Page 4 of Salvaging My Heart
He obviously wasn’t paying attention to where he was going as he bounced off someone and hit the ground. Coffee went one way, balls escaped the bag the other, his clipboard yet another and all Aaron could do was lay there with his eyes closed and catch his breath. Who the hell had he plowed into? The Hulk?
“Shit! Are you okay?” a man asked from above him and the voice had him popping open his eyes. Nick’s uncle was leaning over Aaron with a worried look on his face.What a way to make an impression, Aaron.
“Nothing hurt but my pride,” Aaron replied as he pushed to his feet. One look and he realized there would be no more coffee for him today unless there was a concession stand open. He could hope, right?
“Sorry about that. I was hurrying to grab Nick from practice so… wait, you’re Nick’s coach right? I think I met you the other day but since I was running on fumes that day, I could be imagining that,” he rambled. It was actually kinda cute to see the big man flustered. Aaron got the impression that it wasn’t something that happened often.
Giving the man an out, Aaron held out his hand. “Aaron Templeton and yes, I am Nick’s coach. You’re Leif?” Aaron watched as big smile crossed Leif’s face. Maybe he wasn’t making that bad of an impression.
“Leif Hansen. My sister and mom were in a car accident so I’m home on emergency leave.” Leif hadn’t let go of Aaron’s hand, and he wasn’t sure he wanted it back. The shock that hit his system when Leif had grasped it, filled Aaron with a heat that he hadn’t felt in a long time.
“How are they doing? You mentioned something the other night when you picked up Nick,” Aaron said as he removed his hand from Leif’s.
“They’re both better. Mom had to have surgery and they removed her spleen. Kim’s in traction while her leg resets. Should be at least two weeks before Kim’s released. Mom? Maybe a week. Thanks for asking. Can I help you?” Leif asked, motioning to the scattered mess surrounding them.
Aaron looked down and shook his head. “I’ve got this. You’ve got to get Nick, right?” he asked as he bent over and lost his balance. Yeah, graceful he wasn’t. Just as he caught himself with his right hand, Aaron felt hands on his waist.
“Whoa, don’t fall again,” Leif said as his grip tightened on Aaron’s hips.Now wouldn’t this be a great position if they were naked?
“Uncle Leif? Why are you holding Coach T’s butt?” Nick’s voice came from behind them.
CHAPTER FOUR
Leif stood there on the sidelines watching the game. Nick was a pretty good kicker. Could hit between the posts and had a nice hang time for punts. He couldn’t remember Kim or Nick telling him that he was playing football AND soccer this year but he had been hard to reach for the past few months.
As he watched, the Falcons intercepted the ball and ran it to the end zone. He could hear Aaron yelling “Go, go, go! You’ve got this!” Leif couldn’t help but wonder how he’d sound yelling Leif’s name during sex. Shaking his head, Leif snapped himself back to the game as Nick ran out onto the field.
“You’ve got this, Squirrel!” he called out. Leif could see when Nick heard him as he paused and looked over his shoulder, shaking his head. Okay, maybe using the nickname wasn’t the “thing” to do around Nick’s friends and teammates.
The team lined up and Nick called for the snap. The ball came flying back and the holder bobbled the ball but Nick was able to connect for the kick. Up it went and bang! Right into the post. Leif watched as Nick’s shoulders slumped.
Before Leif could cheer out some encouragement, a man to his right, closer to the team said, “Don’t know why they let him kick. He sucks. Get someone that can knock it through the posts, Coach.”
Just as Leif was getting ready to lay into the man, Aaron turned and glared at the man. “Kenny, why don’t you give it a rest. You’ve already embarrassed your son and wife this season. I know damn well if your mother was here, she’d be smacking you upside the head. That boy is one of the best kickers this team has seen in years. Just because he outkicked your son and earned the position, it’s not a reason to be bitter. Jeff is doing better as a defense tackle and is happier. Leave the team to me and if you’re not going to be civil, leave. You signed the parent agreement along with everyone else.”
“Coach, I was… I didn’t think…” Kenny stuttered.
“Correct, you didn’t think. Now hush,” Aaron finished. He looked over at Leif and winked before turning back to the game.
Looked like Leif wasn’t the only one interested. Maybe this leave wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. Maybe he’d have something to do other than chauffeur Nick around and worry about his future.
Holy shit. Aaron couldn’t believe he’d winked at Nick’s uncle and during the game none the less.
“Who’s the hottie?” his assistant coach, Todd, asked stepping up beside him.
“I have no idea who you are referring to.” Aaron was going to avoid this discussion for as long as he could. He looked at the field, then the line of boys. “Merrick, go in for Joe. He looks like he’s limping.”
“Not going to put me off. It’s been a while since you showed interest in anyone. I might be married and straight but that is one fine looking man,” Todd continued, ignoring Aaron’s attempt at distraction.
Aaron started pacing back and forth as he watched the play. “Nice call, Alex,” he told the assistant defensive coach.
“Aaaaaarrrroooonnn,” Todd sing-songed. “Tell me all. You found the hottie and he came to support his new love bunny.”
“Shhhh, have you lost your mind?” Aaron hissed. “We’re in the middle of a game. Could you concentrate for a few minutes? Remember? Your son plays?”
“And Henry is standing over there with the other players on the offense waiting his turn. So I’ve got time to pester you.” He looked so smug as he answered Aaron.
“Okay, really quick so I can… oh I don’t know, coach. That is Nick Hansen’s uncle, Leif. He’s here on emergency leave because of the car accident. He won’t be here long and no, I am not his new love bunny,” Aaron finished and snapped his mouth closed. He couldn’t believe he’d used those words.
