“Just miss her cooking?”
“I miss her. Everything about her.”
“Serves you right.”
“Your sympathy overwhelms me.” Devon finished his food and pushed his plate away. “I’m going to take a bath and go to bed.” He stood.
Sam placed her hand on him. “Hey, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be mean. I know you’re hurting. Go out there. Bring her back. You two are good together.”
“I thought she got that.”
“Maybe not.”
“Never told her I loved her, either.”
“Why not?”
He shrugged. “Never seemed necessary. I thought she knew.”
“No man or woman ever just knows. You’ve got to say it.”
“I’ll fix it.” He lingered in the doorway.
“I hope you can.”
“Thanks.”
She rose to hug him. “You know I’m rooting for you.”
“I figured. Once you got over being pissed off.”
Chapter Fifteen
Devon headed to training camp early. He was checked by the doctor and Hank before he went out onto the field. He ran his laps then hit the weight room.
Buddy Carruthers stuck his head in. “Come on, Drake. Get your ass out there. Montgomery, Mahoney, and I are going to give you a workout.”
“What do you mean?”
Buddy lowered his voice and took Drake aside. “Bull told us. You’ve gotta leave early…if you’re in shape. So, we’re gonna make sure you pass inspection. Get your ass out there. Griff is warming up now.”
“Thanks.” Devon headed for the door.
“Shut up. Just do it. And do it right. Bet you can’t shut me down,” Buddy said, a twinkle in his eye.
“Fuck that, Carruthers. I can shut you and the whole fuckin’ Sidewinders team down.”
“Prove it, dickwad.”
Devon shoved his friend in the shoulder as he pushed by him.
“I’ll get you for that!” Buddy yelled.
Drake broke into a run with the wide receiver close on his tail. They hit the gridiron, and the Defensive Team Coach raised his hand.
“Okay, wise guys. Get your fuckin’ butts out there. Montgomery! Ready?”
The coach blew the whistle, and Buddy took off. Devon was right behind him. His legs flew as if they had wings. Certain he was so fast he wasn’t even touching the ground, Drake closed in on Carruthers. Trunk Mahoney came out of nowhere, trailing the cornerback. Dev glanced behind him for a split second after the ball was in the air.
Buddy drew a bead on it, racing to meet the pass. Devon revved himself into high gear and rocketed toward his friend. The wide receiver launched himself into the air, reaching for the ball. Devon was right behind him. They went up at the same time, but Buddy beat out the cornerback.
“Shit,” Devon spat out.
“Come on, asswipe. Do it again.”
Griff threw pass after pass. Buddy was one of the best, and Devon was frustrated losing out to the wide receiver. The next try, he pushed his legs harder and knocked Buddy down.
“Hey, asshole! Penalty. Pass interference, unnecessary roughness. Fifteen yards.”
“Sorry, Buddy.”
“Don’t apologize. Just do it right.”
Griff yelled, “Again!”
This time Devon caught up to Buddy and launched himself a split second before the wide receiver. Drake picked the ball out of the air, leaving Carruthers with nothing.
Buddy clapped him on the back. “Way to go, Drake. It’s about time. Let’s do it again.”
Once Devon got into his stride, he shut Buddy down time after time, until the receiver’s temper flared.
“Enough. Enough. You’ve got it. Glad you’re a King.”
Devon grinned. “Thanks, dickhead.”
Buddy looked up and laughed.
Practice continued. By four o’clock, Devon’s leg muscles were screaming at him. He headed for the locker room and an ice bath. He alternated heat and cold for half an hour before dressing and returning home.
Again, he had to face a regular meal, instead of one of Stormy’s healthy inspirations. Everywhere he turned, there were signs of Stormy’s absence. Her food, her arrangement of pillows on the sofa, her knickknacks were gone from the mantle…along with her pictures of the three of them as children.
