Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)

by Lacey Legend

  “Exactly!” Paul gestured for Jared to follow him down another hallway. “I’ve got video set up in the den.”

  “And it can wait until after we eat,” Marie scolded.

  “You weren’t going to eat without us, were you, Mom?”

  A young woman bounded into the kitchen dragging an attractive but wiry guy behind her.

  “Ah, Ally!” Rick beamed at his daughter and wrapped her in his arms. He kissed her softly on the crown of her head and then introduced Jared. “Ally, this is Jay. He’s joining us today. And this young man,” Rick reached out to shake the guy’s hand, “is Ally’s fiancé, Dustin.”

  “Now we can eat.” Marie ushered everybody out to the back patio where Jared finally met Ashlynn, a younger version of Marie in almost every way, and Colin.

  Jared should have been overwhelmed by the large family but they did everything to make him more comfortable. The food was delicious, the home-cooked kind that reminded him of his own family. In another life, this could have been him with his parents and siblings. By the time the dishes were cleared, Jared felt over-full and wished for a nap but he allowed Paul to lead him to the den where they settled into a worn leather couch.

  It didn’t take long for half of the family to join them as Paul showed off his analyst skills with something Jared had definitely missed. There definitely was a way to beat Glover despite the cornerback being just a bit faster than Jared.

  “You’re absolutely right, Paul.” Jared agreed with the assessment, “if I break just a hair sooner I will be able to beat him in the routes. Do you have any more suggestions?”

  Paul beamed, clearly pleased with the praise. “Yeah, I think so. I mean, I’m sure I have more ideas to help you out if you want to hear them.”

  “Of course,” Jared concurred. “But right now, I really need to use the restroom.” He made his way toward the bathroom and nearly collided with Ally. She overcame her surprise and stepped aside but Jared seized the moment to pursue his real reason for being there. “I hear you went to A.J. for therapy.”

  Ally nodded. “Yeah, she’s great.”

  “She doesn’t really like me,” Jared confided in the woman.

  Ally laughed. “She wouldn’t.” She turned to walk away but Jared stopped her.

  “Wait, why do you say that?” he asked, truly curious.

  “You don’t know?” Ally gaped, truly surprised.

  “No. I’ve never met her before. I mean, I’ve seen her play basketball a few times but we’ve never met,” Jared explained.

  “But you don’t know her story?” Ally’s expression changed, as if she couldn’t decide what to do. Jared had to admit, Ally’s one attractive woman, especially biting her lip in indecision.

  “No, I guess I don’t.” Jared shook his head. “But I’d like to understand her better.”

  Ally cracked a small smile, suddenly understanding why Jared cornered her. “You like her, don’t you?”

  “Well, yeah, she’s my physical therapist,” Jared scoffed.

  “No, I mean, you really like her and it kills you that she doesn’t like you back.” Ally chuckled. “My dad likes you. He says you’re a good guy so I’ll help you with A.J. but even with my help you will have to prove yourself to her.”

  “Deal,” Jared affirmed. He’s always been good at that part if he understands what he’s dealing with.

  Ally gave him a knowing look. “It’s not going to be easy. She’s not an idiot and she really hates professional athletes, especially ones who are media darlings.”

  “But why?” Jared tilted his head to the side, genuinely confused. It seemed so specific.

  “The media ruined her life,” Ally said simply. “You never wondered why she walked away from basketball?”

  “I guess I didn’t give it a second thought,” Jared admitted. “I mean, she was really good but there are a lot of talented athletes who walk away.”

  Ally exhaled. “I guess you can find out on your own anyway so I might as well give you the abbreviated version. Most people around here know about it but nobody talks about it. A.J.’s mom and little sister were in an accident on their way to a party. Her mom was killed and her sister was in a coma for two months. When A.J.’s sister woke up she had some brain damage. Her dad couldn’t handle it and bailed on them so A.J. moved here to get her sister the best care possible.”

  “That’s awful.” Jared imagined what he might have done in the same situation. He couldn’t even fathom it. “But what does that have to do with me?”

  “The accident was not so much an accident as the result of some overzealous reporters who thought A.J. was in the vehicle. She tried to sue them to help pay for her sister’s medical bills but she lost. Everybody who stood by A.J. when she was at the top, left her hanging when she needed them most.” Ally explained. “So you see, you represent everything A.J. hates about sports. The fact that you’re never photographed with the same girl twice is just icing on the cake. Face it, Jay, you’re a player.”

  “But,” Jared sputtered, “I’m not really that guy. It’s just a show.”

  “Well, then you are one hell of an actor,” Ally observed, “because the media portrays you as a womanizing, media-whore, jackass.”

  “That’s a bit harsh,” Jared responded, a little wounded.

  “Truth hurts, All-star,” Ally scoffed. “Like I said, you have your work cut out for you.” She turned on her heel and disappeared down the hall.

