Love at the 20-Yard Line Read online

  A review of the previous night’s events revealed she’d been unfair to Brody. She refused to believe him when she knew he told the truth. Jealousy fueled her anger and from there she lost the ability to think rationally. Most of the night, she tossed and turned, seeing that woman kissing Brody.

  She sent him a text message apologizing, then took a shower, dressed for church, and ate a quick breakfast. She rushed out the door and stopped short as Brody walked toward her dressed in nice slacks and a polo shirt.

  “Good morning,” she said, subdued.

  “Morning, doll,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Can I go with you to church?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Neither one of them mentioned the previous evening on their way to church, nor after when they returned to Haven’s to eat lunch.

  Instead of sitting around trying to avoid the topic, Brody asked Haven if she’d like to go for a walk. It was a beautiful, sunny spring afternoon and he thought the fresh air would do them both good.

  They strolled along at a leisurely pace toward the park near his apartment complex. When they stepped off the sidewalk onto the green grass, he noticed a few families enjoyed picnic lunches.

  Brody took Haven’s elbow and guided her away from three rambunctious youngsters playing on the slide. They took seats side by side on a set of swings. Neither of them spoke until Brody finally broke the silence.

  “I think we should talk about last night.” Brody stared at his feet as he let the swing move slowly back and forth.

  Haven smoothed down the skirt of her blue and white dress, nodding her head. “I suppose we should. Since I was the one who acted unreasonable, I guess I’ll go first. I’m sorry, Brody. I shouldn’t have gone off mad and I shouldn’t have judged you.”

  Unable to sleep that night, Brody had plenty of time to analyze everything that happened from the point he arrived at the bar to the moment he saw Haven. “In retrospect, I should have called you sooner or taken my friend home myself instead of letting Marcus borrow my truck.”

  Some little part of his ego, the part that occasionally needed stroking, liked having a woman so enthralled with him she couldn’t leave him alone. Disgusted with himself for letting the woman get close enough to kiss him, especially when Haven watched, he should have handled things better. He should have gone outside to wait for Haven instead of making her come inside, knowing how much she hated to be there.

  “It seems we both could have made some better choices last night,” Haven said, twirling a stray curl around her finger.

  Brody watched her work the strand around her finger and let it go, repeating the process. She wore her hair down, and with the sun throwing golden highlights through it, she had an almost angelic appearance. It was a far cry from the infuriated woman who faced him head-on last night.

  “I agree.”

  “Brody, I really am sorry. Seeing that woman throw herself at you made me so angry and… jealous, I couldn’t even think straight,” Haven admitted, as much to herself as Brody. “Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?”

  “Actually, there is something you can do, sort of.”

  “Well, that was terribly informative, Mr. Jackson. Would you care to elaborate?”

  Brody sighed and ran a hand through his hair before returning his gaze to Haven. His mom said to be open and honest the last time he’d talked to her about Haven, so he’d give it a shot and hope it didn’t backfire.

  “Haven, I’m in love with you. I considered walking away to save us both some heartbreak later on, but Mom suggested I discuss it with you,” Brody said, watching as Haven got to her feet, standing in front of him.

  “You… you’re in love with me? Brody, you hardly know me. We’ve only… you…”

  Brody stood and took her hands in his, looking intently in her eyes. “It doesn’t matter if I’ve known you a day, a week, or a year. What matters is how I feel about you right now. Today. At this very moment.”

  “But… are you sure?” Haven asked, wishing more than anything for him to be certain.

  Instead of responding to her question, he began asking his own.

  “Does your heart pound when you see me? Have you found it increasingly difficult to think of anything besides me? Does just the thought of seeing me make you smile? Have you lost your ability to concentrate? Do I invade your dreams? Do you feel like you could reach out and touch me at night even though you’re home alone?”

  Haven blinked at him, wondering how he could have read her mind so thoroughly.

  “Do you, Haven? Do you? Do you feel like you’ve finally found the place where you belong? The one person who makes you feel different? Special? Better?”

  When she didn’t answer, he took her arms in his hands and pulled her close. “Because that is what you do to me, Haven. I can’t get you out of my head or heart. To be honest, I don’t want to.”

  “Oh, Brody.” A soft sigh escaped as she pressed her head against his chest and her arms went around his waist, holding him tightly. “I didn’t know… I had no idea you felt that way, too.”

  “You mean you really do have… feelings for me?” Brody desperately wanted the answer to be yes.

  “It’s no secret that I wear my feelings on my sleeve. How do you not know I care for you, you crazy man?” Haven smiled at him. “If I didn’t, do you think I would have been so upset last night? I’ve loved you from the moment you handed me that autographed football.”

  “Really? Seriously?” The tension that had settled into his shoulders suddenly melted away. Brody picked her up and swung her around.

  Slowly coming back to reality, he set her down and took her hands in his again. “But what about when the end of June comes? I don’t want to break your heart, Haven. We both know I can’t stay.”

  “I know. Let’s worry about June when it gets here. Until then, we’ve still got a couple months to enjoy each other, to really get to know one another.”

  “Okay,” Brody said, kissing her cheek. “We’ll just take it a day at a time and not worry about then.”

  “It’s a deal.” If Brody let go of her hand, she might float away. A glorious happiness filled her, knowing he cared for her, needed her as much as she needed him. “Maybe we should seal it with a kiss.”

  “Are you sure? Out here in front of the whole wide world?” Brody teased, knowing how Allie’s public displays of affection for Rick annoyed Haven.

  “I’ll risk it.” Haven grabbed a handful of Brody’s shirt collar and pulled his lips to hers. Something new mingled in with the familiar passion and longing. Something that felt like acceptance and love.

