Homecoming King

by Jami Albright

  “Sienna Ramsey happened.” He spears his fingers through his hair and takes several long, slow breaths.

  “Sienna Ramsey is your problem client?”

  “Yes, or as I like to call her, the pain in my ass.”

  I sit up and wipe my face with a towel. “You’re telling me the wild child of tennis is the client you’ve been bitchin’ about?”

  He adjusts the weights on the bench press. “Yes. You knew this.”

  “I knew you had a tennis player for a client, I didn’t know it was Sienna Ramsey.”

  He closes his eyes and takes long, deep breaths. “Yeah, well, why I took her on as a client, I’ll never know.”

  “What’d she do now?”

  “You know I’m treating her for a back injury, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I’ve advised rest and only the minimal amount of work, much to her father’s displeasure. He’s her coach and a big part of the problem. She had a minor back injury last year, but he didn’t give her time to heal, and now she’s got a major back issue.”

  “So, what did she do?”

  “She snuck off and went snow skiing and tweaked her back.” His hands splay across his hips, he lowers his head, and shakes it from side to side. “Fucking snow skiing. What the hell was she thinking?”

  “Doesn’t sound like she cares that much about her career.” I lie back on the bench to do my presses, and he follows to spot me.

  “I don’t know what she wants. I do know she’s a hell of a tennis player. But right now she wants to stick it to her dad more than she wants to get back on the court.”

  “How old is she?”

  “Twenty-five. Old enough to run her own career, but she and her father have a super dysfunctional relationship.”

  I do ten reps, and Duke guides the bar back to the stand. “Yeah, she needs to fire him.”

  “Agreed.” He helps me lift the bar from the stand for my second set. “I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to fly to Colorado and meet with the two of them tomorrow.”

  “No problem, man. I know what to do.” There’s a part of me that’s relieved Duke won’t be around. He knows me better than anyone and would no doubt sniff out my secrets about Tiger if he was here.

  “Thanks. I appreciate you understanding.”

  “Why don’t you just fire her?”

  There’s a flash of something in his eyes, then he busies himself loading more weight onto the bar. “Can’t, I’m under contract.”

  Uh-huh. Duke’s not the only one who can sniff out a secret. “You should talk to your boss about that. Oh right, you are the boss.”

  “I wouldn’t have a business if I dumped every difficult client, present company included.”

  I laugh, then sober and rub my shoulder. “What do you think, honestly?”

  He crosses his arms and exhales. “Honestly, I think it will depend on your pain threshold. The injury’s healed, but it’s still gonna hurt. You need surgery.”

  I’m shaking my head before he can finish the statement. “No way, man. That’s a year-long recovery. I can’t afford that right now, especially not with McKay making his move.”

  “Cash, I love you like a brother, you know that. But it may be time to consider—”

  “Don’t say it.” Anger explodes from me like a nuclear blast. “Don’t you fucking say it.”

  “Retirement.” He levels the word at me with all the gravity of an anvil. “What more do you have to prove? You’ve won every award there is to win, you have more money than you’ll ever be able to spend, and your body is falling apart. Retire, talk Tiger into running away with you, and live your life on a beach, or whatever the hell you want to do, as long as you’re not getting beat to hell while you’re doing it.”

  My fist curls into a ball, and Duke’s mouth looks like a pretty damn good target. “Why are you coming at me with this shit, man? I’m only thirty years old. I’ve got a lot of playing time left in me.” I jab my finger his direction. “You just do your job, and get me back to playing shape, and keep your opinions to yourself.” I swing my bag over my shoulder and storm out of the weight room, proving Duke’s point.

  I may be one of his most difficult clients.

  Well, fuck him.

  Forty

  Tiger

  “Penises, Maggie! We painted penises on that billboard, and the whole town’s eating it up like candy.” I pace around the pool area of the house with my phone to my ear.

  “Maybe they weren’t big enough.”

  “Maybe.”