Devon redoubled his efforts at camp. He had to get it right and bring Stormy back as soon as possible. Will she come back? It was the one question he didn’t want to face, but it kept surfacing. He didn’t have an answer, but he knew he had to go there and try with everything he had. Then, there was his secret weapon—the truth.
Two weeks seemed to drag, but there it was—the day Coach Bass was coming to evaluate the players and make decisions as to who had to stay and who could go home. Devon’s pulse kicked up, and his stomach knotted as he faced the breakfast table.
His sister put a plate of eggs and sausage in front of him. He pushed it away.
“You’ve got to eat.”
“I can’t.”
“You’ve got to. This is what Stormy’d serve you. Protein. You’ve got to kick ass today.”
His gaze connected with Sam’s. She was telling the truth. He picked up his fork and forced the first bite down. After that, it became easier. He wolfed down the food and drained the glass of juice. Samantha kissed his cheek for good luck.
Devon prayed he’d be first, but it wasn’t to be. He shifted his weight, crossed and uncrossed his arms, as he watched his teammates perform for the coach. He was called fifth.
“Drake!”
He stepped up. Coach used a second string wide receiver. Is he giving me a break?
“Don’t get any ideas. Calhoun needs the practice. But you’ll have to face Brennan too.”
Devon got his answer. He moved up to the line of scrimmage and waited for the whistle. He easily shut down Marcus Calhoun three times in a row.
Then, Harley Brennan stepped up. “Hey, Drake. Hear you’re the shutdown king.”
“You’re about to find out.”
The whistle blew, and Devon gave it everything he had. It was close, but he managed to tip the ball up and out of Harley’s reach. The whistle blew again.
“That’s all,” Coach Bass said. “Get out of here, Drake. Be back in a week.”
Devon grinned. “Yes, sir, Coach.”
He texted his sister on his way to the locker room. Devon had never showered and dressed as fast as he did that day. When he arrived home, Samantha was waiting by the front door.
“Don’t get comfortable. Your flight leaves in two hours from Hartford. Here’s your bag.” She looked up when she heard a horn honking. “That’s the limo. Good luck.”
He hugged her. “Thanks, Sam. You’re the best.”
“I know. Don’t come home without Stormy.”
In a flash, the speedy cornerback was out of the house and shutting the door of the limousine that would take him to the airport.
* * * *
Stormy fastened Brodie into the backseat and got behind the wheel. Her car wheezed as she turned the ignition.
“I don’t know how long this is gonna last, Brodie. We might have to start walking to the center.”
The pug sneezed his response.
It was a hot day at the end of July. Training camp has started. I wonder how he’s doing. He met his goal. Doesn’t need me anymore.
She sighed and opened the door. Brodie smiled as he hit the cool air at the center. Most mornings, Stormy went straight to her office. But this day, she decided to do the rounds of the public rooms with Brodie first.
The pug was the most social dog she’d ever seen. When they arrived, he’d tug her toward the day room first. This morning, she gave in. He loved to see the seniors. He’d go to each one and wait to be petted. Some would have treats for him. He knew who would offer him a morsel and usually visited them first.
The little pug moved from couch to couch, stopping to greet each person. He made
the rounds of those in a wheelchair too. He never left anyone out. The cool room with blue walls and a black and white linoleum floor warmed up with smiles from the folks who’d become Brodie’s friends.
Stormy’d watch the little dog’s interactions. She’d steer him away from anyone who didn’t enjoy his company. Some of the seniors suffered from depression. Whenever Brodie was around, they’d perk up, call to him, pet him, and even talk to him. The little canine responded with a bark, a lick, or a sneeze, making them laugh.
Brodie had become the center’s mascot and most popular volunteer. After fifteen minutes, he tired and returned to her. She refreshed his water bowl, placed it near the dog bed next to her desk, and turned on her computer.
Although she had kept in touch with Samantha by email, their relationship had become strained by Stormy’s departure. Sam had pleaded with her to return, and then gotten angry. After a week’s silence, they’d communicated again. Frustrated by Sam’s refusal to give updates on Devon, Stormy had finally accepted that she’d given up the right to keep tabs on him.
