Page 18 of Big Rucking Disaster

I sat, a little stunned.

He thankedmefor dinner? He’d paid for it. Had put it on plates—which was way more than I would’ve done. He’d been a true gentleman with me. Taking better care of me than most people I knew. Certainly more than Nicholas ever would have. The time I’d caught a norovirus and had been so sick I’d thought I’d have to go to the hospital? He’d kicked me out of our bedroom and sequestered me in a guest bedroom. He’d brought fancy soup that made me sicker and complained when I hadn’t been able to attend an awards banquet with him.

I’d felt guilty.

In retrospect, I was sorry I hadn’t given him the damn bug.

A week later, and seven pounds lighter, I’d emerged. With a newfound respect for nurses who cared for people like myself. I’d never been that sick in my life.

The back door shut.

Slowly, I eased forward on the couch.If he wanted to stay, he totally could have. You have three guest bedrooms.Two were in an attic space where he would’ve had to duck, but he probably could’ve managed.

I took the plates to the kitchen, then returned for the glasses. I poured the bit of Johnnie’s iced tea that remained down the sink and chugged my lemonade. As I stood over the sink, I took stock. My head had a dull ache, but nothing bad. I certainly didn’t have a concussion or lasting damage. As Johnnie said—volleyballs were softer than other balls.

After putting the dishes in the dishwasher, I had a quick shower, donned my pajamas, hopped into bed to read for a bit, and tried not to think about the enigma that was Johnnie Leclerc.

Chapter Six

Johnnie

“It’s really great you’re willing to do this.” My gaze moved between Isaiah, Roger, Jason, as well as Francine who’d tagged along.

She grinned. “I’ll take them through a few exercises and then just sit back and watch. No bleachers, eh?” She glanced around the field.

“At least they have a field.” Isaiah winced. “That’s not always a given.”

In poverty-stricken areas like this one. He didn’t have to say the words—we all understood them.

“Hey, sorry I’m late.” Raheem, our right wing, sauntered over. “Anyone else have problems with parking?” His dark, tight, curly hair was a little on the frizzy side today, despite the sun.

Everyone’s hand shot up.

“Me, too.” Makwa joined us. He was one of the best outside centers in the league.

Finally, Irvin strode over. “I took the bus. But there was an accident on Hastings Street, and so I got jammed up. I hoppedoff and ran here.” Yet the man had hardly broken a sweat. He dropped his bag on the ground. “Okay, let’s do this.” The loosehead prop was always down for anything.

I swallowed. “I can’t believe you all came out today.”

Isaiah slapped me on the back. “You think we were going to leave the teaching up to you? The next generation of players will besoconfused.”

Everyone chuckled.

I was so grateful, I couldn’t find it within myself to be annoyed. I knew this game as well as anyone on the team. My uncle ensured that.

The door to the gym opened and, with Yardley in the lead, about fifteen kids emerged.

Louella brought up the rear.

“Oh, is she taken?” Makwa’s eyes widened. His tan skin contrasted with his white jersey.

“Even if she’s single, now’s not the time.” Roger glared.

“Never harm in looking, right, Johnnie?”

Since my eyes were on Yardley, I couldn’t exactly scold him. I slapped him on the back. “The kids are the focus, okay? And she’s got a wedding ring.”

He appeared crestfallen, but it was all an act. Although I had the playboy reputation, Makwa did quite well with the ladies. To the point I wondered if he would ever settle down.

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