  “What if we put a giant one close to your mouth? The ones around your crown were too ornamental.”

  I stop moving and drop my head to my hand. “I think you’re right. Surely, the garden club ladies won’t take a field trip to see a giant penis painted on the billboard. Would they?”

  “I’m not putting money on that. I had to go to the drug store this morning and it’s all anyone could talk about. But I do think the churches might finally make some noise about that.”

  My blood turns to ice, and I forget the stupid eyesore on the edge of town. “Drug store. Why’d you have to go to the drug store? You’re all right, aren’t you?”

  “If you must know, I went to buy tampons. And except for some cramping and the desire to eat all the chocolate and ice cream in three counties, I’m fine.” There’s no censure in her voice—she knows how Donny and I are. We tolerate her nauseating optimism, and she tolerates our overreactions when she gets the slightest sniffle.

  “Oh, okay, good.” I breathe out a relieved sigh. “Then I’ll make another trip out tonight, and if this doesn’t do it, then nothing will.”

  “Do you need me to come with you again?”

  “No, I can do it alone. I don’t want you getting in trouble, too, if I get caught.”

  “Okay, if you’re sure.”

  “I’m sure.” The sound of wheels on gravel gets my attention. I turn to see Gracie King exiting her car. “Hey, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you later.”

  “Talk later.”

  I disconnect the phone and wave at the mother of the man I’m sleeping with. This isn’t awkward at all.

  “Tiger.” She makes her way to me. “How are you?”

  “I’m great, Gracie. How ’bout yourself?”

  “Never better.” Her hands go to her hips, and she glances around. “Is it weird to have someone else own Wayland Estate?”

  “Not at all.” And I almost believe it when I say it. “If you’re looking for Cash, he’s not here right now.”

  She checks her phone. “I’m supposed to meet him here for a tour, but I’m a little early.”

  “I know that’ll make him happy. We’ve done some great things to the house. I think you’ll really like them. At least, I hope you will.”

  “I’m sure y’all have done a beautiful job with the house, but I’m only here to make up for something I did that hurt Cash’s feelings. I have no intention of moving into this big ol’ house.”

  My heart drops a little at that news. I was hoping someone who would love the house would live in it. Also, I know it will hurt Cash for his mom to refuse his gift. “I was afraid you would say that. Why don’t I start showing you around, and he can catch up when he gets here.”

  “Let’s do it.”

  “Great. Follow me.”

  We head into the kitchen, and I show her the tile and granite, the little touches that make this house so special. Then I lead her into the great room, which is my favorite. “I just love this room. We’ve exposed the beams and opened it up. It’s the perfect place for a big family to gather. It looks nothing like it used to look.”

  “It is lovely,” Gracie says.

  “Let me show you the downstairs master bedroom. Cash thought it would be perfect for your mom and Joe.” I usher her into the room with its big windows and gorgeous en suite. “Can’t you just see a big four-poster bed there in the middle of the room facing these amazing windows? That’s quite a view to wake u
p to every day.” I motion to the orchard beyond the pool. “The trees are so pretty in the spring.”

  “Sounds like you have this room pictured in your mind.” Gracie peeks her head into the bathroom. “Too bad you can’t live here. The house has been in your family for such a long time.”

  I grin and shrug. “Some things aren’t meant to be. But I’m glad Cash bought it even if you don’t want to live here.”

  Her expression is a little sad. “I don’t know why he keeps doing things like this. He knows I’m not moving.” She adjusts the headband holding her dark hair from her face. “Though this is the first time he bought me a mansion.”

  I suddenly feel an overwhelming need to speak up for her son. “I really do think he was trying to do a nice thing.”

  Gracie gives me a speculative look. “You’re defending my son. How unusually delightful.”

  Stinging heat travels up my neck and settles in my cheeks. “I just know that he loves you very much.”

  “I love him too, but I didn’t think you were a fan of my boy.” She grins, and the corners of her eyes crinkle just like Cash’s.

