Love at the 20-Yard Line

by Shanna Hatfield

  “I’m not excited in the least, but Mr. Young decided I will serve as the official office representative at all the games. I tried to talk him into letting Seth or Adam go, but he wouldn’t even discuss it. However, he is hiring an assistant for Seth and me to share. He told me to stop working so many hours.”

  “That’s great news, baby girl. You work too hard. It’s about time you quit hiding behind your desk and get a life.”

  “I’ve got a life, Mr. Know-It-All. I’ve got… stuff going on.” Other than work and the occasional trip out to the farm to visit her parents, the most excitement in Haven’s life was spending a random evening with her cousin Allie and her crazy friends.

  “Yeah, I know all about your stuff, missy. Admit it, you are a workaholic and need an intervention. I’m grateful Mr. Young doesn’t take advantage of that. He must really value your work.” Hale finished his dinner and reached for a fortune cookie. He broke it open, chuckled as he read his fortune, and handed the message to Haven.

  She rolled her eyes after reading, “Your wisdom exceeds your years,” on the little slip of paper.

  “Don’t let that go to your already swollen head,” she said, opening her cookie. The message it contained made her choke on a bite of rice, causing it to go down wrong. Hale thumped her on the back and snatched the fortune from her fingers.

  He grinned and held it out to her. “Guess you better start enjoying those football games, Haven. Brody Jackson is your best prospect.”

  Haven’s cheeks flushed at the words written on the fortune in her cookie. “True love comes to those who tackle it.”

  “Who writes these stupid things, anyway?” Haven wadded up the little piece of white paper, suddenly losing her appetite. “That’s ridiculous. What’s it supposed to mean? I hope you know I’m not tackling anybody.”

  Hale laughed again, patting Haven’s arm. “That’s what you’ve got big brothers for, isn’t it? To do the tackling on your behalf? You just tell us who to take out and we’re there.”

  Haven giggled as Hale made a funny face then started cleaning up the leftovers from dinner.

  He helped her with the dishes and they sat visiting in her living room for a while before he got up to leave.

  “I’m glad things at work are going to get better for you. You really do work too much.”

  “I know, Hale. Thanks for your support. And for going with me to the game Friday. You want to go this week? The game’s Saturday night.”

  “Can’t. I promised to take Abby to see that new chick flick that’s out.” Hale vigorously rubbed a hand over Haven’s head, mussing her hair. Amused by the static making it stand on end, he watched as she tried to brush it out of her face and pulled on his coat. “I’m sure Tom would be willing to go.”

  “Yeah, but I can’t afford to feed him every time there’s a home game. I’ll see who else I can round up.” A prick of guilt niggled at her for not inviting Tom. She knew she could call him if she couldn’t find anyone else to go with her.

  “You’re a good sport. Have a great week at work,” Hale said, as he opened the door and cold rushed inside.

  Haven shivered but waved at him. “I will. Thanks for dinner tonight, big brother. I’m glad you came over.”

  “Me, too. But you can buy or cook next time,” Hale called as he opened his pickup door.

  “It’s a date.” Haven waved one last time before closing her door. She returned to the couch and the book she’d spent the afternoon enjoying.

  Her thoughts continued to wander to one extremely fit and handsome football player instead of the story in her hands.

  Disgusted with herself, Haven tossed down the book and turned on her television, seeking anything to divert her thoughts away from Brody Jackson.

  Chapter Four

  “Think she’ll be here tonight?” Marcus asked as he tossed a ball to Brody before the game started.

  “Who?” Brody feigned ignorance. He’d spent the entire week thinking about Haven Haggarty. He didn’t know what it was about the girl that had gotten into his head and taken over his thoughts.

  She wasn’t the prettiest girl he’d ever seen. She obviously wasn’t the most outgoing. He’d peg her as a shy type of girl. One who took life seriously, who didn’t have many friends, didn’t date much. She probably wore her heart on her sleeve and spent a lot of time nursing hurt feelings.

