The Hometown Groom

by Jennifer Youngblood

  She held up a finger. “You get one more question, and then it’s my turn.” She eyed him, squaring her chin like she was ready for a fight.

  He laughed, loving her spunk. He pursed his lips. “All right. One question … I’d better make it good.”

  “Uh, huh.”

  “How many siblings do you have?”

  “One, an older brother.”

  “What’s his name?”

  She tsked her tongue. “Sorry, dude, you’ve reached your limit. It’s my turn.”

  “But you already know my family,” he protested. “It’s only fair that I should get to know yours too.”

  She put a finger to his lips. “Shh. How did it go with your family at church? Did you cause another scene?”

  He gawked. “No, I don’t just go around stirring up trouble for the fun of it.”

  The look on her face said she didn’t believe him. “Were you nice to Marley?”

  “Yeah, all right, I guess.” His eyebrows drew together, and for a second, he felt like Charlie Brown, a dark cloud gathering over his head. “I just wish everyone would stop hounding me about her every second.”

  Her face fell. “Hey.”

  “I don’t mean you,” he said quickly. “My dad pulled me aside and asked me if I’d go to her birthday party next Monday. Well, first he asked me to come for Mother’s Day. I told him no way that was happening, so he asked me if I’d go to the birthday party instead.”

  She gave him an expectant look. “Well, are you going?”

  “No, of course not!”

  “I think you should.”

  His stomach tightened. Starr meant well, but she couldn’t understand what it was like to have her mother replaced.

  “She seems like a nice lady.”

  He grunted. “I thought so too at first.” The all-too-familiar bitterness poured over him.

  Starr frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Marley was the librarian at my old high school.” His throat tightened as he swallowed to clear it. “I saw her at the grocery store a couple of weeks after my mom died. Marley asked how the family was doing and if there was anything she could do to help. I told her that she could bring over some food, check on my dad and the boys from time to time.” He gulped out a harsh laugh. “I told her how grateful I was for her kindness, thanked her profusely.” His eyes narrowed. “Well, fast forward a few months later, and I figured out her endgame.”

  “You can’t blame yourself for that.”

  “Oh, I don’t. I blame her!” The words cut through his lips like daggers. “She tricked me, and I’ll never forgive her for it.” He stopped when he saw the shocked expression on Starr’s face. He could only imagine how cold and heartless he must sound right now.

  “Maybe they were just friends. The love could’ve taken them by surprise.”

  “Yeah right. That’s a nice thought, but I think Marley had her sights set on my dad from the get-go, and I gave her a golden pass.”

  “Things aren’t always as black and white as they seem,” she said quietly.

  “In this case, they are.” He took in a deep breath, forcing a smile. “You didn’t wanna hear all that.”

  “Yes, I did,” she countered, “I want to know everything about you.”

  Silence settled between them. Starr’s eyes caught his. “Think about us.” She laughed softly. “I never imagined as I was running to the bathroom last minute that I’d meet you.”

  He caught the meaning of her words, a grin spilling over his lips. “What’re you saying about us?”

  Her eyes sparkled. “I’ll let you connect the dots.”

  She was amazing! This was amazing. Life was full of surprises—some good, some bad. He grew up idolizing the Titans, never imagining that he’d one day play for them. On the downside, he never thought his mom would be taken so suddenly. His capable, practical mom who seemed perfectly healthy. And like Starr said, he never expected to literally run into the girl of his dreams at a rodeo in his hometown, of all places.

  “I think you should give Marley a chance,” Starr continued. “Maybe if you try talking to her about it—get the full story.”

  It was freaky how quickly the anger resurfaced. “Can we just drop it?” he barked, then instantly regretted the outburst when he saw her downcast expression. This thing with Marley and his dad was eating away at him, but he couldn’t let it affect his relationship with Starr. He exhaled a long breath. “I’m sorry.”

  She flashed a tight smile. “It’s okay.”

  He searched her eyes. “I mean it.”