  I laugh. “He’s grown on me.”

  “Have I now?”

  My head whips around so fast that I nearly lose my balance. “Cash. How long have you been standing there?”

  He saunters into the room. That hundred-million-dollar arm wraps around his mom’s shoulders. “Hi, Mama.”

  She pats his hand and leans into him. “Hey, baby.”

  “I see Tiger’s already started the tour. I’m going to jump in the shower and then I’ll join you.” He grins at me. “By all means, continue to sing my praises. I’ll need it if I have any hope of getting her to move in here.”

  “Cash—”

  “I know, Mom, I know.” He kisses her head. “Do you mind continuing the tour, Tiger? I want her to see my new house. The one I’m going to live in.”

  His mom and I both gawk at him. “What?” we say together.

  He laughs. “Well, not all the time, but in the off-season and when I’m in town to visit. It’s a great house, even if my mother doesn’t see that.”

  “I never said it wasn’t a great house. I said I don’t want to live in it.” She pinches his side. “Big difference.”

  “Ouch,” he laughs.

  “Go shower, you stink.” The words are scolding, but she may as well be singing him a lullaby with the way they ring with love.

  My heart squeezes at the sight of them. They clearly disagree on the subject of the house, and if his mom’s comments are any indication, then she knows he’s caught up in the status of his lifestyle, but still they joke and love each other. I wish that for myself, but it won’t ever happen. So I wish it for my children.

  Forty-One

  Cash

  I shower quickly and slip on a pair of basketball shorts and a T-shirt. I find Tiger and my mom laughing in the sunroom situated at the northeast corner of the house.

  “This is a new addition to the house,” Tiger is saying. “I can only imagine how wonderful it will be to have coffee in here in the mornings. I picture a couple of oversized chairs for reading and lots of flowering plants.”

  She draws such a perfect picture that I can see the two of us in that scenario. What am I thinking? I am keeping the house, but not so Tiger can live here with me.

  Why not? You know you’re crazy about her.

  Yes, but it’s not like I’m in love with her.

  Who am I fooling? I’ve been in love with her since she brushed my hair out of my face and called me brave. I’ve just been too stupid and pigheaded to admit it. I can admit it now.

  I love Tiger Lyons.

  The thought rolls around my head like a ball trying to find a place to fit. Everything clicks into place once it settles into the slot that’s always been reserved for her. I wait for the panic that comes with this life-changing realization, but my pulse stays as steady as a rock. Probably because deep down, I’ve always known we were meant to be together.

  I join the two most important women in my life. “Hey, sorry, did I miss the tour?”

  “Yes, but Tiger did a great job. It’s a lovely house, Cash. Tiger, you can tell Donny that I said you’ve done a beautiful job with the renovation.”

  I don’t miss that Tiger stands a little taller at my mom’s compliments. It’s the nicest thing she could’ve said to my girl.

  My girl. I guess I should talk to her about that before I get in too deep. But I know she feels the same. I can see it when she looks at me, feel it when she touches me.

  Now, I just have to help her see it too.

  My mom checks her phone. “I better be going. I have to take Mom and Joe to bingo tonight.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” I turn to Tiger. “Are you done for the day, or do you still have work to do?”

  “I have some paperwork that’ll take me a while.” She walks with us to the back door. “I’ll be in the pool house if you need me.” Her lips pucker like she’s trying to hide the way her lips curve up at the corners.

  Without even realizing it, I lean into her. “I do have a couple of questions.”

  “You know where to find me.”

  We’re in our own little bubble, and I’ve completely forgotten my mom is standing next to me until she clears her throat.

  “Oh, um …” Tiger rubs her finger under her nose and looks anywhere but at my mom or me. “It was good to see you, Gracie.”

  “You too, dear.”

  Then the woman of my dreams scampers away like a scared bunny.

