa. “It’s the Clearing in the Woods.”

  “Impressive. This one is my favorite. I bet the real painting is beautiful. It reminds me of someplace special called Cottonwood Field.”

  When she turned back to him, her eyes looked distant, lost in the past. “So, thanks for driving us to the game. Aiden couldn’t be any more thrilled. I need to get a few things together, and then we can get going.”

  “My pleasure. Been looking forward to seeing him play. You still up for football school?”

  Julie’s smile lit up the room. “You bet, and maybe after today I’ll understand what’s going on. I might even start to watch Warriors games on TV with Aiden.”

  “Our first pre-season game is this Friday. We play in Los Angeles, but it will be televised here.” He couldn’t wait to get back on the field. Prove to the skeptics in the media he hadn’t lost his edge.

  “I’m excited to watch someone I know play.” Julie stepped over to the staircase. “Aiden, time to go. Grab your bag and come downstairs. Reagan’s here.”

  Not five seconds later, Aiden flew down the stairs with his black-and-red duffle bag, which overflowed with football paraphernalia. “Look at my jersey.” Aiden jumped over to Reagan and held up his pint-sized football jersey. “I have so many grass stains that Mom can’t get them all out! I am number twelve, but next year I want to be number fifty-four, just like you.”

  “Nice jersey, kid,” Reagan said as Aiden beamed with pride. He was actually glad to see the kid, which surprised him. Aiden, with his candid and trusting nature, had started to wiggle his way into Reagan’s heart.

  “Do you have everything you need?” Julie asked Aiden. “We’re not coming back because you forgot something.”

  Aiden bobbed his head while he waited by the door.

  “I have two lawn chairs I need to grab from the back entry. Why don’t you two head out to the car. I’ll lock up and be right there.”

  Reagan took Aiden’s duffle bag and the cooler sitting on the coffee table, and then walked with Aiden to his car.

  Moments later, Julie approached, carrying the lawn chairs and Aiden’s booster seat.

  “Let me help you with that.” Reagan ran to her, tucked the chairs under one large arm, and grabbed the booster seat with his free hand. Once everything was secured in the back of the SUV, he dashed to the front passenger side door, just in time to open it for Julie.

  He got into the driver’s seat and saw Aiden securely buckled in behind them. The sight of the booster seat in the back seat of his car stole his breath, and he instantly broke out into a cold sweat. But seeing the kid’s mother sitting next to him made up for any discomfort. Starting the engine, he put the vehicle in reverse and began to back out of the driveway. As was his habit, he twisted around to see behind him and laid his hand on the passenger seat. It brushed up against Julie’s bare shoulder, and his stomach did a small leap. The conflicting texture, his rough hand against her smooth skin, was an enticing sensation, like sand on the shore briefly kissed by a gentle wave. If only his hand could have lingered a little while longer.

  “I can’t wait for those guys to finally see me with Reagan,” Aiden declared from the back seat. “They called me a liar for saying you’re my friend.”

  “I’d like you to wait until after the game to introduce me to your friends,” Reagan said, still shaking away the memory of the feel of Julie’s skin. “Once people recognize me, they’ll want to talk and get autographs and pictures. I want to watch your whole game. Your mom and I will sit away from the crowd, and then afterward, I’ll come over and introduce myself to your team. How does that sound?”

  “Yeah, I guess that’s fine.” Aiden squirmed in his booster seat. “I hope Mrs. Wilson brings those orange popsicles again.” After that, he turned quiet and stared out the window.

  A Luke Bryan song came on the radio, and Reagan reached over to turn up the volume. “Do you like country music?”

  “You bet. In North Carolina, listening to country music is mandatory. Back in college, my friend Chrissy and I went to an outdoor, three-day concert. The first night, a storm hit, so the next day the whole place was a giant mud puddle. When we weren’t listening to the performers on stage, we slid down the huge muddy hill at the end of the park. I was filthy by the end of the weekend, but I’ve never had so much fun.”

  “Sounds like a blast.” He pictured her creamy, fair skin covered in mud—a very provocative image. He drove into the park and headed toward the athletic fields. “Which one is Aiden playing on?”

  “He’s on Field B.” She pointed to a grassy area.

  The field had bleachers set on one side and a line of trees on the other.

  Once parked, Aiden was released from his seat and he grabbed his bag, before running off in the direction of his team. Reagan and Julie took their time, meandering over to the field. A warm breeze carried the smell of fresh cut grass. Julie led him away from the bleachers, where a crowd had started to assemble.