  It would be pure stupidity on his part to get involved with her. He liked girls who knew he was looking for a good time. Girls who didn’t care about things like commitment or romance.

  That type of girl piqued his interest.

  Not some sweet, sappy-eyed, fresh-faced doll who would bring his emotions out of hiding and quite possibly make him feel something.

  Nope.

  Girls like that were dangerous and that was why Brody was determined to forget all about Haven Haggarty. Starting now.

  Just because he’d driven past her office twice, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, and spent an hour perusing her company’s website looking at photos of her along with her work bio, it didn’t mean a thing.

  Neither did the photo he’d downloaded from the website or the way he studied it before he went to bed, remembering how smooth and soft her skin looked, how much he wanted to touch her silky hair, how good she smelled.

  Brody was through obsessing about the girl, though. He had better things to do with his time.

  “You know who I’m talking about, man. Don’t play dumb with me.” Marcus speared him with a doubtful stare. “I saw you give her that ball last week. I thought I might have to carry a towel up there and wipe your chin before you drooled all over her.”

  “Shut up.” Brody glared at Marcus. He hadn’t been that obvious. “She works for one of the sponsors. I was just being nice.”

  “Sure you were. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you don’t offer such personal service to any of the other sponsors, do you?”

  Marcus had him there.

  Brody generally didn’t go out of his way to do anything for the sponsors. If a request arrived for the team to make an appearance at a sponsor’s event, he went with a smile. He recommended sponsor businesses and shopped in their stores, but at a game, he didn’t pay much attention to who was sitting in the sponsor seats and he never gave them personal attention.

  He certainly never signed a ball and hand-delivered it to any of them.

  Purposely ignoring Marcus’ comments, Brody tossed him the ball, but his friend wasn’t ready to let the matter drop.

  “Wasn’t she the girl you decided was a high-maintenance trophy wife? Wasn’t she with two big guys who looked like twins, or something?”

  “Yeah, but one of the guys had a date and I’m not so sure she liked the guy she was with. He was obnoxious. And she didn’t have fake nails or a gaudy ring,” Brody added, wondering why he said anything at all.

  It only served to make Marcus grin with satisfaction.

  “I can tell that you’re not interested in her at all. Not a bit.” Marcus tossed him the ball again. “So, do you think she’ll be here tonight?”

  “How would I know, dude? I barely know her name.” Brody realized the error in admitting even that much to Marcus. Now he’d be like a dog with a bone, gnawing away until he got what he wanted.

  “Ha! And her name is…”

  “Haven,” Brody said on a sigh. “Haven Haggarty.”

  “Well, la-di-da. That name sounds like one you’d find on the strip in Vegas. What did you say she does for a living?”

  Brody glared at Marcus. “I didn’t. Now why don’t you quit flapping your jaws so we can finish warming up before the game starts?”

  Marcus grinned and saluted his friend. “Yes, sir.” He’d never seen Brody so worked up about a girl. He hoped the cute blonde could capture his buddy’s interest. It was about time for the mighty Brody Jackson to take a fall.

  They were a few minutes into the game when Brody saw Haven arrive with two different men and a girl that looked like a supermod
el. She was tall with flowing black hair, a great body, and a huge smile. He noticed the girl said something to make Haven laugh as they sat side by side. One of the guys sat next to Haven and the other sat by the black-haired girl.

  Marcus elbowed him in passing, causing Brody to shake his head and return his attention to the game.

  Brody worked hard for the lead they earned by halftime. He’d been so busy playing, he hadn’t spared a moment to observe Haven and her friends.

  The last to head back to the locker room, he took a moment to watch Haven laugh at something the girl beside her said. Her face lit with joy and he thought she looked beautiful. After stealing one last look at her, he followed the team out of the arena.

  “She’s here,” Marcus said in a singsong voice that grated on Brody’s nerves.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Brody shoved Marcus.

  “Man, you’ve got it bad.” Marcus glanced around to see with whom he could share this newsworthy tidbit of information. Brody’s hand gripped the back of his neck. He turned to see a look of unmistakable warning on his friend’s face.

