CHAPTER FOUR
Avery was happy to get the text the other night from Wyatt saying that he’d arrived safely in New Mexico. Apparently there was some stuff going on with Corbett. He said he’d fill her in when he got back. There was no mention of a discussion about their hot kisses—kisses that were getting successively hotter each time they connected and that bothered her. One of the things she always liked about him was his confidence and playfulness. But lately he’d become unpredictable and moody all the time. He’d left the other day before they could finish their talk at Parker’s house. She thought they’d been connecting on a new level when he’d started talking about his real feelings. And then he’d left again. Whether he liked it or not, they needed to have a serious talk about things. She hoped he’d stop running long enough to talk.
When her Uncle Seth asked her to lunch, Avery had no idea they would be dining at the fancy restaurant in the Tomcats Stadium. She parked her car and walked through the main stadium doors. There was a flurry of activity going on today. She told one of the security guards she was there to see her uncle, and they quickly got on the phone to locate him. After a few minutes, they found him on the field, but he instructed them to escort her to the restaurant.
It wasn’t out of the ordinary for her to spend time with her Uncle Seth, but she wondered what he was up to. She thanked her security escort for bringing her up, but assured him that she’d be OK waiting outside the restaurant for her uncle. Practice was in session and it looked like the team was running drills of some sort. She walked over to the railing and spotted her uncle talking to the head coach.
“Avery?”
She turned to see none other than Riley Sloane. “Riley. Hi.”
“What a pleasant surprise. You look gorgeous.”
“I see you don’t have an off switch for that charm of yours,” she replied. Riley flirted with her relentlessly the first day they met, right in front of her Uncle Seth. Apparently he had a healthy ego and a death wish. The noise from the cheerleaders as they bounded out of the restaurant was a welcome distraction. They waved at Riley, and a few of them blew kisses at him as they got on the escalator. “Now that’s gorgeous.”
“That’s overkill. They try too hard.” He glanced at the cheerleaders then returned his determined gaze back on her. “Don’t tell me you’re going to be working here.”
“No.” She laughed. “I’m just having lunch with my Uncle Seth.”
“Ah.” He grinned. “It was wishful thinking on my part.”
“How are things? I hear you’re starting to let go and dig into your position.”
“Finally a compliment from someone in the Blake family.” He held his hands up in the air. “I normally get a grunt or stiff nod from your uncle.”
“Sounds like you two are getting along. He doesn’t give just anyone that stiff nod. You have to earn it.”
“He doesn’t do that with you.”
She smiled. “Well, I’m special.”
“Yes, you are.” Riley’s eyes gleamed. “So how’s school? I heard you’re thinking about pursuing medicine.”
“Yes.” She grimaced. Was there anybody on the planet her Uncle Seth hadn’t told?
“If you ever need someone to play doctor with you, give me a call.” He winked.
A female voice interrupted from behind him, “I don’t think there’s a medical remedy for an overinflated ego.”
They both turned around to see Parker standing there.
Avery hugged her. “Parker! What are you doing here?”
“Sam’s doing an overview of the stadium’s security and I thought I’d tag along.”
“Parker, I’d like you to meet Riley Sloane.” Avery turned to Riley. “Riley this is Parker Carson. She’s Sam’s sister.”
He gave Parker a casual once over. “What’s with the gun?”
“I’m a cop.” She flashed a fake smile. “And although your performance on the field is sometimes criminal, alas I cannot arrest you for it.”
“Improving every game is part of the drama that keeps people tuned into the Tomcats as we rise from the ashes to a Super Bowl victory. People love to root for the handsome superstar. TV ratings go up every time the Tomcats play.”
Parker shrugged. “Ever since the big boom of reality TV, everyone thinks they’re a superstar.”
Avery bit back a smile. The ever-smooth Riley looked like he wanted to strangle Parker, and Parker looked like she was waiting for him to make a wrong move so she could take him down. A man passing by with a camera waved at Riley and halted the building tension a little. The quarterback motioned for him to come over.