  She pointed toward the other side. “How about we sit over there?”

  They unfolded their chairs and rel
axed in the shade of the oak trees standing watch behind them.

  Aiden looked over and waved, and they both waved back.

  Reagan stole a glance at Julie. The constant voice in his head, cautioning him not to get too comfortable with either Julie or Aiden, was slowly going mute.

  ****

  Between plays, Reagan educated Julie on the game of football.

  She conceded the rules weren’t as complicated as she’d thought. Being so passionate about the sport, he made a good teacher. “Football is finally making sense now. Aiden’s a receiver, right? They don’t throw the ball to him very often.”

  “He needs to work on shaking off his coverage.” Reagan pointed to the erratic action on the field. “See how that defender from the other team blocks him from getting a clear shot at the ball? His quarterback needs to see him open before he’ll throw him the ball.”

  She nodded and watched the scenario unfold before her. Aiden seemed to be making friends with the boy defending him instead of getting free to catch the ball. Sliding off her sandals, she brushed the soft grass with her bare feet. If only John were here. He would have loved to watch their son play. That pleasure had been denied him, along with so many other joys.

  After Aiden dropped the football again, Reagan scrunched up his face. Then the corners of his wide mouth tilted up with a playful smile. “Once he starts gaining confidence on the field, he’ll be an unstoppable force. I’ve seen the kid run.”

  She noticed his gaze drop down to her hot pink toenails, which stood out against the dark green grass. “I ran track and cross country in high school. John was a runner, too, so I guess Aiden comes by his cheetah speed naturally. I’ve started distance running again, but my legs are so out of shape.”

  His gaze meandered over her legs. “Your legs look perfect to me.”

  She turned her attention back to the game but not before catching his preoccupied smile. Heat flushed her face. Her brain hit the panic button. Matt Taylor, Chrissy’s husband, had warned her Reagan had a reputation as a cad. He was often seen with a beautiful woman on his arm, even Hollywood starlets, but none of them stayed there for very long.

  But Reagan was only here because of Aiden. No way did he want anything with her; she wasn’t at all his type. Absolutely nothing to worry about. Reagan would soon be satisfied with his good deed and move on, well before she was in danger of liking him too much.

  “Sorry.” Reagan went back to watching the game. “That was a dumb guy thing to say.” He shifted in his seat then stretched out his long legs and hooked his hands behind his head. “Maybe Aiden should be playing defense. I bet he could keep up with the receivers and disrupt their passing game. I’ll talk to his coaches after the game.”

  “This is a youth football team, and Aiden’s coaches are a couple of volunteer dads. Getting football advice from you might be a little intimidating.” She couldn’t stop staring at his flexed biceps. What would having those arms wrapped around me feel like? When was the last time she’d had any type of intimacy with a man? Too long. Of course, that kind of a drought would lead anyone to seriously inappropriate thoughts.

  “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  “Have you thought about coaching someday?”

  “Actually, that’s the plan. In college, I double majored in education and math. Once my professional career is over, I hope to teach high school and coach football.”

  “You’ll make a great coach. You’ve been so good with Aiden, extremely patient.”

  A moment later, the referee blew his whistle, signaling the end of the game. Little boys in large jerseys ran over to the sidelines and encircled their coaches. Then they lined up to shake hands with the opposing team.

  Reagan picked up their water bottles and packed them back in the cooler. “I’m having a party at my house a week from this Saturday.” He peeked over at her while lifting their lawn chairs. “And I was hoping you would come. Bring a few friends if you want. The more the merrier. The guests will be mostly guys from the team and their significant others.” He flashed an easy, confident smile.

  “You’re inviting me to a party at your house?” She had to do a double take. “Why would you want me there?”

  “Why not?” He raised a brow. “You’re allowed to have some fun, right?”

  Uncertainty pulsed through her as she tried to read in between the lines of his invitation. “You’ve been very kind to take an interest in Aiden, but please don’t feel obligated to either of us.” She began to walk away. No way did she want to become somebody’s charity case. But that’s what they’d become. His good deed for a few weeks—a way to get some positive PR.

  “Why do you think I feel obligated?” Catching up to her, Reagan gently took hold of her arm and turned her to face him. “You should know something about me. I don’t do anything I don’t want to. Give yourself more credit, Julie. I like spending time with you. I can be myself when I’m around you.” He relaxed his hold.

  But for Julie, the searing heat of his touch lingered. A burning electricity still arced between them.

  “You treat me like a normal person, not some unfeeling football star. I thought we were friends.”

