“You poor thing,” I tease as I put on my clothes and he folds up the blanket.
“Just wait, once they get used to you, it’ll be a whole new ball game.” He laughs, and we head back to his family’s house.
Monday morning comes along way too fast. Ever since we got back on campus, all I can think about is how did I get so lucky to be the one she ran into that day nearly four weeks ago? I can’t believe it’s been that long since I first laid eyes on her. Time flies when I’m around her, and while I’m happy that we’ve gotten a chance to know each other, it feels like I can never see her enough. I want to be around her all the time, and it drives me nuts when I can’t be.
Is this what it’s like when you’re in love with someone? Do you want to be near them, even after you’ve just spent time with them? I wasn’t expecting to feel so deeply for her this quickly. I thought it’d all be a fun time, for however long it lasted. Now I feel as if I can’t breathe properly if I don’t get to see her at least once a day.
Do I seem clingy? Would she mind if I were? I’m a guy. I thought this shit wasn’t supposed to happen to me. Isn’t it the woman who’s supposed to become attached so quickly? I wish my mom were here so I could talk to her about it. If I attempt to speak to my brothers about it, they’ll just give me a bunch of shit for acting like a pussy.
There shouldn’t be double standards about this shit. If it were her, everyone would be saying how cute it was, but me on the other hand, they’d say I was whipped. Not that I give a shit what other people think; it’s just annoying, and I don’t want to hear about it.
“Hey bro, you ready for Coach to whip us in practice?” JJ asks as he climbs into my truck, throwing his bag in the back seat.
“Not after the day off I had.”
“Ah, the shit with Briggs wasn’t so bad since we caught him before he got to anyone.”
“I meant my time with Kadence; it was pure fucking heaven. But, I’m beyond pissed about him trying to pull something at my house. That’s so messed up. Could you imagine if y’all hadn’t caught him and one of those women ended up raped or something? Not only would she be scared for life, but the ranch would be known for that, and it’s the last thing Clyde needs right now. An entirely new fucked up shit storm.”
“I get it. We were lit too. Nate and I beat the shit out of him. We’ll see if he’s there today.”
“I don’t want to look at the scumbag.”
“I feel you, trust me. I want to sock him every time he shows his slimy smile.”
“Where’s Chandler anyhow?”
“He’s meeting us there. I guess he met up with a chick yesterday.”
“Nice.”
He nods as we pull into the parking lot at the football field for practice. After having a day off, this practice will feel even longer than usual.
Yesterday with Kadence has me wanting to sham off practice to go see her. But I can’t. This is the test where I need to balance my feelings for her and my love of football. I have to stay dedicated and focused to make it into the draft and be picked up.
I should’ve talked to her about it yesterday, but I didn’t want to ruin our time together with serious talk. Eventually, the conversation must happen, and the sooner, the better. The draft is just a few months away, and she needs to be ready to transfer schools if needed and if she is willing. I hope she does. I want her to come with me if I get drafted. I’m surprised I’m considering that—even more so than thinking I’m falling for her. I want her in my life and in my future. It’s scary and exciting all in the same breath.
Gearing up, we head out on the field, ready to warm up and run some plays. The coach was lenient this morning by letting us skip weight training, but it’s back to it tomorrow. I used to think that there’d never be anything else in the world that I enjoyed more than playing this game, but after making love to Kadence and swimming the afternoon away, I can add a few more favorites to my list.
Last night she let me have her again and then ended the night by curling up beside me and sleeping with half of her body on my chest. Her little frame kept me the perfect temperature all night, and I slept better than I have in years. I thought she’d be sore today from lying in that position all night, but she was fine. I’m hoping there’s more of that in my future.
Kash calls a play, and we break to the line. I’m too busy focusing on what I have to do, to notice when Kadence shows up. People are always watching us, so I’ve learned to ignore anyone that’s not on the field practicing.
Center snaps the ball, and we’re off, rushing to get into position. The ball’s not coming to me to run it, but I have to do a catch and toss. That’s where the quarterback tosses it to me while running, and then I throw it at the intended target to carry out the play. It fakes out the other team so we can gain yards and possibly a touchdown.
The play goes over smooth as butter. I easily catch it from Kash and then fire it yards away to JJ. It’s almost too good to be true how well it worked, making it one of my favorites to run.
Coach’s whistle sounds and Kash high-fives me as we head for the line to find out what’s next from the quarterback coach and Coach Stratton. That’s when I notice my sweet woman standing up in the first row of the bleachers, looking more beautiful than I remembered.
Ability is what you’re capable of doing.
Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do it.
- Lou Holtz
Seeing him touching Kadence, causes something to snap inside. She’s the first person I’ve cared for in a very long time, and he’s the last person that should be anywhere near her.
She throws her head back, laughing loudly at something Briggs says to her. He stands on the field below her; while she leans over the rails listening to whatever he’s telling her. It’s my breaking point. I couldn’t stop myself if I tried; I’m too far gone over her.
