Page 1 of Lucky Baller
Chapter One
Tessa
“I feel like I’m cheating.” Looking over at my best friend, Autumn, I catch her smile and roll her eyes.
“Really, Tess?” She chuckles, bouncing her son, JJ, on her hip.
“What? I can’t help it. I’m a Miami Mavericks fan for life.”
“I know, so does everyone else here. I can’t believe you wore a Mavericks T-shirt to the Cougars training camp.”
“I’m here for moral support.” I reach out and tickle JJ’s side, making him laugh. “What kind of best friend would I be if I let you come to this on your own? Besides, you know nothing about the game. Someone has to explain it to you.”
“All I need to know is that my husband is the new kicking coach, and with that comes my loyalty, and this little guy’s.” She smiles at her son.
“I admit, it’s a good move on the Cougars’ part in hiring the legendary Jeremy Baldwin as their new kicking coach. Their kicking game needed some work.”
“Right?” She laughs. “We can’t live off him selling ass photographs forever. We all know my salary at the shelter isn’t going to pay for our new house.”
“I don’t know,” I tease, tapping my finger against my chin. “His ass is legendary.”
“Stop.” She pushes her shoulder into mine. “Don’t let him hear you talking like that. His ego is big enough as it is.”
I nod. She’s right about that. Jeremy is confident, and yes, a little cocky. However, when it comes to his wife and son, he keeps it in check. They’re his entire world, and he doesn’t care who knows it. In fact, I think he enjoys showing them off to the world. Hence the reason we’re here for training camp. It’s family day and not open to the public.
“He has earned his nickname,” I agree, returning my attention to the field. “You know, I might be a die-hard Mavericks fan, but I can still appreciate a man in football pants.” My eyes take in the players on the field, and I come to the conclusion that football pants are a girl’s best friend. Just saying.
“I’m not sure I ever realized the appeal until now, but, my friend, I think you’re on to something,” Autumn agrees.
“Hey, princess,” Jeremy says, greeting his wife. We’re standing on the sidelines. Since it’s family day, it’s pretty much open. “Come here, little man.” Jeremy reaches for JJ, who happily holds his arms open for his daddy. “You ladies need anything?” he asks.
I’m tempted to tell him one of his players, but I bite my tongue. I talk a good game, but random hookups aren’t my thing. Don’t get me wrong, I commend those who can have sex with a stranger and walk away the next morning, satisfied, and never look back. I’m just not wired that way.
“We’re all set,” Autumn replies.
“I’m going to take him out on the field with me. Introduce him to some of the guys. Practice is almost over, then I’llintroduce you.” He leans in and presses his lips to her before walking away with JJ.
“You know,” I muse, “if you weren’t my best friend, I might be a little jealous of you.”
“What?” She turns to look at me. “Why would you be jealous of me? I have unidentified bodily fluids on me from my son at all times, a husband who’s cocky as hell and thinks he knows it all, and a mortgage for a house on Matthew Street that cuts into JJ’s college fund.”
“Oh, stop. You’re living the dream and you know it.”
“I’m not sure if it’sthedream, but my dream, yes. I love the life Jeremy and I are building.”
“Hence the jealousy.”
“You’ll find your happily ever after,” she assures me, putting her arm around my shoulders. “He’s everything I never knew I wanted.”
“He’s so good with him.” I motion toward the field where Jeremy has JJ on his shoulders while he’s talking to one of the players, and JJ, well, he’s all smiles. At two, he has no idea the depth of where he is. Most kids never get to experience a professional football game, let alone be on the field with the players and coaching staff.
The whistle blows, and the players start motioning for the families to join them on the field. Autumn and I head toward Jeremy and JJ.
“Thomas Bourgeois, this is my wife, Autumn, and her best friend, Tessa. Princess, Tessa, Thomas is our starting kicker.” Jeremy makes introductions.
“Ladies,” Thomas says, giving us a charming smile. He glances at my chest, and I can’t help but smirk. “Looks like we need to get you some Cougars gear.” He winks.
“Nah, I’m good.” I give Thomas, or number two, a smug smile.
