by Lincoln, Liz
“You should come over this week,” Lem said as they moved down the corridor at Seth’s pathetically slow pace. “The girls have been asking about Maddie.”
“Yeah, maybe Friday.” For years, Friday had been his night with Maddie, but she’d clearly given up on that. The past two weeks, Friday had been all about sex with Carrie. But after multiple injuries to the same place, Seth knew how his recovery would go. He would not be doing any hip thrusting by Friday. Any sex would be him lying there while she did all the work. And as much as he loved any and all sex with Carrie, it wasn’t worth the risk that he might lose control and injure himself worse. Then he’d be out of commission from football and sex even longer.
So alternative entertainment for Friday would be not only pleasant but necessary to his recovery.
They reached the parking lot and Seth could see Carrie’s car parked next to his. The sight of her, even from a distance, eased something inside his chest. A little of the panic about his injury slipped away.
Maddie looked over and caught his eye, then waved. As Seth and Lem approached, Seth could see the worried expression on her face. “You OK, Dad?” She cast a glance at his crutches, then looked back to his face.
Seth balanced on one crutch, wrapped his free arm around her neck, and pulled her to him. Let her try to object. But she didn’t, and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“Yeah. I’m good, baby girl.”
And he meant it.
Chapter 15
“Enjoy your turkey. And say hi to your parents for me.” Lem bumped fists with Seth as they walked out of the visiting team’s exit at NGR Stadium in Houston.
Because they’d been roommates in college and because Seth’s parents were local, Lem had known them back in the day. “Will do. Tell your family happy Thanksgiving.”
Lem nodded, then headed for the charter bus that would take the Dragons to the airport so they could fly back to Milwaukee.
Seth exchanged goodbyes with a few other teammates, wishing them a happy Thanksgiving, then headed in the opposite direction, to where his dad and two brothers waited by Logan’s F250. Seth’s agent, Mike, had arranged for them to get access to the reserved lot so Seth didn’t have to find them in general parking. He still had plenty of fans in Houston; he’d have been mobbed. Much though he usually enjoyed chatting with fans, today he just wanted to get to his parents’ house, catch up with family, gorge himself on his mom’s stuffing and his aunt Wendy’s pies, and maybe even coax a few smiles out of Maddie. Hopefully being back at her grandparents’ would help his daughter chill out a little.
And after dinner, once everyone else was gone, Maddie was asleep in her room, and he was alone in the guest room, he could call Carrie and fall asleep with her voice in his head.
All that, on top of a win where his fourth-quarter sack of his former teammate had moved Houston out of range for what would have been a game-tying field goal, made for a damn good Thanksgiving. It felt good to be back on the field after missing two games. As usual, he had a lot to be thankful for this year.
As he approached the truck, he knew something was wrong. Panic rippled through him. Where’s Mom? Maddie? Who’s hurt?
His dad held up a hand, palm toward Seth. “No need to panic. We’ve run into a little snag.”
Seth’s thoughts must have been showing on his face. “Is it Mom? Maddie?” His memory flashed to the year they’d spent Christmas Eve in the ER when he was eleven. Mom had fallen off the chair she was climbing on to get the roasting pan off a high shelf. She’d landed on her elbow and chipped the bone, plus broken her upper arm bone. She’d needed surgery two days later.
His dad and youngest brother, Beau, climbed into the backseat of the extended-cab truck, leaving shotgun for Seth. He tossed his bag and small suitcase into the covered bed of the truck, then swung up into the front.
“Someone gonna tell me what’s up?” he snapped as he pulled on his seatbelt.
“Maddie ain’t coming,” Beau said. “Weather.”
Seth glowered at his brother. “You wanna expand on that?” Beau looked how Seth imagined he would if he didn’t work out for a living and kept his hair short. The two had the same blond hair, blue eyes, and facial features as their mom’s family. Slim with brown hair and brown eyes, Logan favored their dad.