  Jared slipped into the bathroom and contemplated what Ally told him. He should have asked about A.J.’s sister, didn’t even get her name. How could A.J. get beyond something like that? Jared stared at his face in the mirror, he didn’t recognize himself beneath the short hair and beard. Being honest, Jared hadn’t recognized himself in a long time.

  The women, the parties, the money. Spending time with Rick’s family had only reminded him of who he used to be before the money, before the fame. Maybe he had become more like the image than he’d care to admit. Is that why his family stopped visiting? Are they ashamed of who Jared became? Jared desperately needed to leave, to go home, to be alone, to think things out.

  A knock at the door startled Jared to action. “Jay?” Rick’s voice. “Are you alright?”

  “Um, yeah,” Jared responded shakily. “These crutches just get in the way sometimes. Everything seems to take longer.” He washed his hands in the sink and dried them hastily.

  Rick stood outside the door, his face awash with concern. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah, but I’m tired.” Jared leaned on his crutches. “Do you think you could take me home?”

  “Of course!” Rick seemed relieved. “We understand about the fatigue, I’ll just let Marie know.”

  “I’d like to say good-bye to everybody,” Jared insisted. He followed Rick back toward the kitchen where Marie was occupied with cleaning up.

  “Marie, I’m going to run Jay home.” Rick crossed the room and kissed his wife on the cheek.

  She dried her hands on the nearest towel and strode across the room to hug Jared gently. “Please come back next weekend. We love having you here.”

  Jared nodded. “Thank you, I would truly love that.”* * *

  “Where are your crutches?” Rick called from the SUV.

  “Don’t need them anymore!” Jared hollered back. Though he’d been a little unsteady and his gait a little awkward, he made it to the passenger side of the SUV on his own. Jared carefully climbed into the seat and grinned at Rick. “The docs cleared me on Wednesday.”

  Rick swatted at him playfully. “You didn’t tell me that!”

  “I wanted to surprise you.” Jared felt more than ready to take on PT with A.J. “And I wanted to practice walking without them so I wouldn’t make a fool of myself.”

  “You’re really coming along then,” Rick said, almost proudly. “Aren’t you a few weeks ahead of schedule?”

  “Yep,” Jared confirmed. “I don’t even need that stupid back brace anymore, just the leg
brace for stability.”

  “That’s incredible.” Rick grinned. “I won’t tell the family; you can surprise them on Sunday.”

  “Thanks, I was hoping for that. I can’t believe I’ve been here for a month already.”

  “And I was just telling Marie that I can’t believe you’ve only been with us for a month. It feels like you’ve always been a part of our family.”

  “Thanks, Rick. I’m so grateful to you and your family for welcoming me into your home and your lives.”

  “It’s the right thing to do, Jay.” Rick nodded, his cheeks flushed and ears tinted pink at the show of emotion. “Besides, you’re a good kid.”

  Jared looked out the window to avoid Rick’s heavy gaze. He wished things were moving along as well with A.J., but he continued to strike out. He talked to Ally several times, knowing full well that she’d seen A.J. more than once in the past month, but no luck. Their patient-therapist relationship remained coldly professional and the only words they exchanged were related to his treatment. She was very good at her job, Jared had to admit that; because of A.J. he was weight-bearing again and looking at the real possibility of returning to football in the fall.

  “Jay?” Rick asked.

  “Yeah?” Jared answered.

  “How are things going with your therapist?” Rick always seemed to know what Jared was thinking about.

  “Not so great.” Jared admitted aloud for the first time what he’s known for a long time.

  “Maybe it’s time for a different approach?” Rick suggested. “Now, I wasn’t going to stick my nose in it but Marie insists I help you if I can. She’s really taken a shine to you.”

  “I like her too, Rick.” Jared contemplated letting Rick help, not sure if it would be right. “But I don’t know that you can actually help me with this one.”

  “Maybe, maybe not,” Rick said. “I’d like to try, though.”

  “Alright, lay it on me.” Jared gave in. If he’d learned one thing since being here, it was useless to try to refuse Rick and Marie.

  “Ally’s wedding is in two weeks. A.J. is going to be there, we just got her RSVP. So, you just have to show up and win her over. What better place than at a wedding?” Rick waited for his reaction.

  “So you want me to crash Ally’s wedding and win over a woman who can hardly stand the sight of me.” Jared turned the plan around on his friend.

  “You’re not a wedding crasher if you are invited. And you are definitely invited. Just show up, be yourself, and let her see who you really are. Let A.J. get to know you the way we have and everything else will fall into place.”

  “You make it sound so simple.” Jared remained more than skeptical. “I don’t think it works that way.”

  “How else do you expect it to work?” Rick asked. “You like her, no?”

  Jared nodded. “Yeah, of course I do.”

  “Then, go for it,” Rick urged. “And, in the meantime, Ally suggests you scope out the pediatric wing. She didn’t say why, just told me to tell you to go there after your appointment. I can pick you up later today so you have time.”

