I motion the new starting quarterback over and ask him to keep an eye on her and take her home. She smiles at him, and I realize that she’s found her next mark. Luckily for them both, he loves the spotlight as much as she does.
I go home and when I walk in the door, I see the collage that I made for Ainsley. I remember how happy she was when she saw it. Could she have really faked her happiness that well?
I walk up the stairs to the room I no longer sleep in and see her sexy bed. I remember that day, and night. How much fun we had and the love we shared. I don’t think even an Oscar winning actress could’ve faked that day.
She loves me. Or at least she did. I don’t know if she still does, but I know that I need to find out. I want her back. No, I need her back, and I know just how to start. I hope the people I need help from will help me. I’ll beg if I have to.
Chapter 16
Zack
I’m waiting at my house for everyone to show up. I did have to beg, and promise to explain everything once they got here. I’ve never been so nervous in my life before. I need to convince them to help me. My plan hinges on that.
My doorbell rings and I open the door. I’m immediately knocked backwards at the punch that comes flying at me. “Fuck.”
“I warned you not to mess with Ainsley. I told you I was an enemy that you didn’t want to have, asshole.”
“Yes, you did,” I tell Scott as I shake it off. “Thank you both for coming.”
Chloe glares at me, but doesn’t try to do me any bodily harm as she walks past me. I’m waiting for one more person to arrive, and she does a few minutes later.
“Hello, Football,” Stella tells me as she walks in. “This better be good.”
“Please sit down, everyone.”
They do, but before I can speak, Scott notices the collage, which I took off the wall, but have leaning against the fireplace. “Holy shit. Has Ainsley seen that?”
“Yes. I made it for her a few weeks ago.”
“That’s pretty damn cool, man. You did it on your own?”
“Yeah. I used some binary code translator I found online.”
He holds out his hand. “I’m in, man. I’ll help you.”
I shake his hand with a smile. “Thanks.”
“Are you going to tell the non-geniuses over here what it says?” Stella asks.
“You are every minute of my every day,” I tell her.
“Oh hell, I’m in, too.”
“If you won over these two, how could I say no?” Chloe’s smiling at me and I’m fist pumping in my head.
“Thanks everyone. I just have one question for all of you.” It’s the only one that matters.
Stella speaks before I can ask. “Yes, she really loves you. She faked her job, but she never faked anything with you. That was your question, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
“I haven’t fallen for a guy on a mission before, Zack, but I can imagine how hard it must be. For both of you. She was going to tell you everything when she could. Which means she was serious about you. We can’t tell casual acquaintances, or someone we think we like. So many people depend on us, and our ability to keep things secret, that we can’t take it lightly.”
“I get that now. Honestly, I got it when Mrs. Corrigan told me, but all I could think about was that Ainsley was like every other girl who’d used me in my life.”
“She wasn’t using you. I mean, yeah, she needed to get close to the team, but Jack Rivers gave her a job that took care of that. We don’t do missions thinking we’ll fall in love. We do them because someone needs help and we have the skills to do just that. Help people.”
“I know I said just one question, but now things keep popping into my head.”
“Go ahead and ask. She’s like a sister to me, and I need to know you’re all in with her.”
“I think she thought of me as a suspect for a little while. Even while we were sleeping together.”
“That’s not a question, but yes, she did.”
“The question is, would she have turned me in if I was guilty?”
“Yes. Without hesitation. She loves you, and she’d do all she could to help you, but she would’ve turned you in.”
“That should make me feel worse, but it doesn’t. I guess it’s because I love who she is, and knowing that she wouldn’t compromise herself for me makes me have even more respect for her.”
“I have to ask you something, Zack.”
“Sure, Chloe.”
“You asked us here to help you win her back. But I’ve seen the news. You’ve been dating that doctor for the last week. What’s going on with her?”
“I wasn’t really dating her. I mean, I guess I was. But I never kissed her anywhere but her cheek and only took her out in public. I honestly was hoping I’d feel something for her. But I never did. I hooked her up with the new Legions quarterback last night. They looked very happy when I left the club.”
“Okay. So what is it you need from us?”
I tell them, and they all agree that my plan is solid. Chloe tells me her brother-in-law, Owen, will help me with the additions I want to make to the collage. Scott says he should help with something else as well. Chloe says she can easily take care of everything I want done in the next week. Stella says she’ll enlist Faith to help her with the last part of my plan. Everything’s in place by the time they leave a couple hours later.
* * *
Ainsley
Another week has gone by, and I’m starting to feel better emotionally. Even though I saw on the news that Zack’s no longer dating the doctor, I know he won’t take me back. I had a talk with myself yesterday and realized that I have to go on with my life. My heart will put itself back together. Eventually.
I’m analyzing the results from Darcy’s mission when I hear all conversation in the outer office stop. I look up to see Stella walking towards me—with Zack. No. Just no. I’ve been dressing up a little more than usual, but I’m still a mess. Slouchy black tee, short pink skirt with a zipper up the front, capri leggings, and combat boots. Yeah, that’s me. Oh, and let’s not forget that my hair’s being held in place by a bunch of pencils and pens. Or that I have my glasses on. How could she do this to me?