“Ice storm in Chicago and Milwaukee,” Logan explained. “Airport’s shut down.”
Fuck. Hell fucking shit. “She can’t be stuck at home alone. It’s Thanksgiving.”
It also meant the Dragons weren’t getting home tonight, but that was a much lesser concern for him. Team management would take care of that.
“She’s not alone.” Dad reached forward and patted Seth’s shoulder. “Carrie took her to dinner at her parents’. Your mom said they were glad to have her.”
Sighing, Seth scrubbed his hand over his face, exhaustion rolling over him. It wasn’t the exertion of the game catching up with him. It was a mental exhaustion, the fatigue of feeling like he constantly came up short where Maddie was concerned.
“She’s in good hands,” Dad added.
“I know. I trust Carrie as much as you and Mom.” In ways he couldn’t begin to explain, and many he wasn’t ready to think about himself. “But it’s Thanksgiving. She should be here. With family.” His voice sounded both weary and wary.
“Hey, we miss her too. You’re the jackass who moved away,” Beau said.
The words rankled, even though Seth knew the idiot was joking. Someday Beau would grow up and develop a better sense of when to keep his mouth shut. Today was not that day.
“Really, dickhead?” Logan snapped. “You’re gonna give him shit for that now? Have some fucking decency.”
“Boys, let’s tone it down,” Dad said sternly. “Or I’ll have to whup every one of your pansy asses.”
Seth forced a smile he didn’t feel. He appreciated their attempt to lighten his mood. “I’d like to see you try, old man.”
By the time they reached the house, he almost felt normal, though he was acutely aware of the guilt lurking at the base of his skull. But there wasn’t time to indulge it, as he was greeted by hugs from his aunts Wendy and JoJo, a manly greeting from Uncle Tony, and a beer salute from his cousin Clint.
Finally he was able to make his way to the kitchen. “Hey, Mom.”
Deanna Chamberlain’s face broke into a wide smile as she wiped her hands on her apron. “Get over here.” Despite her words, she came to him, wrapping her arms around his wide shoulders.
Seth returned her hug, letting himself briefly enjoy the familiarity of the moment. He loved the Dragons and planned to explore more of his new hometown when the season was over. But being home made him realize how much he’d missed Houston. Not the city so much as the family: his dad, his idiot brothers, and especially Mom.
Maybe if he didn’t get a contract extension and no one else wanted to sign him—which seemed unlikely given the spectacular season he was having—he and Maddie would come back. He’d sold their house, but they’d easily find a new one.
Except as he thought about it, something hollow opened up in his chest. Milwaukee was starting to feel like home too. Lem and his family were there, and Seth was making new friends on the team. Maddie was finding a place at her school, with the comics club and the ecology club and her new friends, and having a fantastic swimming season.
And there was Carrie.
His mom pulled back and held his face between her hands. He got his height from her; she stood just shy of six feet. So she could easily look him in the eyes.
“What’s wrong? You had a fantastic game. Mike must be exploding your phone.” She knew his agent had a habit of sending dozens of texts and voicemails whenever a client had a good game.
He tried not to laugh at his mom getting the phrase wrong. “Blowing up my phone.”
“ �
��Scuse me?”
“The expression is ‘blowing up my phone.’ Not ‘exploding.’ ”
With a “hmph,” she patted his cheek a little harder than she needed to. “Still, you gonna tell me what’s got you so grumpy after your sack was the winning play?” She moved to the island and resumed cutting the green beans.
He didn’t bother pointing out that every play was the winning play, because without Baxter’s touchdown passes and Trask’s field goal, they couldn’t have won. Without the defense forcing punts and field goals instead of touchdowns, they couldn’t have won. As his biggest fan, his mom would naturally focus on that final defensive play.
“I’m worried about Maddie.” He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. Except, given how moody she’d been, it was a big deal. He had no idea how she was reacting to the situation. “I should call her. I’m gonna go upstairs and do that.” He put his arm around her shoulder and kissed the side of her head. “Then I’ll come help you finish dinner.”