My feet pound against the ground as I full on charge at him, tossing my helmet behind me, not caring where it lands. Twenty yards is plenty of time for me to gain a decent speed, which when we finally collide, I know he’ll be feeling it later.
Briggs’ body tumbles to the ground with my impact, and I quickly climb over him, bracing my legs on each side of his body to hold him in place and start raining punches left and right. There’s a satisfying crunch as my knuckles connect with his cheek before I’m being yanked in all different directions. I’m pretty much out of it as several arms pull at me. Eventually, they’re able to physically drag me away about ten feet from Briggs but not for lack of my trying to charge him again.
Panting, ready to pummel him still, Kadence is a blur in the background. The blood rushing through my body makes it impossible for me to focus on her other than notice tears trickling over her cheeks. It’s like an igniter, spurring me on further to hurt him for getting near my woman. The adrenaline’s enough to cloud my thoughts, making me believe that he’s the one who’s caused her to cry—not me.
Eventually breaking free, I charge after him again, only to be blocked by my teammates and physically carried to the locker room by a few of them. The field and hall pass by quickly as they damn near run with me, swiftly getting me into the locker room.
The water’s icy, as I’m thrown into one of the shower stalls and the sprayers are pointed down toward me. The water is turned on full blast—dutifully soaking through my practice uniform, pads, and cleats—chilling me enough inside to break me out of my hateful rage. I could’ve killed him and not even realized it, knowing what he’s capable of doing to women. I promised to protect her, and I’ll do everything I can to keep that promise.
Meeting my friends’ concerned gazes as they peer down at me, sitting on the cold tile floor, has me placing my head in my hands, wondering how badly I just fucked everything up.
“Kadence…Where is she?” I mumble, looking up at them.
Niner glances sideways, not meeting my eyes. “She ugh, I’m pretty sure she took off, man.”
“No, her friend was with her, no one touched her,” he reassures.
Coach Stratton angrily storms into the locker room, shouting, “Where the hell is he?”
“Over here, Coach.” Niner gestures to me and then steps away.
“Give me space! Brent, run Thursday’s drills again,” he orders the assistant coach and the locker room grows silent after everyone piles back outside.
Coach’s black Nike 5.0s come into view as he stands in the shower entrance. “After you get cleaned up, you meet me in my office,” he orders and walks off, not waiting for a reply.
Just the calmness of his voice is enough to bring tears to my eyes. My college football career is officially over. I just threw my future away because of an anger problem, because of jealousy and fear for someone I care deeply for.
Briggs didn’t actually do anything wrong, but it doesn’t matter. He shouldn’t even speak to her. She’s my girl, and he knows that; she’s supposed to be off limits. Just knowing about everything that he’s done to other females, I couldn’t stand seeing him around Kadence, let alone talking to her.
I think the entire team has seen the videos he’s made at some point. Getting the girls all over campus plastered at parties and then recording them having sex or him putting random objects inside them—bottle necks, foods, dildos, that sort. It’s all so he can blackmail the chicks later, making them give it up to him whenever he wants or else he’ll upload everything online for the entire university to watch. It’s sickening, and he shouldn’t be able to get away with it. He deserved every punch I gave him.
He’s lucky all he got was an ass beating from me and not more. If we were at the ranch, there’s a decent chance I’d have a shotgun by my side, and I’d protect her no matter what I’d have to do. My football career is very important, not just to me, but to my family as well. However, when it comes down to it, at this moment right now, Kadence means so much more than any of it. My family can hate me, and my school can expel me, but as long as I know she’s safe, that’s what matters most.
Turning the cold water off, I dry my body, trading the sopping wet gear for some lightweight basketball shorts and a tank top. I slide on my Nike sandals and take a deep breath as I face the consequences of my anger.
The knock is quiet as I rap my knuckles against Coach’s door, emotionally drained and not looking forward to what’s to come from my family, my coach, or from her. Kadence probably thinks I lost my shit for no reason. I can only imagine the thoughts running through her mind. She looked terrified, but, was it of me? God, I hope not. My parents would be so ashamed of me not holding it together better.
“It’s open,” Coach calls out, and I enter the spacious office. A few trophies and framed awards sit on shelves, proudly displayed behind his desk. I’m in the team photos from the past two years. He has them all the way back to the ten-year mark; then they move to the hallway. The rest of the room is filled with a couch and two leather guest chairs.
“Coach.”
“Take a seat, number twelve.” He nods to the chair directly in front of him.
“Yes, sir.” Sitting, I stare at his oversized football paperweight resting on his solid oak desk while my stomach feels like it’s filled with a fifty-pound weight.
“Eye’s up here, son.”
I meet his light green gaze, full of confusion and concern rather than disappointment.
“You’ve been the ‘golden boy’ for Alabama since you first walked through those doors. No one, including myself, could believe you and Clyde were even related with your different personalities, let alone brothers. He was such a hot head around here all the time. Now, all of a sudden, I’m busting up backyard brawls on my damn football field, and the source is another Owens. Is your family just destined to not play pro football?”