“Ladies, this is Stu. He’s the photographer who’s going around the stadium taking day-in-the-life shots for a project Seth’s putting together about our daily operations. Stu, you’re in for a treat. This is Seth’s brilliant niece, Avery Reed. She’s going to med school in the near future.”
“Hi, Avery.” The photographer beamed as he shook Avery’s hand.
When Riley didn’t attempt to introduce Parker, Avery intervened. “Stu, this is Parker Carson. She’s J.J.’s sister-in-law. Her sister Sam is roaming the stadium checking the security layout.”
He shook Parker’s hand too. “I saw Sam and her team near the loading bays. I can definitely see the resemblance.”
Riley draped his arm around Avery’s shoulders. “Stu, how about you take a picture of us?”
“That’s a great idea.” Avery locked arms with Parker and pulled her closer.
“Sure.” Stu took the lens cap off his camera. “Parker I just need you to get on the other side of Riley. And Riley, if you could put your arm around each beautiful lady’s waist, it would be great. Our star quarterback’s a big guy, if he puts his arm around your shoulders, it looks like he’s mauling you.”
Avery and Riley were getting into the posing position just fine. He gently placed his arm around her waist. Being that close to him, she couldn’t help but notice the definition in his body. He was lean but muscular and solid. He towered over her, not that it was hard. She envied Parker’s taller stature. Her five-foot-seven frame complemented a man of Riley’s height better than Avery’s did. She was ready to get the photo over with, but Riley and Parker were having problems standing close to one another. From the look on Parker’s face, Avery was pretty sure her friend would rather be in the middle of another lecture from J.J. right now than posing with the egoistical quarterback. Stu gave them a few more directions and they were finally in the position he wanted for the photos.
“Watch the hands, pretty boy,” Parker mumbled. “This isn’t a date.”
“Been a while, has it?” Riley retorted.
“I was thinking the same thing about you and deodorant,” Parker bit back.
Avery couldn’t help but laugh.
“Everybody, big smiles,” Stu said.
The photographer took shots from different angles. Finally, it was over and the three of them broke apart. Parker glared at Riley as she checked her waist for her gun and handcuffs. And just to drive the point home, she checked her pockets too. Riley was mid-balk when Sam contacted Parker on the walkie-talkie she held, asking to meet her on the executive floor. Parker bid Avery farewell and promised to call her that night. Now she and Riley were alone again, and he had that same glazed-over, lustful look he’d been sporting before Parker arrived.
She peeked over the quarterback’s shoulder and thankfully her Uncle Seth was coming their way. “Uncle Seth.”
He kissed her on the cheek and hugged her. “Hey, pretty girl. Sorry I’m late.”
Riley smirked. “Hey, boss. No hug and kiss for me?”
“Sloane, what did I tell you about my niece?” Seth’s jaw ticked.
“We just ran into each other,” Riley replied. “I didn’t want to be rude and not say hello.”
Seth only frowned. “Back to practice. Unless you’re suddenly not interested in making it to the playoffs, champ.”
“It was nice seeing you agai
n, Avery.”
“You too.” She forced a smile. When Riley was far enough away, she glared at her uncle. “Why did you do that?”
“Sloane knows the rules. He’s supposed to keep his distance from you. His job depends on it.”
“Uncle Seth. How could you embarrass me like that?”
Seth put his arm around her and guided her toward the restaurant. “Guys like Riley are only after one thing.”
“And you think I’m too naïve to recognize that? Did you ever stop to think maybe I wouldn’t be susceptible to his so-called charms? Feel free to stop seeing me as a little kid at any time.”
He seemed genuinely surprised. “Little kid? You’ve grown into a beautiful, intelligent, and perceptive young lady who can hold your own, just like any woman in this family.”