Deanna snorted. “As if I’m letting you anywhere near my food.”
Seth laughed as he headed for the stairs. Once in the guest room, he shut the door, pulled his phone out of his pocket, and dropped down on the bed. As predicted, he had nine texts and two voicemails from his agent. The two texts at the time of his final sack were in all caps with several exclamation points. Classic Mike.
Seth also had several messages that fell into the “great game” category and a handful of “Happy Thanksgiving” ones.
Two messages were from his mom, explaining the Maddie situation. He had a similar message from Carrie. Noticeably absent was anything from Maddie.
The most recent text was another from Carrie. Despite his frustration, seeing the notification warmed his chest.
Carrie: Great game. Happy Thanksgiving. This year, I’m grateful for gaining a more intimate knowledge of certain aspects of football. ;)
He barked out a startled laugh and typed a reply. He loved when she got flirty.
Seth: Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to you too. I’m pretty grateful for learning more about comic books. Particularly Poison Ivy.
Her response came almost immediately.
Carrie: I’m also thankful for men who know what they’re doing in bed. And multiple orgasms.
Damn. She was going to make him swallow his tongue. The headline flashed in his mind: “NFL Star Found Dead in Parents’ Home. Cause of Death: Extreme Sexting.”
Seth: Do you want me to have a hard-on in front of my mom and aunts?
Carrie: I’m laughing at you.
Seth: I’m sure you are.
Their quick conversation had done wonders to relax him. He almost felt prepared to call Maddie and apologize.
Seth: Can I call you in a little bit? I need to call Maddie first, but I need to hear your voice.
Carrie: Call whenever. I’m watching It’s a Wonderful Life with her and my mom.
Seth shoved his hand into his hair, yanking strands free from his ponytail. Restless, he got up and paced the small room as he waited for Maddie to answer. Two steps across, two steps back. It did little to calm him, but it was better than lying on the bed until he shook apart from impotent frustration.
“Hey, Dad.” Maddie’s voice held a sigh.
“Hey, baby. I’m so sorry about this. Everyone here misses you.”
“I bet Clint doesn’t,” she said dryly.
“You’re probably right.” His cousin was only interested in females he could bang and had no use for kids. In twelve years, he’d barely even spoken to Maddie. But it was no loss for her. The guy was a classic sexist pig. Seth did his best to avoid talking to him as well.
“I know I don’t control the weather, or my game schedule, but I really am sorry you’re not here.”
“I know. It just…sucks. I miss Grandma and Grandpa.”
Seth’s heart squeezed at her pitiful tone. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to hug his little girl and make her feel better.
“I bet your meal was great, though. Right?” he said, attempting to cheer her up. “Carrie’s a good cook, so I bet she helped put together a fantastic feast.”
“It was amazeballs.”
“Amazeballs? Wow, that’s high praise.”
Maddie ignored his teasing and continued. “No cream of nasty snot soup on the beans, no Red Number 40 marshmallows on the sweet potatoes. And Carrie’s mom cooks the stuffing outside the turkey, so we don’t all get hospitalized with salmonella.”
“OK, first, cream of tasty deliciousness soup is fabulous when cooked with green beans and topped with crunchy onions. Second—”
“Dad, I gotta go. Your friend Jason is dishing out pie. It’ll be gone if I don’t hurry.”
Seth didn’t bother pointing out that at home, she wandered all over the house while talking on the phone, and that she had no qualms about talking while she ate.
“I wouldn’t want to stand between you and pumpkin pie. I love you. I’ll get the flight stuff sorted out so you can still get down here to see Grandma and Grandpa, hopefully tomorrow.” He was ridiculously excited about having an entire weekend alone with Carrie. She could spend two nights in his bed with him. Saturday was his day off, which was rare, and they planned to spend it mostly naked or in lounging-around clothes, watching movies or binge-watching a show. And taking lots of sex breaks. But he couldn’t do that if Maddie stayed in Milwaukee.