Remaining quiet, I pay attention. I know he doesn’t really want me to answer; he’s making a point. If my mom were here, she’d be telling me to give him the respect he’s earned.
“You know I’m going to have to take your captain patch for this, don’t you?”
“Yes, Coach.”
“If this happens again, kid, you won’t be on my field or my team.”
“Yes, sir.”
“What the hell happened out there, anyhow?”
Clearing my throat, I glance around, remembering everything. There’s no way to make this sound better. It was me overreacting and showing my ass. No matter how pissed off I got, I was wrong. I should’ve held it together and helped find a way to expose him to the dean.
I give him the abridged version, leaving out a lot. “He was talking to my girl. The flirting made me flip out when she started laughing, and all I could think about was hitting him.”
“Kadence Winters?”
“Yes. You know her?”
“Her daddy happens to be an old buddy of mine. We played college ball together. You know who her father is, son?”
“No, sir; she hasn’t introduced us yet.”
He starts chuckling, sitting back in his chair, looking a little too pleased with my admission.
“He was one hell of a linebacker, that’s for sure. You better clean your act up real quick if you want to keep seeing her. If he catches wind of Kadence dating you and you’re not the good old Tyler Owens, Team Captain of Bama, you’ll never see her again.” He pauses, drinking his bottled water, then continues. “He got drafted to New England right into our third year. That’s what made me decide to coach, hoping to work with him eventually.”
“You’re telling me Lance Winters; number eighty-seven is her father? Chaos?”
“Yep—Chaos-the man himself. He’s probably got two inches and fifty pounds on you, not including a wild streak a mile long. He’ll go to jail if you hurt his little girl too. Maybe we’ll talk this over and see if we can pretend that today didn’t happen after all. I’ve known Kadence since she was about seven years old, and believe me; she’ll punish you enough for today. But, I mean it, Owens, you screw up again and not only are you off my team, but I call my good buddy and give him a friendly update on his kid. Understood?”
“Yes, Coach.”
“Good. Now get the hell out of my office and run the bleachers until I send someone out there to scrape you off the ground. I need to have the team doc examine Briggs and make sure he doesn’t need to go to the hospital.”
“Yes, Coach,” I answer immediately and head to my locker for my fresh practice gear. This is going to suck so badly, but no way am I going to complain. Hearing him mention Briggs and a hospital in the same sentence brings a tiny bit of satisfaction. I only had a few seconds before we were separated, though, so I doubt he’s messed up that badly. One can hope, though.
Tomorrow when I’m sore enough that I can’t walk, I have to remember that it could be so much worse. I could be going home for good. And I need to have a chat with my girlfriend. I can’t believe she kept this from me about her dad. But so much makes sense now, like her knowledge and love for football, about her attending a college known for its football, about her growing up the way she did. I get it now, but she still has some explaining to do, and I clearly have some groveling to do as well.
It’s been days since I last saw Tyler, but after his out-of-control rage, I had no clue what to even say. I asked the guys what happened—practically begged Chandler to tell me what was wrong—and they told me nothing.
The one thing they did say was to stay away and give him some time. I’m so torn; I’ve never seen Ty act like that toward anyone. He’s not been hateful—period. He’s always wearing a smile or talking to someone.
He’s a friendly person but one look while his teammate was standing near me and you’d think we committed a heinous crime of some sort. I just missed him after what I’d felt was an amazing weekend together. Sure, I had seen him that morning, but I wanted to watch
him doing something that he loves. He plays football so graciously, and it’s wonderful to see him in action.
Everything happened so fast; I was shocked at first and then confused. People were around me at his party at the ranch, men included and it didn’t seem to bother him. It was the same way with his party at their house that they all share. A bunch of guys were teasing us and everything, yet he didn’t get angry.
The other day at his practice, it was something else. He was so furious it was scary, and I’d once believed that he wouldn’t harm anyone in any way—not maliciously anyway. The way he’d stormed over to his teammate, throwing his helmet to the side and ripping the other guy apart was baffling. His fists flew at him so quickly I couldn’t believe it, and when they were torn apart, his teammate had blood running all over his face. I don’t know how badly he was hurt, but Ty must’ve gotten him a few good times.
I’ve cried to Brianne, but she has nothing. Kash doesn’t share a thing with her about what’s going on. He just tells her to keep her nose out of it. Whatever it is.
I want to call him to make sure he’s okay and to get some sort of an explanation, but I’m doing what his two best friends suggested I do and giving him some space. It’s killing me inside, though. Tyler and I have been growing so close, and I felt like we’d become even closer over the past weekend.
Part of me wants to call his brothers. I can’t help but wonder if they know what happened? Would they tell me to reach out to him or know how to handle the situation at all? Would they even care? After my talk with Clyde, I know they would. I’m sure he must be beside himself with this.
What if Tyler gets kicked off the team? That’s what normally happens when someone’s in multiple fights, and they play sports. The school could even expel him completely and possibly fine him for fighting on school property. It’s one giant clusterfuck, and I’m hanging on by a thread over here, dying to know what’s going on.
1st Time Love (Dirty Down South) Page 14