Bill popped in. “Good morning.”
“Hi.”
He ambled closer. “I was wondering if you’d like to go to a craft fair in Midland.”
“Midland? Isn’t that kinda far for an afternoon?”
“Right.” He dropped his gaze to the floor. “I was thinking we could make a weekend of it.”
Stormy picked up on his idea right away. Sleep with Bill? I don’t think so. Devon ruined me for other men. “I don’t like to leave Brodie. He’s still adjusting to losing his home, and he gets anxious when I’m away. Even a trip to the grocery store gets him upset.”
“The dog. Right. Why don’t you leave him here? I’m sure a couple of residents would be happy to look after him.”
“He’s my dog, Bill. So thanks, but no thanks.”
He sighed. “I don’t get what’s happened to you. We used to have a closer relationship.”
“That was then, and this is now. I’m just not interested. I’m sorry.”
“Is there someone else?”
“There was.”
“I see.”
“Can’t we be friends?”
“Ouch. That’s the kiss of death. When a girl says that to you, you’re finished. Don’t have to hit me over the head. I get it. I won’t bother you anymore.” He walked out.
She sighed. She hadn’t planned to hurt Bill, but turning him down every week wasn’t helping him either.
Her intercom buzzed. It was the receptionist.
“There’s someone here to see you, but he won’t give his name.”
Her heart rate doubled. Edgy! “Is he tall? A big man with dirty blond hair?” She couldn’t catch her breath.
“Huh? He’s gorgeous. Brown hair, blue eyes,” the woman whispered.
Devon? “Okay. I’ll come get him.” A flush of excitement stole into her cheeks. Can’t be. It’s training camp. This is far away. What’s he doing here?
When she entered the reception area, she spied the back of a man, a slim man. He looked familiar. Her heart skipped a beat. It’s Dev. She cleared her throat, causing him to turn around. He shot her a warm smile. Pain mixed with longing. She wanted to reach out to him, but she held back. “Devon. What are you doing here?”
“Is that any way to greet a man who came all this way just to see you?” He stepped closer.
Her breath hitched. He closed his arms around her then leaned down to kiss her cheek. Pull away. Pull away. But she didn’t. His sensuous scent and strong arm seduced her. Leaving his embrace was out of the question. “Good to see you,” she muttered in a shaky voice.
“Great to see you. You look beautiful. Can we go somewhere private to talk?”
“My office?”
“Can you get away for a few minutes?”
“Where?”
“I’m staying at a motel—”
“Go to a motel with you?”
“Stormy, we were living together,” he whispered.
“My place. We can go there.”
“Anywhere you say.”
Bill walked out and stopped. His mouth fell open. “Devon Drake? Connecticut Kings’ cornerback?”
“Nice to meet you,” Dev said, extending his hand.
Bill looked at Stormy then back at Drake. “I get it now. He’s the one, right?”
She nodded. “I’m going to take the rest of the day off, Bill. Is that okay?”
“I can’t stop you.”
“Thanks.”
Devon headed for the door.
“Wait. There’s someone else.”
The cornerback raised his eyebrows.
“You’ll see. Be right back.” She scurried back to her office and leashed Brodie. He came trotting out, stopped, sniffed Devon, and gave a woof.
“Hey, who’s this?” the cornerback asked.
“Brodie. I adopted him. We’re a team.”
Devon crouched down and put out his hand. The pug sniffed it, wagged his tail, and licked Devon’s face. The footballer scratched the dog behind the ears. “He’s really cute.”
“Smart too.”
“Let’s go,” Dev said, taking the leash from her hand and opening the front door.
Stormy fastened Brodie into her car. “Follow me,” she instructed.
The ride to her place gave her time to think. There was no denying his coming all the way to Bolton was a good sign. He’s not here to tell me he never wants to see me again. A tingle shot up her spine at the alternative.
