Page 38 of Lucky Baller
“Well?” Jeremy asks once his wife and son have finally disappeared from view.
“I guess they slipped on some spilled water. He was lying over the top of her, and I walked in just as it happened. He helped her up, had his fucking hands all over her. He recognized me and asked for an autograph.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad.”
I wince. “I might have told him to get his hands off my girl and I would oblige him.”
“Ouch. I know Tessa, and I’m sure that didn’t go over well.”
“She was pissed, but I apologized, and now she seems fine.”
“And?”
“Is that normal? She just accepted the apology without another thought. I was expecting to have to grovel or something.”
He laughs. “Maybe from a woman who wants to be the center of your attention. Not from a woman like Tessa. She’s one ofthe good ones. She’s not unreasonable. You gave her a sincere apology, and she accepted. Move on.”
“She friend-zoned me.”
He nods. “I’m guessing that wasn’t your intention?”
“Fuck, I have no idea.”
“You’d better figure it out.” He points to where Tessa stands with Tony, the guy who was all over her on the floor. Her head’s tilted back as a laugh flows from her full, beautiful lips. My fists ball at my sides.
I want to go to them, to wrap my arms around her and show him that she’s off-limits, but she’s not. I force myself to climb into my SUV with a wave to Jeremy and drive away. He’s wearing an amused smile as he watches me, and I ignore him.
What is this woman doing to me?
It’s just after seven, and I’ve already run five miles on my treadmill and ordered takeout. It was a Chinese food kind of night. Now here I am, pacing the living room floor. I eye my keys on the table, tempted to drive to her house to see her. That’s pushy even for me, and besides, what am I going to say? I can’t give you what you want or what you deserve, but I don’t want anyone else to either?
My phone rings, and I fumble to grab it from the couch cushion, hoping it’s her, but I should have known better. In a way, it’s the next best thing. “Hey, Mom,” I answer.
“Landon, how are you? It’s been too long since we’ve talked.”
“I know.” Guilt washes over me. “Sorry, just been busy getting back into the groove of things this season.”
“How’s the team looking?” Dad asks. They have me on speaker, and I smile. These two are the epitome of two peas in a pod.
“Great. The rookies are meshing well with the veterans, and I see good things in our future.”
“How about you give me your non-PR prompted speech?” Dad chuckles.
“This time it’s the truth. Practices have been on point, and I think we can take it to the Super Bowl this year.”
“What’s wrong?” Mom asks.
“Nothing.”
“Landon, don’t make me come there,” she warns in her mom’s voice. I never could get anything past her.
“I met someone. At least, I think I did.”
“What do you mean, youthinkyou did?” Dad asks.
“She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. She’s one of those women who deserves everything.”
“Oh, so she’s not a cleat chaser?” Mom asks.