  Her heart beat wildly as she fought to act calm. When she stepped back, he released his grasp, finally seeming to understand her reluctance.

  “My sister, Kelsey, is coming to stay with me for a few days before she heads off to college. She’s the one who insisted on the party, wanting one last hurrah. I couldn’t say no. I thought you’d make her feel more comfortable, since most of the people there will be associated with the team. You’re someone who’s easy to talk to.”

  He’d change the tone of his voice, from strong confidence to calm and soothing.

  “Oh,” was all she could reply, flustered by her foolishness for overreacting. Maybe going to the party wouldn’t be so bad. She could help him out for a change. “I don’t have Aiden that weekend. He’s staying with John’s parents. And I don’t have other plans, so I guess you can count me in. I would love to come and meet your sister.”

  “Great.” Reagan flashed a wide smile. He led her toward the bleachers, where the players were enjoying lemonade and popsicles.

  “Would it be all right if I brought my friend Chrissy and her husband, Matt? They’re huge Warriors fans and would never forgive me if I attended without them.” The prospect of going to his house for a party didn’t seem as scary if she had friends by her side.

  “Sure, you’re welcome to bring anyone you want.”

  As they walked along side by side, their hands brushed together every so often. The contact gave her a quick shock, each time taking her by surprise.

  Approaching the bleachers, Julie noticed a hush fell over the crowd. Their attention was now fully centered on Reagan.

  Aiden came running over. “Mom, Reagan, wasn’t it a great game?”

  Seconds later, Reagan was converged on by a swarm of sweaty boys.

  Julie stepped out of the way, not wanting to get run over in the excitement. Seeing him surrounded by the crowd made her realize how hard living your life in the spotlight must be. People not really wanting to know the real you, only the version they see on TV on any given Sunday. She remembered what he had said earlier—I thought we were friends. To call him a friend—that would be nice.

  “Oh my gawd, are you dating Reagan Harrison?” a female voice drawled.

  The woman was impeccably overdressed for an afternoon football game and her high heels punched through the sod as she approached. “I’m not dating anyone,” Julie responded. Who does this lady think she is, asking a question like that? “Reagan came to see Aiden play. He’s just a friend.” The word flowed naturally off her tongue.

  “Don’t tell me Reagan Harrison is only here to watch a bunch of seven-year-olds play flag football.” The other woman leaned forward to whisper. “I saw the way you two looked at each other, very intimate. You’re not fooling me.”

  Time to walk away, before she lost her redhead
infused temper. “I’m not trying to fool anyone.” She went to stand next to Aiden, who seemed ten feet tall.

  He directed the other children, yelling, “Don’t crowd Mr. Harrison” and “You’ll have to wait your turn.”

  “This is crazy.” She ruffled his damp hair.

  “Reagan is so cool to come and watch me play and meet my team. I wish he could come to every game.” Aiden watched Reagan with hero worship written all over his sweaty face.

  When Reagan glanced over, Julie gave him the thumbs-up sign. He winked in reply.

  “That would be nice, but you know Reagan’s a busy guy. His season starts soon. We can watch him play Friday night, okay? Will you help me cheer him on?”

  “Yeah!” Aiden’s smile split his face from ear to ear. “But we need jerseys, number fifty-four ones with Harrison on the back. We can wear them for the game.”

  She took hold of Aiden’s hand and moved into the crowd. “Sounds like a plan. Now let’s go rescue Reagan from all these people. He looks ready to be saved.”

  Chapter Six

  For a weeknight, The Garage was packed. Reagan grabbed his pool stick and stared at the table in front of him, plotting a way out of the trap DeMarcus had set for him. Stalking around the table one last time, he aimed and fired, accidentally hitting the wrong ball into the pocket. “I really hate this game,” he grumbled before taking a drink out of his whisky glass. He set it back down on the ledge and watched as DeMarcus finished off the eight-ball.

  “Looks like you owe me a drink.” DeMarcus stole the stick out of Reagan’s hand then returned it to the rack. “Come on, loser, Angie looks lonely.”

  They walked through the crowd and back to their table. The clack of pool balls sounded as loud and constant as the pouring rain outside. Along with many of their teammates, the place was filled with locals rubbing shoulders with football players. Good-looking girls appeared like rabbits pulled out of a magician’s hat. Over the past hour, Reagan had been given no less than fifteen phone numbers. He’d throw away the scraps of paper later. Picking up girls at a bar was something he would have done a few years ago, but thankfully, he’d grown older and wiser.