I stand up and try to look normal. I don’t feel normal, though. He looks so good, walking towards me in his t-shirt and jeans. I know what’s underneath his clothes and what’s in his heart. I’ve missed it all so much. I’ve missed him. It’s taking every ounce of self-respect I have in me to not fling myself at him.
“You have a guest, Ainsley.”
“H-hi, Zack.”
“Hi, Ains. Thanks for walking me down here, Stella.”
“You’re welcome. Play nice with each other.”
I glare at her, and she laughs as she walks away. I turn back to Zack and bite my lip. We stare at one another for a few minutes before I break the silence.
“How are you?”
“I’ve been better.”
“Oh yeah. I saw that you and your girlfriend broke up. I mean, not that I was looking for news about you. Oh hell. I was totally looking for news about you,” I blurt out.
I’m an idiot. A total idiot. Who tells someone that you’re looking up news stories about them? Me, that’s who. Idiot number one.
“She wasn’t my girlfriend. I’ve only ever had one girlfriend. She still has my class ring and letterman’s jacket.”
“Oh. I don’t have them here.” They’re in my bedroom at home. I sleep in that jacket every night with the ring on my finger. “I can have them sent over to your house.”
“I’m not here for them.”
“You’re not?”
“No. I’m here to invite you to the party I’m having at the house tomorrow night.”
“You’re having a party? At your house? Really?”
“Yes. I’m having a party at my house. I wanted to celebrate the team being able to play again this weekend, and a beautiful woman once told me I should be entertaining
at my house once I furnished it.”
“It’s a team thing, then?” I’m focusing on that and not the fact that he furnished the house. Without me.
“Yeah. Just the team, their dates, and your friends.”
“My friends are going?”
“Yep.”
“Okay. I’d love to come to your party. Thanks for inviting me.”
“You’re the only person I really want there.”
“Zack?”
“I want another chance, Ains. I know I’ve had more than my fair share already, but I’m not interested in playing fair when it comes to you.”
“Do you believe that I love you?”
“I do.”
“What convinced you?”
“Our bed. I was looking at it and thinking of the day I bought it. I realized that you couldn’t have faked it, even if you were the best actress in the world. That day was real, which means the rest of our days together were real.”
“They were, Zack. I understand why you were angry, and hurt. I know how much being used by women has hurt you. And I know you think I used you, too. But I didn’t—I mean maybe I did a little—but not that way. Never when it came to my feelings, or yours.”
“I knew you understood because you know me so well.”
“I do know you.”
It’s awkward for a moment as we stand there looking at each other again. Neither one of us knows what to do. Zack finally walks over and hugs me. I wrap my arms around him and hold him tight against me. He breaks away and smiles at me before starting for the door. He turns before he reaches it and gives me my special smile.
“By the way—this,” he says motioning to my outfit. “This is hot. Like seriously hot. I’m going to need more than one cold shower when I get home.”
“The pencils in my hair and the combat boots I’m wearing turn you on that much, huh?”
“Yeah. They really do. And don’t forget the glasses. Hot. See you tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
I fall back into my chair, and fan myself. He’s not the only one who needs a cold shower. I can’t believe my thong didn’t burst into flames from all the heat he just caused to flood through me. I can’t wait until tomorrow.
* * *
Zack
Everyone’s here except for Ainsley. They all compliment me on the house and ask what the collage says. I tell them it’s something special for just her and I, and most of them leave it alone. Most of them. Deidre’s been after me since she got here. Apparently, the quarterback isn’t enough for her. She wants to know why another woman is on the wall of my living room so soon after we broke up.
“We didn’t break-up, Deidre, because we were never together. I didn’t even kiss you for God’s sake.”
“Let’s remedy that.”
Before I can process her words, she launches herself at me and kisses me. I push her off immediately, but realize it’s too late when I see Ainsley running from the room. “Stupid bitch.”
“Excuse me.”
“You heard me.”
She goes to slap me, but Faith grabs her arm. “I think you need to leave.”
I mouth a “thanks” to her as I go into the bathroom to wash my face and mouth. I need to find Ainsley, but I want to get all traces of Deidre off of me first. After a few minutes of mouthwash, I feel good enough to go look for her. I step out onto the back porch and freeze. She’s in the swing with Scott Griffin. They can’t see me where I’m standing, so I decide to listen for a minute and find out just how bad it is.
“He’s been trying to avoid that woman since she got here. She grabbed him and kissed him. He pushed her away immediately.”
“He did?”
“Yes. And this house, Ainsley? He had Chloe, Stella, and I help him design it for you. Chloe mixed in some things for him, like the lights you bought him, but he asked Stella for ideas on what you’d want.”
“Wow. That’s…umm…wow.”
“Yes it is. That collage in the living room is crazy romantic. You ran out before seeing the additions Owen helped him with. But even before that…I mean the guy translated words into binary for you. If Yas did that for me, she’d be coming all night.”
“I rewarded him for that.”
Yes, she did.