  “The pediatric wing?” Jared frowned.

  “Yeah,” Rick nodded, “just check it out. I’ll be back around three.”

  **

  “How is the weight-bearing coming?” A.J. asked casually. She definitely noticed he arrived without crutches.

  “I’ve been without crutches since Wednesday evening. I’m still a little stiff,” Jared answered casually. He’d taken to answering only when A.J. spoke to him, an uneasy and unspoken agreement they’ve come to.

  Jared couldn’t understand how she could ignore the tension between them and he’d had to fight the urge to kiss her on more than one occasion. They’d been working closely as she monitored his exercises and worked on his leg. Jared dreamed of her almost nightly, from her scent to the warmth of her fingers on his skin, but he’d gotten nowhere with the real, live A.J.

  “Good,” A.J. commented blandly. “I think we’re about done here for today.” She helped him to his feet and re-adjusted the leg brace before leaving.

  Jared contemplated Rick’s advice. Despite feeling sore and tired from PT, he ultimately decided to head down to the pediatric ward. Jared navigated the maze that is Amherst Hospital until he came to the pediatric ward, marked by two bright blue doors with cartoon characters painted on them. He peered through the window.

  The hall was empty. Jared pushed through the swinging doors into a brightly painted hallway with rooms staggered along both sides. He heard voices and laughter in the distance. Jared slunk down the hall toward the noise and found a room full of kids watching A.J. perform tricks with a basketball.

  She was still incredible, even better than he would have guessed. The kids laughed and called out requests, which A.J. obliged. Jared watched from the shadows until the show looked to be dying down. He slipped back down the hall and was almost through the double doors before being discovered.

  “What are you doing here?” A.J.’s voice carried down the hall.

  “I was walking by, heard the laughter, and thought I’d peek in. Sorry,” Jared lied, hoping the dim hall hid his face enough.

  “Ally told you, didn’t she?” A.J. asked quietly.

  “No.” Jared smiled to himself, not a lie.

  “Will you just leave me be?” A.J. practically groaned. “I’ve spent the past three years building a life here, I don’t need you messing it up.”

  “I’m not trying to mess up your life,” Jared said, “I just wanted to know why you hate me so much.”

  A.J. shook her head. “I don’t hate you. I don’t like you very much, but I don’t hate you.”

  “Could have fooled me.”

  “I’m sorry you think I hate you,” A.J. apologized, “but I don’t have room for people like you in my life and I don’t like that I had to take time away from these kids to work with you.”

  “I didn’t know.” Jared stepped backward. “I didn’t even set this up. I just needed to get away from the media and this was the best option they gave me. I didn’t even know who you were until I got here. I’m out of here. I’ll see you Monday.”

  He walked off before she could say anything else, feeling like an asshole for taking her away from the kids in the ward. How was he supposed to know that she worked with kids? Did Derek know when he set this up? He headed for the lobby to meet Rick, relieved that his friend was waiting patiently.

  “Did you see what you needed to see?” Rick asked curiously.

  “Why didn’t anybody tell me that A.J. works with kids?” Jared blurted. “She’s a pediatric physical therapist? I’m taking time away from kids!”

  Rick startled. “We thought you knew. You didn’t know?”

  “No!” Jared practically yelled. “I understand why she resents me now. She works with kids and some spoiled, rich, egomaniac strolls in and tears her away to get back to some sport. I really am an asshole.”

  “You aren’t, especially if you didn’t know,” Rick assured him. “Did you tell her you didn’t know?”

  “Yeah and then I left, it’s the least I could do,” Jared said as he slumped into the SUV’s passenger seat. “I really had no idea.”

  “Then you did what you could, kid,” Rick patted Jared on the arm, “just keep positive.”

  “Easy for you to say. How do you come back from this kind of thing?” Jared asked.

  “You work that much harder and show her how serious you are about getting better. Make it worth her while, show her who you are,” Rick advised.

  “I have been, Rick.” Jared hung his head. “You know I’m ahead of schedule.”

  “It’s not just about your physical recovery,” Rick said softly, “it’s about who you are inside. Show her that part. My whole family has seen the real you, maybe A.J. should, too.”

  “I’m not somebody different when I’m with A.J.,” Jared said. “I’m just me, all the time.”

  “If you say so,” Rick answered halfhea
rtedly, “but, I’m not so sure about that. The guy we see on TV is not the same guy who shows up at my house on Sundays.”

  “Of course not. That guy on TV is putting on a show,” Jared explained. “But he’s still me. The game energizes me, makes me competitive, gives me an edge but – you’ve heard me mic’d up, right? Don’t I sound the same as I do on Sundays?”

  “Yes and no. And you playing football is not the only time we see you on TV. What about the girls? The parties? The car?”

  “Hey! Don’t go knocking my car. I love that car,” Jared answered defensively. “I’ve dreamed of owning a car like that since I was a kid.”