  She softened. “I know. I’m sorry for pushing you.”

  A thought occurred to him. “Why do you care so much about my relationship with my family?”

  “Because I care about you,” she responded tartly.

  “You care?” A smile eased over his lips. “That’s good to know.”

  She winked. “Don’t tell anyone though. I wouldn’t want you to get a big head.”

  He felt light enough to fly. She was admitting out loud that she cared about him. Touchdown!

  The moment slowed as his pulse shot up. “For the record, I care about you too … a lot.” Her cheeks flushed, making her look adorable. “I’d like to kiss you right now,” he murmured into her ear.

  She lifted her eyes to his. “Why don’t you?”

  It was oh, so tempting. He glanced around at the families nearby. “Speaking of scenes. I don’t wanna cause one, that’s why.”

  “Chicken,” she taunted, an impish grin tugging at her lips.

  “Not chicken, just cognizant of my surroundings.”

  Amusement sparkled like sunshine in her eyes. “Oh, is that what you call it?”

  He laughed, loving that she was teasing him. “Yeah.” His eyes roved over her face. “You know, when we met the other night, I could’ve sworn you were a siren. Now I know it’s true. You’re calling me into a stretch of dark, patchy water where I’ll get dashed to pieces on the rocks.”

  Her jaw dropped in mock astonishment. “Now don’t you go accusing me of things,” she retorted, with an exaggerated twang. “I’m a good girl.”

  “That you are. Good in every way.” He leaned in and nipped her earlobe.

  She placed the flats of her hands on his chest. “Now who’s tempting who? You’re just afraid someone will video us kissing and post it all over YouTube,” she taunted.

  “That thought has crossed my mind,” he admitted. He pulled back, flashing a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I know it’s a pain to have to worry about crap like that.”

  She sighed. “It’s the price of fame, I suppose.”

  “Yeah, more like the downside of fame,” he scowled.

  “It’s all right Mr. Diehard QB, I won’t hold it against you.” She winked, her hand cupping his cheek. “You can make it up to me later.” She leaned close and gave him a peck on the lips.

  Desire swirled through his veins. He couldn’t believe this beautiful, fantastic woman was actually here with him. “That, my dear lady, is certainly something I can do.” A smile tugged at his lips. “So, I’m diehard, huh?”

  “Yep, determined to catch the ball at all costs.”

  He made a face. “Even if I spilled food all over a redheaded siren in the process … and got slugged in the gut.”

  She laughed. “You deserved it.”

  He still got a kick out of the fact that she punched him. “What’re you doing tomorrow?” He didn’t want to spend a single minute away from her.

  “Working during the day.”

  He frowned. “That’s too bad.”

  She tilted her head. “I figured you’d have practice or some other sort of Titan business to take care of.” She pumped her eyebrows. “Or maybe you’re just a natural superstar—the ball soars like a rocket out of your hands, straight to the goal line.”

  He chuckled. “I wish.” The truth was, keeping in topnotch condition was a daily task, even during off season. Scores of people were gunning for his spot.
He couldn’t let his guard down for one second. “I’ll get my usual workout in the morning.”

  She clucked her tongue in disappointment. “And here I thought all those magnificent muscles came naturally.”

  He put on a good-ole boy drawl, his voice going deep. “Aw, shucks, darling, I ain’t much. I just woke up one morning looking like this.” He flexed his arm, causing his bicep to bulge.

  She laughed. “Ah-ha! I knew it. Some people have all the luck. What happens after your workout?”

  “At nine, I’m scheduled to meet with my trainer at the Titan Complex for a couple of hours. After that, I’m free.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Too bad I have to work.”

  “Can you take off?”

  She bit her lower lip, looking thoughtful. “Not last minute. It wouldn’t be fair to leave them in the lurch. But I get off at five.”

  He sighed in disappointment. “All right. Have dinner with me. No better yet, I’ll make you dinner at my place. Say yes, or I’ll keep pestering you until you give in,” he added when she hesitated.