  “Do not say a word. You hear me, Marc? Not a word,” Brody growled, dropping his hand and taking a seat on a bench while the coach talked.

  “What’s going on?” Marcus whispered.

  “Nothing, dude. Just keep it to yourself.” Brody couldn’t explain to himself why he was so interested in Haven. He sure didn’t want to try to enlighten anyone else.

  Finally, halftime ended and they returned to the field. Brody made it a point to keep from looking in the direction of Haven’s seat. Marcus studied him and tipped his head her direction, trying not to grin.

  “Leave it alone, Marcus.” Brody slapped him on the shoulder as he ran out on the field.

  Brody played with incredible intensity as he channeled his frustrations and energy into the game. After one amazing catch, he could hear a group of particularly rowdy fans start to chant, “Jump it up, Jackson! Jump it up!” Soon the entire crowd seemed to be yelling it.

  Brody caught a pass and ran for all he was worth. He almost made it to the end zone when a weight hit his back and knocked him down. Keeping the ball gripped tightly in his hand, he heard the distinctive smack of bodies plowing into each other and helmets cracking as players piled around and over him. For a moment, he thought he might smother before the guys got off him. Freed from the pile, he pushed himself to his feet and grinned.

  He loved football.

  When he glanced into the stands, his gaze collided with Haven’s. She stared at him wide-eyed from her seat, tightly clutching the hand of her friend. She looked relieved when he took a step back, bumping into someone.

  Marcus walked by and tapped his helmet twice. “Focus, man. Game’s almost over.”

  “I’m on it.” Brody forced his attention back to the last few minutes of the game.

  Winning by one touchdown, the team was ready to celebrate. Brody knew he couldn’t run up into the stands to see Haven again without causing a bunch of tongues to wag, but he couldn’t let her leave without speaking to her.

  He grabbed Marcus by the arm and tugged him into the foyer where people flooded out the doors into the parking lot. They shook hands and accepted congratulations as they made their way over to the doorway of the section where Haven sat. Although he seemed to know what Brody planned, Marcus didn’t say anything.

  They didn’t have long to wait before Haven appeared with her friends.

  “Hey, good to see you again,” Brody said, smiling at the group, although his gaze lingered on Haven. She wore jeans, a flowery blouse, and a navy blue coat that hid most of her figure from his view. Instead of the bun she wore the previous week, her hair was pulled back in a long ponytail.

  He gave her an interested look, although he had to swallow twice to regain his ability to speak as her soft fragrance, redolent of spring flowers, drifted over him. “Haven, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is, Mr. Jackson. I’m surprised you remembered.” Haven looked at him with big blue eyes and a questioning glance.

  “I couldn’t forget a name like that. And I thought you agreed to call me Brody,” he said, watching her cheeks turn pink.

  The girl next to her gave her a noticeable nudge. He thought he could detect a hint of irritation mixed with longsuffering in Haven’s voice when she spoke.

  “Brody. This is my cousin, Allison,” Haven said, making introductions. The tall dark-haired girl held out her hand.

  “Everyone calls me Allie. You guys played a great game,” Allie said, grinning as she shook Brody’s hand.

  “Thanks.” Marcus said, introducing himself to the group.

  “Oh, this is my boyfriend, Rick, and Haven’s friend Seth,” Allie said, pushing Haven so she had to take a step closer to Brody.

  Haven glared over her shoulder at her cousin, wishing she could smack her. If she wasn’t her best friend, she just might have done it, too.

  “So, Haven, my invitation from last week still stands if you’d like to come to the party later.” Brody wanted to reach out and rub his fingers along her pale cheek to see if her skin felt as soft as it looked.

  Although she wasn’t tall and willowy like her cousin, Haven was cute with an amazing smile. Dimples popped into her cheeks and he fought a growing need to kiss each one.

  If she’d just agree to come to the party, he was sure he could manage to get some time alone with her, get her out of his system, so he could move on and return his focus to making it a winning season.

