Falling for You: A Forbidden Office Romance (Annapolis Harbor Book 5)

by Lea Coll

His hands touched my shoulders, comforting me as he kissed me lightly on the lips. It was chaste, but I was pleased he’d done it in front of his family.

  “My dad will be back in a minute with food and coffee. I see you met Mom and El?” His voice was rough. I wondered if he’d gotten much sleep with his first game today.

  “I did. They’ve been very nice.”

  “Good.” He sat, pulling me down next to him.

  “We were just discussing how you met,” his mom said.

  His arm tightened around me. “Ah. Through work. She’s been my rock while I’ve been injured.”

  His compliment warmed me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, if he’d act differently in front of his parents or not. But I liked this. I wished I could tell him about the baby. I didn’t like keeping it from him.

  His dad walked in then. His mom and sister stood to help him with the bags.

  He opened his mouth, but I interrupted before he could ask how I was. I didn’t want to lie and say I was fine. My stomach was in knots.

  “How are you feeling about the game?”

  “Great. I’m excited to get out there.”

  It was something he’d say to a reporter or maybe his family, but I could feel the barely restrained energy flowing from him. He wanted to be on the field.

  I lowered my voice. “How’s your knee?”

  He touched my forehead with his. “It feels great. No twinges in a week.”

  “That’s great, Jonah. I’m so happy for you.” I was happy for him that his career would be back on track, hopefully after today’s game. Even if my future was tenuous at the moment, I wouldn’t do anything to derail his.

  “I’m so happy you’re here. I missed talking to you last night.”

  My face heated. “I’m sorry. I was so tired last night. I fell asleep early.”

  “That’s okay. It’s just I don’t like not talking to you before I go to bed.”

  “Me either.” I relaxed, relieved he wasn’t upset I’d missed our call.

  “Reid said work has been tough lately.”

  I sighed. “Yeah, the website had some kinks we had to work out.”

  “Why do I get the impression you’re not telling me everything?”

  I hadn’t told him about the late nights because I was supposed to handle things at Rebel Sports so they could focus on football. “It’s fixed now. That’s all that matters.”

  His dad came to stand in front of us. “Hi. I’m Rick, Jonah’s dad.”

  I smiled, holding my hand out to him.

  Elodie handed coffees out while Tasha dumped the cubed fruit into a clear bowl. He had a nice family. I couldn’t believe I thought he was embarrassed by them or hiding something about his past. They seemed nice.

  They’d make amazing grandparents. A longing so acute throbbed in my chest. I wanted this baby to have family. I only had Grandpa. Would he get to know the baby?

  “Do you want coffee?” Elodie asked.

  “Oh, no thank you.” I was allowed to have small amounts of caffeine, but the smell was turning my stomach. “I’ll get some water.”

  I went to the kitchen, pulling down a glass from the cabinet, filling it.

  Jonah and Rick discussed the opposing team’s chances.

  “How long have you been dating?” Tasha’s tone was nothing but friendly.

  “I guess a couple of months now.” I took a sip of water, hoping it would help my churning stomach. I wasn’t sure if it was nerves or the baby making me slightly ill.

  “You know, in season, Jonah’s pretty busy with games, practices, and travel.” She pushed a small bowl of watermelon in front of me. I took the fork she offered, popping a cube in my mouth. The flavor burst in my mouth. It tasted so good.

  I turned to face her. “I remember how it was when I worked with Reid.”

  “He won’t have as much free time.”

  Why was she warning me? Did she think I wasn’t a good influence, or I’d be a distraction for her son?

  “I’d never demand anything of him.” A sharp pang hit my heart. I didn’t want to be a burden or a distraction for him. Would his parents think I was a gold digger or got pregnant on purpose to trap him?

  The piece of watermelon I ate settled like a rock in my gut.

  “Is everything okay over here?” Jonah asked.

  “Just fine.” I smiled to cover my worries.