  “You two seem pretty chummy.” Mom pats my chest then begins walking toward her car.

  I follow like a good son, even though all I want to do is run after Tiger. “We’re a little more than chummy.”

  A smile as big as Dallas splits my mom’s face. “That’s what I’d heard, but I thought it was just Ryder’s rumor mill. It makes me very happy to know it’s true.”

  The tips of my fingers slip into my back pockets. “Me too. Now if I can just get this shoulder to cooperate, my life will be pretty damn perfect.”

  A look that I can’t quite interpret dims her sunny appearance. “Baby, your life is pretty perfect right this minute.”

  “How can you say that? I’ve got a bum shoulder, McKay is playing like a veteran, and I could lose the one thing that …” I don’t finish. She knows as well as I do what football has given us.

  She places her hand over my heart. “One day I hope you see that you are so much more than football, Cash. You have so much to offer, and you don’t have to put on a pair of shoulder pads and punish your body week after week to be able to give those things to the world.”

  I place my hand over hers. I know she means well, but she’s wrong. I know my worth and where it comes from. “I hear you, Mom.”

  That thread of sadness laces through her features again. “I know you hear me, son. I want you to believe me.”

  I bend and kiss her cheek. “Love you, Mom. Thanks for coming today.”

  “It’s a beautiful house. I hope one day you fill it with lots and lots of grandchildren for me to spoil.”

  My hand rises in a wave as she drives away, then falls to the warm place under my ribs. Mom’s been the one constant in my life, in the shitty times and the good times. I’m lucky to have this fierce woman in my life. We may butt heads sometimes, but we’re always, always each other’s champions.

  I make my way to the other fierce woman in my life. The sound of hammers and a drill saw, along with a country music song, stream from the open windows of the big house as the crew finishes up their day. They’ve done a hell of a job. The house is going to be gorgeous when it’s done.

  Indecision stops me when I get to the front door of the pool house. Do I knock or go in? I decide to play it safe and knock. From the other side of the door, Tiger yells, “Come in.”

  The smell of vanilla and oranges hits me as soon as I open the door. I glance around the living room, but Tiger’s nowhere to b
e found. “Marco!”

  “Polo!” she yells from the bedroom.

  I laugh and make my way to where she is. “You said you needed to show me something …” Whatever I was going to say next flies from my brain when I turn the corner and see her standing in the middle of the room in a red bra and matching satin panties. Her hair is piled on top of her head with loose tendrils falling to frame her features, and her tan legs go on for days and days.

  “Hi.”

  She’s a goddess, but the thing that gets to me the most is the wash of uncertainty I see move over her face before she hides it. How can she think for a second that I wouldn’t be struck dumb by her in this moment? Lust brings everything to attention, but lust is such a one-dimensional word. It’s the softer, deeper feelings I have for her that make everything come alive for me with this woman. “Tiger. Dear God, you’re … breathtaking.”

  “Thank you.”

  A rosy glow flushes her skin. When’s the last time I saw a half-dressed woman blush? Never. She’s not audacious, but she’s not mousy either—she’s a woman who’s discriminating about who she shows her body to, and I’m honored that she’s chosen me.

  I lean a shoulder against the door frame and make a circle motion with my finger. “Turn around.”

  The blush deepens, but she obeys. When she turns her back to me, I let out a groan that rattles the windows. “Fuuuuuck. Are you trying to kill me?”

  She glances over her shoulder and down to the big red bow at the top of her thong that accentuates the two round globes of her ass, then her gaze rises to mine. The raw temptation in that look might cut the cord on a weaker man’s self-control. But I’m a highly disciplined athlete and can handle myself … just barely.

  Forty-Two

  Tiger

  “Don’t move.” The command in his voice is unmistakable and I couldn’t move if someone paid me a million dollars. He prowls around me, getting as close as he can without touching me. “You are a sight, Tiger Lyons.”

  “Yeah?” There’s barely enough air behind the word to make it audible.