She unlocked her front door and let the cornerback enter first. He looked around. This place is such a dump. She released the pug’s harness. “I’m only staying here temporarily. When I get a raise, I’m going to find a nicer place.” The words raced out of her mouth.
Devon approached her, putting his hands on her upper arms, drawing her to him. He nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear, “I know a pretty nice place you could live in right now.”
Pushing against his chest, she stepped back. “Are you asking me to come back?”
“Of course I’m asking you to come back. I’m in love with you, and since you’ve been gone, my life is a mess.”
Her pulse jumped. “Really?”
“Like you didn’t know you pulled the rug out from under me when you left? Disappearing like that? I’ve been insane.”
“Insane?”
“You know what I mean. I love you, Stormy. I don’t want to live without you. Please come
back.”
“You love me?”
“You know I do.”
“A girl likes to hear that once in a while.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I thought you knew.”
She shook her head, emotion closed her throat.
Devon rubbed her arms. “I wake up every morning, and you’re not there. I come home from practice, and you’re not there. Every day, I hope you’ve changed your mind and come back to me. But you don’t, you haven’t. It’s making me crazy.”
“Why aren’t you in training camp?”
“Don’t change the subject.”
She crossed her arms and shifted her weight.
“Okay, okay. I asked to leave a week early so I could come and get you. Coach made me work extra hard and test out before he let me. Does that prove how I feel?”
“It helps.”
Devon checked his watch. “Can I take you to lunch?”
“Sure.”
They went to Stormy’s favorite diner. He held her hand while they waited for their food.
“The blue cheese burger here isn’t as good as it is at The Savage Beast, but I get it anyway. Reminds me of Monroe.”
“Of Monroe or me?”
“Both, I guess.”
“At least you think about me sometimes.” He rubbed her palm with his thumb, sending chills up her spine.
I think about you all the time.
When their meals arrived, they ate in silence. Two pairs of blue eyes made contact.
When they finished, Devon paid the bill. “Can we go back to your place?”
Yes, yes, yes. “What for?”
He snickered. “So we can talk a little more privately. And maybe you’ll pack your bag?”
“Don’t count on it. Come on.”
They returned in his rental car. Brodie ran in circles then jumped on them, trying to lick their faces.
“I’ve been trying to break him of that, but it isn’t working.”
“I think it’s okay. Kinda cute.”
“I don’t mind. But some people might.”
“I don’t. I hope you bring him back to Monroe.”
“Who says I’m going?”
Dev sighed. “Sit here.”
She joined him on the small couch.
“Remember when we were kids? I mean, really little kids.”
She nodded.
“I think you were five, and I was seven? You’d make mud pies for me?”
“Who could forget?” She chuckled.
“You said that you were the wife, and I was the husband.”
“And you went along.”
“I did. Let’s do that again.”
“What? Make mud pies?”
“No, no. I’m screwing this all up. Let’s be husband and wife again, but for real.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Are you proposing to me?”
“Yep. What do you say?”
“You’re not just looking for someone to take care of you?”
“How many times do I have to tell you I love you?” He cupped her cheek then bent down to kiss her.
She opened for him, and he possessed her mouth. She wound her arms around his neck. Dev lowered his hand to her breast. He groaned as he closed his fingers around the soft flesh. He slipped the fingers of his other hand under the back of her blouse.
She wanted him. Desire ignited like a wild fire inside her. Before she could think, he’d unbuttoned her top and unhooked her bra. His hands were warm on her skin. She wanted more. She yanked his T-shirt up to his shoulders. He pulled it up and over then tossed it aside.
Within two minutes, the couple was naked and headed for her bed.
“It’s lumpy. Not like yours.”
“I don’t care.”
He lowered her to the mattress, kissing her face, then her neck, then her breasts. She combed her fingers through his hair then pushed them into the muscles of his back. The feel of his strength thrilled her, sending heat to her core.
Devon Drake, Cornerback Page 19