  I wished we had time alone so I could talk to him. He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me into his chest. I closed my eyes, suddenly exhausted.

  “You feeling okay?”

  “Yeah, just a little tired.”

  Concern sparked in his eyes. First, I was exhausted last night, then this morning. I needed to filter my words until I had an opportunity to talk to him. I didn’t want him to guess what was going on with me.

  “You’re working too hard.”

  My first inclination was to deny that, but I didn’t want him to ask more questions about why I was so tired. “Yeah, probably.”

  “If this keeps up, we might need to hire more staff. You’re probably doing the work of three people.”

  What I’d read said I’d be really tired the first few months. It might be difficult to work late in the evenings. “That might be a good idea.”

  “Don’t you need to get to the stadium?” Rick asked.

  Jonah checked the time on his phone. “I do.” Then to me, “Walk me out?”

  “Sure.” I waited while he said goodbye to his family.

  Following him downstairs to the underground garage, he turned to me, pulling me against his body. “I wish we were alone.”

  I smiled. “Me too.”

  The knowledge I was carrying his baby was burning a hole in my gut. I needed to tell him soon. I worried how he’d react. If it would affect our relationship.

  “Good luck out there today.” I loved being the one who supported him. He’d let very few people take this role in his life. I didn’t take it lightly.

  “I love having you here, wearing my jersey.” He cupped my ass, pulling me into him. “I wish we had more time.”

  “Me too. How long are your parents in town?”

  “Until Monday.”

  It would be tough to get any time alone with him this weekend. I wasn’t sure what his schedule would look like next week. I couldn’t put off telling him for too long. My stomach was uneasy.

  He kissed me. “I’ll look for you in the seats.”

  I was sitting with his family in the stands. They didn’t want to sit in the box.

  “I’ll be the one cheering for you the loudest.” I couldn’t wait to see him play. Should I wish him good luck or tell him to be careful out there? I knew athletes were superstitious about things like that. I settled for, “Have fun out there.”

  He smiled as if it was the right thing to say. “I will. I have to go.”

  I pulled away, reluctant to leave the comfort of his arms. I wanted his reassurance we were in this together, that a baby wouldn’t change anything.

  A cold feeling swept over me. What if he was angry about the baby? What if he wanted nothing to do with me when he found out? I swayed on my feet.

  Thankfully, Jonah didn’t see. He waved at me as he backed out of the parking lot.

  When he was gone, I rested a hand on my belly, murmuring, “I’ll protect you. I’ll be there for you.” No matter what, I’d be a good mom to this baby.

  Since we’d started dating, Jonah had been attentive and sweet. He hadn’t given me any reason to think he’d walk away, but I couldn’t forget how he was before me. He was known for a good time. Would he see this baby as an albatross around his neck, someone holding him back or restricting his lifestyle? Nothing was permanent.

  I headed back to his condo. I hated the uncertainty.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  JONAH

  I wished my parents weren’t here so I could spend some time with Callie. Something was going on with her. I hoped it wasn’t Frank’s health. She probably didn’t
want to burden me with things going on in her life, but that was the definition of a relationship.

  The commentators were calling this my comeback game. It was a lot of pressure. People would be talking about my knee all day—was I performing at the same level, did I limp after the tackle? I wanted to block it all out and focus on Callie.

  Her beautiful face, her encouraging words. I wanted to sink inside her and forget everything else. I wanted to tell her I loved her. I couldn’t do any of those things with my parents in town. I couldn’t give her the attention a declaration like that required. With the season officially starting, I wasn’t sure how much time I’d have to be with her.

  It would be a struggle juggling my team obligations with spending quality time with her, but I needed her. I’d optimize whatever time we got. I needed to convince her to move in with me. I let the excitement fuel me. I was energized, eager to get on the field, then to Callie.

  Hopefully, we’d have some time tonight. Maybe I could convince her to stay overnight even with my parents visiting.