She wasn’t buying it. It was long past time she finally spoke her mind. “Look, I know you want to keep me safe, but you have to let me grow up. You can’t go around policing my social life. You’ve been treating Wyatt badly for years.”
Seth held up his hands. “I like Wyatt. I think he’s a nice young man. And I’m not just saying that because he’s family.”
“Since when? Every guy in the family was always watching him—watching us—like hawks. And despite that, you ordered him to watch over me and report back to the family.”
“That’s not true. He was told to look out for you, and he’s done a great job.”
“I don’t need a babysitter. I’m not six years old. And then here you are again, being rude to Riley, which is completely unnecessary. I’m perfectly capable of dealing with a guy like him.” She dug in her heels and refused to go into the restaurant when he opened the door.
“Every time you’re around, he’s grinning like an idiot.” Seth’s eyes narrowed. “Has he been calling you?”
“You’re doing it again. You can’t turn it off.” She shook her head.
Seth closed the restaurant door and gently pulled Avery over to the railing. “I know I can go a bit overboard—”
“A bit?” she interrupted.
“OK,” Seth conceded. “I can be obnoxious when it comes to you. Just know it’s meant out of love. You’re my niece, and I’ve taken the job of being your uncle very seriously over the years. When you decided to go to college in Texas, I made a promise to your dad that nothing would ever happen to you. But I’m not apologizing for caring too much and wanting you to be happy and safe.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being concerned,” she replied after a pause. She actually liked that part. “But you can’t follow me around for the rest of my life. You and the family have to loosen up. I insist. No, I demand it.”
“I’ll do my best to dial it down a little.” He smiled at her.
“Good.” She ran a hand through her hair.
“Are we good? I’d love to talk to you the plans for your birthday party over lunch.” He put his arm around her shoulder and guided her back to the restaurant entrance.
“Yeah. We’re good.” She smiled back and rested her head against his shoulder. “Are you going to apologize to Riley?”
“No. Riley and I have a level of subtle hostility toward each other I’d like to remain intact. It drives him to be a better football player. But I’d rather talk about your party.”
“I don’t want anything big.”
“So no carnival?”
“Or circus or casino night. I just want something simple with the family and on the day I choose.”
“But I thought it would be great to have it on your actual birthday.”
She looked at her uncle and smiled. His attempt to throw her a kick-ass party might have been endearing if she weren’t able to see what he was really doing. Turning twenty-one was a rite of passage, namely being able to drink. If she were at home with some party that may or may not include a clown, she wouldn’t be able to say she partied for her milestone birthday.
“I may be going out with friends. You don’t have a problem with that, do you?”
“You’re killing me.” He flashed a tight smile. “Whatever you want. It’s your day.”
“I hope you’re learning from this. Mackenzie is going to give you a run for your money.”
* * *
Wyatt wiped the sweat from his brow and slumped against the truck, happy that they were finished loading the last of the boxes. He’d barely gotten into the door at home when Corbett had broken the news that he and Courtney had called off the wedding. A wave of relief washed over him, followed by an avalanche of guilt. He didn’t care for Courtney, but he knew it must have sucked for Corbett to break things off with the woman he loved. Now things were moving pretty fast. Corbett had agreed to move his things out of the place he’d shared with Courtney. Wyatt kept in touch with a few high school buddies who still lived in town, so he called them up, and they were happy to help his brother move in exchange for pizza and beer.
Meanwhile, their mom was away tending to their aunt Eileen who’d broken her leg sky-diving. She said she’d come home, but Corbett assured her it wasn’t necessary. Corbett was acting eerily calm about everything. So calm, their dad volunteered to help with the move anyway.
Courtney was at her parents’ house, but her friend Antonia had volunteered to supervise the move. They’d agreed that having a third party on the premises would alleviate the chance of one person accusing the other of stealing anything. Courtney also had red dots on everything that belonged to Corbett, so it was easy to spot what had to go. He’d be taking a few things to their mom’s house but everything else was going to a storage unit.