“Don’t punish him for what some other chick did. He loves you. Wait until you see the workroom he had me design for you. It’s crazy sick, and the desk Owen built you is better than the one he built for me.”
“Jealous, huh?”
“Maybe. There’s something I wanted to talk to you about. Something he said to me the first time I met him.”
“What is it?”
“He said that you thought none of us noticed you in college.”
“Oh, well, yeah.”
“I need you to know that we all noticed you, Ainsley. How could we not? You’re gorgeous, sexy, and brilliant. For me personally, I wasn’t planning to settle down; I cared too much for you to just fuck you. The other guys? They were scared of being turned down. You were out of all our leagues then, and you still are now. We all put you in that ‘friend zone’ because we had to, not because we wanted to. I’m so lucky to be able to call you my friend, and I’m always going to be here for you if you need me. For anything.”
Damn if that wasn’t one of the most awesome speeches I’ve ever heard. Scott Griffin will always have an ally in me. For whatever he needs. Because he just made the woman I love feel good about herself. I watch as they hug each other tight. He looks up and sees me. He nods as he pulls away from her.
“I’m going to go find my amazing wife while your man steps out of the shadows to take care of you.”
“What?”
She turns and I step into the light. Scott and I do the guy hug thing before he walks back inside. “Can I sit with you?”
“Sure.”
Her eyes are still wet, but she looks so beautiful. Her hair’s in another one of the up-dos she likes so much when she’s dressed up. Her dress is an off the shoulder style with small sleeves. It’s a nude color with black straps and buckles all over it. It’s tight on top, but flares out a little at the top of her thighs. Her shoes continue the buckle theme.
It’s not her dress or shoes that make her beautiful, though. It’s the confidence she’s showing me as she looks me in the eye. “It’s nice to see you looking so sure of yourself. I’m glad he could give that to you.”
“Only a part of it’s from him. Don’t get me wrong, it felt great to know that he and the other guys wanted me, but it’s even better to know that you want me. When you told me I was sexy in my messy outfit the other day, I felt empowered. You want me just the way I am. I can always put on one of these sexy dresses, but I need someone who appreciates me for who I am day to day. Not just in a dress.”
“I need the same thing, so I guess it’s good that we give that to each other.”
“Yes. It is. Very good.”
I reach for her hand, and she lets me hold it. “Would you like the grand tour of the house? Or something to eat? Faith outdid herself with the menu.”
“Food first, maybe. All this crying makes me hungry.”
“And here I thought it was just the promise of my recipes.”
I turn to see Faith and Stella walking towards us. They each have a plate and drink in their hand. I take the plate from Faith and hand it to Ainsley. I put the one from Stella on the table beside the swing, along with the beer and fruity drink.
“Thanks.”
“You’re not going to eat that?”
“We will. We just always eat off of one plate together,” Ainsley tells Stella with a smile.
“You two are too fucking cute. Let’s go, Faith, before they start using the ‘L’ word.”
“Love you, Stella,” I yell after her and laugh as she flips me off.
“My friends like you.”
“Don’t sound so surprised. I’m very likeable. Some may even say loveable.”
I feed her a mini quiche before she
can respond. Or maybe so she can’t respond. Her eyes twinkle as she feeds me a Kobe slider.
“Your sister loves you, that’s for sure.”
“Yeah she does. I think the fans love me, too,” I tell her as I slip a fried pickle slice between her lips.
I open my mouth for a mini egg roll. “I’m a fan.”
“My favorite fan.”
We go on like that for quite a while, flirting and feeding each other. It’s fun and sexy. It’s also easy. There’s nothing forced about our banter. It comes naturally, just like it always has.
The plates are empty and we down the last of our drinks. “Can I kiss you, Ains?”
“Don’t you want to go mingle with your guests?”
“I told you yesterday that you’re the only one I want here.”
“It’s rude.”
“Good. Maybe they’ll leave.”
“One kiss, and then we go mingle before you give me the tour.”
“Deal.”
We lean in and meet each other’s lips. It’s like we were never apart. I hold the back of her head, and she grabs my bicep. We both groan when we include our tongues. She said one kiss, but she didn’t put a time limit on it. I don’t let go of her lips for several minutes. I lean my forehead against hers as we both catch our breath.
“That should’ve counted as twenty kisses.”
“My lips never left yours.”
“Technicality.”
“Are you complaining?”
“Hell, no.”
“I didn’t think so.”
Chapter 17
Ainsley
This night has been kind of like a fairytale. Zack only let go of my hand when we took bathroom breaks. We did that together—in different bathrooms, of course—so we wouldn’t be apart for long. He joked with his teammates and was attentive to my friends. I felt like the queen of the manor as everyone commented on the artwork of us over the mantel.
With Owen Griffin’s help, Zack added some more words and pictures. They finished it all with some kind of coating and put it under plexi-glass. I haven’t had time to explore the rest of the house yet, but even just in the living room I can see the little touches that are there for me. Knick-knacks have a tech theme and there are splashes of purple here and there. Chloe also added a brick wall because she knows I love them.
Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co. Book 1) Page 15