  Once I got to the stadium, I focused on football, getting into my usual pregame routine. Music played through my earbuds while I dressed and warmed up with the trainer. Then I lined up with the rest of the team, waiting to take the field. I breathed in the familiar scents, internalizing the roar of the crowd as the announcer pumped them up. I was proud to be wearing number eighty-three.

  “Are you ready?” Reid asked.

  When he asked, it was different than the trainer, the coach, or the reporters. I didn’t have to put on a front.

  “I am. I feel great.”

  “Go out there like you’re one hundred percent. Like you weren’t injured. The last game never happened. Got it?”

  Liking the sound of that, the pressure in my chest eased. “Got it.”

  Chase slapped my shoulder pads. “I’m throwing to you.”

  “On the first play.” I pulled on my helmet, determined to erase the doubt and speculation.

  Reid nodded. “You got it.”

  My friends’ support buoyed me, making me think I could do anything. I visualized running, dodging the defenders, catching the ball, and going in for the touchdown.

  I let the crowd’s energy flow through me when we ran out onto the field. This was any other game. I was ready.

  On our first possession, Chase threw the ball to me as promised. I caught it easily, running for fifteen yards. The crowd seemed louder than usual. They wanted me to do well too.

  After that, I was in the zone―run the play, dodge the defender, catch the ball. At the end of the first half, I ran long for a touchdown. The crowd surged to its feet. It was like a tidal wave of support. Chase ran toward me, bear-hugged me, then lifted me above our teammates. I raised my hands to the crowd, taking in the noise, the cheers, the energy. I hadn’t yet won the game, but I’d beaten back the doubt and the fear that I couldn’t play at the same level. I was back.

  Chase let me down, the other guys slapping my back, saying great catch. I held on to the touchdown ball, scanning the crowd for Callie. Their seats were in the front row at the thirty-yard line. Callie was on her feet, yelling for me. Meeting her gaze, I lifted the ball, indicating I wanted to throw it to her.

  She nodded, her cheeks red. The cameras were probably on her. I tossed it lightly to her. She caught it before holding it up in one hand—the universal sign of victory. The crowd cheered louder.

  Our gaze locked while the crowd continued to cheer around us. It was a dull roar in my ears when I mouthed I love you.

  She smiled wide before I turned, jogging back to the sidelines with my team. It might have been too soon, or the wrong moment, but it sure as hell felt right.

  I wanted her in the stands, my condo, my life. Finally, I had everything I never thought I deserved. A football career and a woman by my side.

  During the second half, Cleveland met each score with one of their own. We were up by a field goal at the end of the fourth quarter. It felt eerily similar to the playoff game when I dropped the ball. That game hovered in my subconscious, threatening to break through my confidence.

  Reid stepped in front of me, hands on my pads. “New season. New game. Nothing’s changed.”

  “Of course, it hasn’t,” I promised.

  Reid nodded, satisfied with my answer. I hadn’t faltered all day. I’d been consistent, reliable. I wouldn’t let the doubts creep in. The reporters’ questions swirled unanswered in my head. I was back. No one could stop me. Not the other team. Not an injury. Nothing.

  We watched as our defense stopped their drive. We were up by three, one minute left. We just had to maintain possession. Chase would be handing it off to the running backs, playing it safe.

  We lined up. The first three downs ended in small gains. The next play was supposed to be a short pass to me. If I performed, I’d prove I could handle the pressure. I wouldn’t let anything get to me.

  The center hiked the ball to Chase, I pivoted away from my defender, holding my hands up in a silent request for the ball, remembering what my high school coach had told me—only winners want the ball when the game’s on the line.

  Chase threw the ball high. I jumped up with tunnel vision on the ball. When my hands closed around it, I braced myself for a hard impact. I landed on my feet. No one was near me. I took off running down the sidelines so I could easily step out of bounds to stop the clock. When a defender ran toward me, I jumped out of bounds as he dove for my legs. It was more than enough yardage for the first down.