  “Thank you, Brody, but we really do need to get going.” Haven pushed Allie toward the door, leaving a bewildered Rick and Seth trailing behind. “We appreciate the offer, but we just can’t. Great game! Bye!”

  Before Brody could offer any protest, Haven hurried outside, briskly marching across the parking lot. Allie was obviously stating her opinion about the matter while Rick and Seth followed the girls, shaking their heads.

  “What just happened here?” Marcus asked as they walked toward the locker room to shower and change. “I could be wrong, but for the first time in history, the great and mighty Brody Jackson was just turned down. Hang onto something, I think the world just might be about to end!”

  “Just shut it!” Brody stomped into the locker room and yanked off his shirt followed by the rest of his uniform. He was good-looking. He could be charming when the mood struck him. He knew girls bought into that whole going-out-with-the-football-player thing.

  What was wrong with Haven? She was the first girl in his twenty-seven years of living to turn him down, not once but twice.

  He was sure the guy with her tonight wasn’t her boyfriend because they acted more like coworkers. Besides, the dude was shorter than she was and that was just wrong in Brody’s book of how things worked.

  That book also did not include a page on a refusal by the only girl who had managed to hold his interest for more than a day or two since his first crush in middle school.

  Still ramped up on adrenaline from the game, Brody wanted to kick something or pound someone into the ground. He hadn’t felt this tied up in angry knots since the practice squad dropped him three years ago.

  Focused on playing arena football and working his way into a pro training camp, he didn’t have the time or energy to invest in a girl who obviously had no interest in him.

  Brody tugged on a pair of shorts and decided to go to the weight room to blow off some steam.

  “Bro, what’re you doing?” Marcus placed a restraining hand on his arm. “You look like you’re about to explode.”

  “I’m fine, man. I just need to work off a little energy.” Brody shrugged it off and half-heartedly smiled.

  It looked more like a grimace and Marcus shook his head. “Want me to hang with you?”

  “No, go on to the party. I’m cool.”

  “You sure?” Marcus gave him a questioning look.

  “I’m fine, man. Go on, have some fun,” Brody called over his shoulder before disappearing inside the weight
room.

  After pulling on gloves, he beat the punching bag until his arms began to ache and he could feel a little of the tension slide off his shoulders.

  He sat on a bench and used a towel to wipe the sweat from his face. The presence of someone near made him lift his gaze as the coach stared down at him.

  “You need to run a few laps, too?” the coach asked with a smile.

  “No, sir. I don’t believe I do.” Brody was tired and much calmer than he’d been an hour ago.

  “Good. Get out of here. Go home. Get some sleep.” The coach walked away, knowing Brody would turn off the lights and shut the door behind him.

  Brody returned to the locker room, took a shower and dressed. He finger-combed his hair while his stomach growled with hunger. Instead of going to the party, he decided to go home.

  On the way to his apartment, he stopped at a diner that looked quiet. The last thing he needed was a bunch of people swarming him, wanting to discuss the game or asking for his autograph.

  Quietly walking inside, he sat at an empty booth and picked up the laminated menu on the table, waiting for the waitress to take his order.

  “Oh. My. Gosh,” Allie said, squeezing Haven’s arm in a death grip.

  “Ow! What are you doing?” Haven jerked away from her cousin and rubbed her forearm. She was certain it would sport bruises tomorrow.

  “You won’t believe who just walked in.” Allie’s gaze locked on someone behind Haven. After the game, the two girls, along with Rick and Seth, went to a diner near Haven’s apartment to enjoy dessert.

  With her back to the door, Haven had no idea who could have possibly inspired such a reaction in Allie.

  “I’m sure I won’t, so just tell me,” Haven said, taking a sip of water as Seth and Rick both glanced up to see who captured Allie’s attention.

  “Oh, this is too good,” Rick said, grinning at Allie. “You couldn’t have planned this better yourself, Al.”

  “I know, it’s like totally perfect,” Allie agreed, beaming with pleasure.