  Her eyes lit with laughter. “You don’t give up, do you?”

  “Never,” he said fiercely.

  A dazzling smile broke over her face. “That’s good to know.”

  12

  “Where have you been?”

  Emerson froze in her tracks and looked over at the living room where her mama was siting. “I was out with friends.”

  Caroline tapped her fingers on the arms of the chair. “Which friends?”

  She straightened her shoulders. “Just people from work.”

  “You sure you haven’t been sneaking around with some guy?”

  The hair on Emerson’s neck bristled. “First of all, I don’t sneak. I’m old enough to go where I please, with whom I please.” Earlier, she’d been in such a hurry to get out the door that Emerson didn’t have time to question Mama about the newspaper article. Now was as good a time as any. She strode over and sat down on the sofa across from her. “Are you the one behind the story in the The Dallas Advocate?”

  “What story?”

  “The one about Finley and me supposedly being engaged.”

  Caroline’s expression didn’t change, not even a fraction. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said evenly.

  But Emerson caught the slight quiver in her voice and knew it was her. Fury spiked over her. “How could you?”

  Caroline laughed. “I just told you I didn’t have anything to do with it.” She crossed her legs, adjusting her silk pajama pants.

  Emerson leaned forward. “You’re lying, I can see it in your eyes.”

  She blinked a couple of times. “That’s ridiculous,” she scoffed. “Anyway, why are you getting so bent out of shape about some article? You and Finley will eventually get together.”

  “No, we won’t,” she spat. “The sooner you get that through your thick skull the better.”

  Fire sparked in Caroline’s eyes. “Watch your tone. I’m still your mother.”

  “Then start acting like it,” Emerson slung back. “Start thinking of what I want for once, instead of what’s good for you.”

  Tears formed in Caroline’s eyes. “Don’t you see? I am thinking of you. The world’s being handed to you on a silver platter, and you don’t even appreciate it.”

  “I don’t appreciate you trying to run my life.” They sat staring at one another, neither of them willing to back down. No matter how many times they had this conversation, Emerson always felt like they were starting at the same place. There was nothing she could say that would convince her mama to see things her way. It was a lost cause. A deep weariness settled over her. There would be no peace until she got out of this house. Until then, the best course of action was to avoid her mama as much as possible.

  She stood. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight,” she barked, leaving the room before she said things she would regret.

  “You’re a stubborn fool,” Caroline muttered to Emerson’s back. Yes, she’d been the one to leak the story to the press, and she’d do a lot more than that. She’d do whatever it took to ensure that the merger and marriage took place. One day, when Emerson came to her senses, she’d see that it was for the best. Finley was the catch of a lifetime, and Caroline wasn’t going to let Emerson throw him away. She suspected that Emerson fancied herself in love with some Joe Shmoe who wasn’t fit to tie her shoelaces.

  That’s how it had been with Graham. He’d professed that he was madly in love with a waitress he met at a restaurant. For months, Caroline tried reasoning with him, tried to get him to understand that he couldn’t tie himself to some menial worker. Like Emerson, he wouldn’t listen. So, Caroline took things into her own hands and paid the waitress a hefty amount to break up with Graham and leave town. Of course, Graham was heartbroken. Shortly afterwards, he met and married Jenna and everything worked out perfectly. Now he was poised to become a senator. With Jenna by his side, one day he might even become President.

  Things would get ugly with Emerson for a season, but it would turn around. Although, Emerson was a lot more stubborn than Graham. She was a dreamer like her father and headstrong like her mother—a lethal combination. Still, with effort, Emerson could be molded.

  Caroline frowned. No matter what, she wasn’t giving up on her daughter. Being a mother was a thankless job. It meant doing hard things for the benefit of her children. Caroline drummed her fingers on the chair, trying to figure out her best course of action. Was it better to let things ride? Or should she put a stop to whatever romance was brewing right now … if there was, in fact, a romance brewing.

  Emerson was up to something, that much Caroline knew. Whatever it was couldn’t be good.