  Chase kneeled with the ball on the next play, running out the clock, ending the game. I’d won playoff games before but I’ve never felt better than this. I’d proven everyone wrong. I’d squashed the doubts. I had Callie waiting for me.

  I showered, getting ready for the press conference.

  Lena met me outside the locker room. “You’re ready for this?”

  “Of course.” I never shied away from the press. I didn’t appreciate them while I was injured, but everything went great today. I didn’t anticipate any hard questions.

  She lowered her voice. “Be vague about your injury. You don’t want them reading into anything. You feel great. You’re happy to be back.”

  “All true.” I pulled out every ounce of charm to smile at her.

  “I’m glad you’re back. I haven’t seen this guy in a while.”

  “It feels good to be back.” The guy she referred to was scared he’d never play again. Everything had turned around the last few weeks, first with Callie, then being cleared to play.

  We walked into the room where Coach was giving a rundown of the game and his hopes for the season. “We’re glad JT’s back.”

  Coach looked at me. “I’m sure you have a few questions for the man of the hour.”

  He stepped back, laying a hand on my shoulder. “Good job out there today.”

  “Thanks, Coach.”

  Standing at the podium, the reporters poised with questions, I felt great.

  “JT, you looked like your old self out there,” a reporter in the front said.

  “Thanks,” I looked at his press lanyard, reading his name, “Mark.”

  “Any pain from your injury last season?”

  “None.” I kept my answer short, remembering Lena’s advice. My mind was on Callie, wanting to know what her reaction was to my declaration.

  “Does your performance have anything to do with the woman you gave the touchdown ball to?”

  “She’s my girlfriend.” I didn’t hesitate. I wanted everyone to know she was mine.

  “She the same blonde you were seen with at training camp?”

  I bristled at reducing her to her hair color. “Callie’s the only blonde I’m with.”

  “Is she your good luck charm?” another reporter called out to a few chuckles.

  The demeanor of the room was relaxed. These guys weren’t looking to tear me down today.

  “I don’t know that I believe in good luck charms. She’s been an amazing sup
port throughout my recovery. I’m happy to have her by my side, cheering me on.”

  “Are there any other questions about football?” I kept my tone light, steering the focus back where it should be. I publicly declared her as mine even if I didn’t say her full name. I answered a few more questions about the game before a reporter asked, “Is your girlfriend, Callie Goodwin, Reid’s assistant?”

  “She was.” I looked over at Lena. I didn’t like this line of questions. I wasn’t sure how much of Callie’s past she wanted out there.

  “She dated Reid then you?”

  My jaw tightened. I wouldn’t usually address these kinds of questions, but I didn’t want reporters hounding Callie. She didn’t deserve that. “Callie Goodwin never dated Reid, and she was never my personal assistant.”

  I hoped I got my point across. There was no story.

  Lena stepped in. “I’m sure you have a few questions for Chase.”

  I stepped back, grateful for the interruption. I kept my head down, walking toward the lounge area where friends and family members waited. I didn’t slow until I saw Callie standing with my parents.

  There were dark circles under her eyes. I needed to talk to Reid about getting some help at the complex during the season.

  She still held the football in her hands. “Thank you for the ball.”

  I hugged her, whispering in her ear, “Did you know what I said?” The press conference was playing on several screens around the room, but I was talking about me mouthing I love you on the field.

  She smiled. “I did.”

  “I meant it.” Maybe I shouldn’t have told her that way, but it was how I felt at the moment.

  It wasn’t the time to discuss it.

  “Great job out there, son,” Dad said.

  We headed home. When I pulled into the parking spot, my parents and sister got out.

  “You should go out and celebrate,” Dad said when I moved to get out.

  “Yeah?” I did want Callie to myself. “You want to?” I asked her.

  The dark circles under her eyes concerned me, but she nodded. “Sure.”

  “Text me if you need anything,” I said to Dad.

  When we were alone, I asked, “Are you sure you’re up for this?”