They were just about to ready to go, and Wyatt and his dad were standing near the truck waiting for Corbett to give Antonia his keys. Courtney’s friend didn’t show any animosity and had hugged him several times over the course of the morning.
“She’s mighty friendly to be a good friend of the bride’s,” his father Buck joked.
“Yeah, shouldn’t she be yelling expletives in absentia?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Antonia gives your brother a consoling call in a month or so.”
“Yeah, I don’t think that’s a regulation hug for someone who’s dumped your best friend.” Wyatt watched as she hugged Corbett yet again after returning the engagement ring Corbett had given to Courtney.
“Well, your brother has shed his geeky persona the last couple of years. I’ve never seen him so fit and fashion-conscious, and I don’t think Courtney liked that. I suspect his makeover had something to do with competing with your brother Bo.”
“Why? Bo’s a big nerd with muscles too.”
“Bo has always been a trigger for your brother. Corbett used to have an awful time with Bo’s visits when you were kids. The Jamison men have a way of doing that.”
Wyatt gave his father a sidelong glance and started to reply when Corbett came their way.
“I’m all finished.” Corbett held up the engagement ring.
“Are you sure?” Buck asked. “Because you have a fat chance in hell of getting anything meaningful back after Courtney steps back into the house.”
“I’m sure. She doesn’t want to stay here, so we’re breaking the lease. She has to be out by the end of the month, so I was diligent in the excavation of my things.”
“OK, then,” Wyatt interjected. “I’ll tell the guys we’re headed to the storage unit.”
Wyatt jumped into the moving truck with his buddies, while Corbett rode with their dad. Three hours later, most of his belongings were in the storage unit and the rest had been deposited at their mother’s house. His buddies were happy with the free food and drinks, although it was mostly soda. Wyatt might be legally able to drink, but it hadn’t sunk in to his dad that he was an adult. He said he still wasn’t ready to pass out beers to young men who’d just had their braces removed. Once everyone was gone, Wyatt, Corbett, and Buck settled in the living room. Corbett had come back from the kitchen with a half dozen longnecks and sat them on the table, on coasters of course. Their m
om Bonnie would freak if she came back to a ring on her vintage coffee table.
“If you don’t mind me asking son, what was the tipping point with you and Courtney?”
“She changed the venue again and didn’t bother telling me, which would have pushed back the wedding another six months. On top of that, she heard from a friend that some fancy pavilion had an opening and went over to plop down a ten thousand dollar deposit with no regard to the other plans we had in place. I told her I wasn’t doing it. The place we’d reserved was perfect, and they even catered to her high standards. The next thing I know we’re having the fight of the century over every little thing that had ever occurred in our relationship. I don’t know if these were traits that were always there or—”
“No. It was always there,” Wyatt said. His dad nodded in agreement.
Corbett ran a hand over his face. “I guess I started waking up to it after she embarrassed Anna Beth at the wedding.”
Interesting how his brother had taken especial offense to Courtney’s attack on Anna Beth. At first he’d thought it was his brother being compassionate, but maybe there was something about the way he connected with Anna Beth. He always seemed more relaxed and cheerful around her. Wyatt suspected she was the reason Corbett visited Bo more often at Blake Enterprises than anywhere else.
“How’s your mom taking the news? I called her, but she was taking Eileen to the doctor. I know how much she was looking forward to your wedding.”
“You talk to mom?” they both said in amazement.
“Yes. We may not have remained married, but we do have you kids in common.”
Wyatt grabbed a beer and removed the bottle top. “Just when things couldn’t get any stranger.”
“I talked to her this morning and told her about the move. She said to get the engagement ring back, watch out for any comforting from Antonia, and close all of the joint bank accounts.”
“Typical Bonnie response. Devastation handled with a fiscally sound mind,” his dad joked as he took the beer bottle out of Wyatt’s hand just as he raised it to sip and passed it to Corbett.
Worth the Wait Page 5