He was a terrible father.
“Mike already took care of it. Carrie’s taking me to the airport for an eight-thirty flight. Goes through Denver.”
“Help me remember to get Mike and Carrie something extra nice for Christmas.” He could think of several things to get Carrie, but none he would discuss with his daughter.
And while Mike could be overwhelming with his enthusiasm, that enthusiasm had translated into some amazing contracts and a couple of lucrative endorsement deals that had already paid for Maddie’s college. While other agents might not send their best clients multiple texts during a game, Seth liked knowing Mike was paying attention. And he knew not all his teammates had agents who would spend their Thanksgiving making alternative travel arrangements for a twelve-year-old who wasn’t his kid.
“He forwarded the email to you.” Seth could almost hear her roll her eyes through the phone.
“Guess I better check my email.”
“OK. Pie. Gotta go.”
“Love you. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“You too.”
The call dropped before he was ready to let her go. But the girl had her priorities straight. He’d never had Carrie’s pie, but it had to be amazing.
Or amazeballs.
Before he could call Carrie, a fist pounded on the door. “Time to eat, asshole,” Beau’s voice came through the door.
“Be right there.” Damn. He really wanted to talk to her.
He wasn’t going to think too hard about what that meant.
As he headed down to the dining room, he shot off a text to her.
Seth: Time to eat. I’ll call later. Plus, I hear you’re having pie.
Her response came as he took his seat between Aunt Wendy and Logan.
Carrie: Maybe we can relax each other before bed.
He half laughed, half choked at the thought. With one hand he reached for his water while the other shoved the phone in his pocket before anyone else could read the text.
This was going to be his fastest Thanksgiving dinner ever.
* * *
—
“Happy birthday. You don’t look a day over twenty-nine.” Seth used one arm to pull Carrie away from the washing machine and against his chest. His other arm held a sweater-box-shaped present and small shopping bag. He brushed his lips over hers, then slid over her cheek to press a wet kiss beneath her ear.
She shuddered, pulling
him inside so she could kick the door shut behind him. It was definitely December, with the below-freezing temperatures and gusty winds.
“That’s because I am twenty-nine.”
Grinning, he shrugged out of his coat and hung it on a hook. “Must be it.”
They wandered into the living room and sat on the couch. He’d dropped Maddie at Emilia’s for the night, so they were free to touch and kiss as much as they wanted.
He set the present and bag on the coffee table, then slid his hand into Carrie’s hair. “Come here so I can give you a proper birthday kiss.”
She opened her mouth to give a flirty reply, but his lips covered hers before she could. Instead, a squeak escaped her throat as his tongue slid against hers, quickly chasing away any lingering chill that had followed him in.
Her arms found their way around his neck and she pulled him with her as she sank back into the cushions. They shifted against each other, finding the most comfortable position, their lips never coming apart. He lifted her legs over his so he could scoot closer, and pressed his chest to hers.
The kisses went on and on, one blending into the next. They were both content not to take it further. At least for the moment.
Seth’s hand slid down her back, over her butt and down the back of her thigh. Then he reversed course until he reached her shoulder. He repeated the long, slow caress three more times as their tongues tangled and their lips clung.
Finally, hand splayed wide over the center of her back, he pulled back enough to whisper her name. His forehead rested against hers and she could feel him watching her.
A faint smile curved her mouth, but she wasn’t quite ready to open her eyes. “Thank you. That was probably the best birthday present I got.”
“Probably?” She could hear the smile in his voice.
“My mom got me a new e-reader. So it’s a tough call.”
“Nice to know where I rank.”
Grinning, she finally lifted her lids and immediately lost the small amount of breath she’d regained. She wasn’t prepared for the intensity in his flaming blue eyes. His features were relaxed, lips turned up, but his gaze bored into her. Telling her all sorts of things he’d never put into words.