  13

  As Emerson got out of her BMW, she glanced up at the dark clouds churning in the sky. The wind picked up, whipping against her clothes as she walked through the parking lot to Riker’s high-rise condo. It had been warm earlier in the day, but a cold front was moving in with a vengeance. Energy from the approaching storm crackled in the air heightening her anticipation. She could hardly wait to see Riker again and yet, she was nervous. How would he react when he learned her real identity? That night at the rodeo, the subterfuge seemed harmless enough, but now … She clenched her fist as she stepped through the double glass doors and up to the front desk and security guard.

  “Hello. I’m here to see Riker Dylan.”

  “Your name please?”

  “Emer—” She stopped. “I mean, Starr Andrews.” She cleared her throat, color creeping into her cheeks when the guard gave her a funny look. She offered a friendly smile to ease the awkwardness. “He’s expecting me.”

  The guard picked up his phone. “Go on up,” he said a minute later. “Room 324.”

  “Thanks.” She hurried past him to the elevator. Last night, when Riker talked about how Marley tricked him, she’d cringed at the vehemence in his voice. He was so angry about it, so obstinate. Seeing his reaction to that made it a thousand times harder to tell him the truth. By the time the elevator opened, her pulse was throbbing like a jackhammer against her temples. How in the heck did things get so complicated?

  Today at the veterinary clinic, she’d just come back from lunch when she came upon a conversation between the receptionist and a delivery guy holding a ginormous bouquet of long-stemmed, red roses for Starr Andrews. The receptionist was insisting there was no one at the clinic by that name and that he needed to take them back. Luckily, Emerson intervened, explaining the roses were for her. “An inside joke from a friend,” she explained. The card read. A little something to let you know I’m thinking of you. From your favorite Diehard QB.

  She stood in front of the door and took in a deep breath, adjusting her emerald blouse and khaki pants. She fluffed her hair and punched the doorbell. A second later, Riker opened it, a broad smile tipping his lips. “Hey. Come on in.”

  The instant she stepped inside, he pulled her into his arms and dipped her back, giving he
r a long, ardent kiss. She slid her hands around his neck, returning the kiss with equal intensity. His lips were demanding, all-consuming. Fire licked down through her toes as she melted into him, breathing in his scent of mint with a faint hint of barbecue sauce.

  “Wow,” he said when he let her go. “Now that’s what I call a greeting.”

  She laughed, the rest of the tension dissolving. “You started it.”

  His blue eyes twinkled. “Yes, I did.” He winked. “The plan worked nicely.” He looked her up and down with a smoldering caress. “You look fantastic.”

  “So do you,” she blurted. Her eyes rounded, her hand going over her mouth. “Oops. Did I say that out loud?”

  “You sure did.” He chuckled. “And, thanks.”

  It was true. He looked amazing in his jeans and light-blue t-shirt that picked up the color of his eyes and displayed his fabulous muscles. He really was a diehard quarterback—lean, tough, and so handsome she could hardly form a clear thought. Everything about Riker thrilled her to the core. He was everything she’d always hoped to find and more.

  The scent of food tingled her senses. “Something smells good.” She glanced around the spacious condo. It looked much like she’d envisioned—modern with lots of glass and metal. Her gaze took in the sleek, champagne-colored, low-profile leather sectional and minimalistic coffee table, a plush white shag rug underneath. A grouping of large monochromatic abstract paintings added an industrial feel. The gleaming wood floors and tall ceilings gave the illusion of endless space. Her eyes went to the focal point of the room—the double-doors leading to a large patio and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a spectacular view of the Dallas skyline.

  “What do you think?” Riker asked.

  She deposited her purse on the sofa. “It’s incredible.”

  He smiled broadly. “I’m glad you like it. Come on in the kitchen. Dinner’s almost ready.”

  The kitchen looked much like the living room—white cabinets and granite with stainless steel appliances. The table was already set, soft music playing in the background. All evening with just the two of them, her cells swirled with delicious anticipation.