  Brody was the first to pull back and swung Haven around in his arms one more time before setting her down and lacing her fingers with his.

  “Before you risk more than you meant to, let’s get you home. There’s too big of an audience here today for my liking.” Brody led the way back to Haven’s apartment.

  After walking her to the door, he stepped inside to kiss her again, not wanting to give her nosy neighbor anything scandalous to report to Rachel. The kiss he gave Haven definitely would have been gossip-worthy, had anyone witnessed it.

  Haven had to grasp the back of the chair next to her to keep herself upright when Brody stepped away.

  Smiling at her with a new light in his eyes, he brushed his thumb across her well-kissed lips then grasped her chin in his hand.

  “I love you, Haven Clarice Haggarty, and I never once thought your name sounded like you should be a stripper,” Brody said, with a devilish smile.

  “How did you know I hate my name?” Hale must have said something to Brody.

  “A little bird told me,” Brody said, hugging her again. “I think it’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl, but if you ever want to try out that stripper theory, you can practice on me.”

  “You’re awful!” Haven grabbed a pillow from the couch and began hitting Brody as he laughed and tickled her sides. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her aga
inst his chest, breathing in her fragrance, soaking her warmth into his soul.

  “I know, but I make you laugh.” He kissed her ear then her neck. She melted against him and he reveled in the knowledge he could make her knees weak with his kisses.

  “Yes, you do, and I love you, too.”

  “I can’t believe he wrote that on his hand for the entire world to see,” Allie said, looking at Haven’s flushed cheeks.

  Brody had flashed his hands after he made a touchdown and this time his palms read, “Luv U, Doll!” The camera crew caught it and played it on the big screen for every person in the arena to see.

  Haven’s cheeks immediately turned red, but she was thrilled Brody no longer tried to hide his affection for her.

  After declaring their love for one another Sunday, he’d sent her flowers at work on Tuesday and a box of decadent truffles Thursday.

  Although he’d been busy getting ready for the game, she knew she’d see him after. In addition, he planned to spend the following afternoon with her.

  She had no idea he’d make their recently revealed feelings such public knowledge. She could hear two girls a few rows behind them loudly speculating on who could possibly be the love of Brody’s life. When they pointed at Allie and suggested someone like her might capture his attention, Haven didn’t know whether to laugh or be insulted.

  Allie’s nudge to her ribs and eye rolling made her smile and they both laughed.

  “I still don’t know why he likes me,” Haven said to Allie, whispering quietly in her cousin’s ear.

  Allie turned and stared at her. “You’re kidding, right? This is like the idiotic kissing question.”

  “No, I’m not,” Haven said, suddenly embarrassed she’d voiced her thoughts.

  “Let’s hear the reasons why he wouldn’t like you,” Allie said, nudging Rick and waiting for Haven to speak.

  “I’m not gorgeous like you, or tall, or thin, or even remotely trendy. I’m not outgoing or super friendly. I’m not the life of the party and truthfully prefer to stay home with a good book than be forced to attend one. I’m not the smartest, funniest, or wittiest girl on the planet. I’m just me - plain ol’ Haven, with a ridiculous name.”

  Even Rick looked at her with a raised eyebrow before glancing at Allie and shaking his head.

  “I could be completely off base, but I think what Brody sees in you, why he likes you, are all of those reasons,” Allie said, grabbing Haven’s hand in hers. “You’re sweet and innocent, hard-working and loyal. You aren’t vain or pretentious, and everything isn’t all about you. You’re funny and super-smart, not to mention all those domestic skills you have my mother wishes I possessed. As for your name, I’ll bet you ten bucks that Brody likes it and doesn’t think it’s ridiculous.”

  “I second all that,” Rick said, smiling at Haven. “There is a certain appeal in a girl who lets us do the chasing, who isn’t all wrapped up in herself, and is a good person.”

  “Did I hear you say appealing girls?” Tom asked as he returned with a box loaded down with snacks.

  “We’re talking about your sister,” Allie said, giving Tom a look that said now was not a good time for his usual sarcastic remarks.

  “I’m definitely not interested then.” Tom grinned at Haven as he handed her a bottle of water. “What brought all that up?”

  “Haven doesn’t know why Brody likes her,” Rick said before Allie could tell him to be quiet.

  “Me neither,” Tom said, picking up a slice of gooey pizza. “I mean he’s got women falling at his feet and can choose from any of them, yet he decides on this kiddo. She’s a total goofball nut-job who’s also miss snooty business professional. What fun is that?”

  Allie glared at Tom, shaking her head slightly.

  He glanced down at Haven to see if she knew he was teasing and saw, for the first time in his life, that his words did wound his sister. Although she smiled, he knew it wasn’t genuine.

  “I’m kidding, Haven. You have a lot to offer a guy, especially one who isn’t interested in the one-night stand types. There’s a lot to be said for the wholesome, sweet whatever thing you’ve got going on.”

  “Thanks, I think.” Haven playfully bumped Tom on the arm before they returned their attention to the halftime show.

  They watched as a group of the die-hard fans started a balloon around the arena. It made it through three sections before one of the security guards appropriated it. They found another one and started it around. The guard also captured it. Out of balloons, Haven and Allie laughed as one of the guys paid a child five dollars for his balloon and started it around. It made it around four sections before the guard appeared.

  The crowd started chanting, “pass it around, pass it around,” before the guard could catch up to it. Loud clapping ensued as he chased it across sections of seats. The balloon made it all the way around the arena back to the group of guys. After cheering in victory, they willingly surrendered it to the guard, who gave them a contemptuous glare then stalked off.

  “That was great,” Tom said, high-fiving Rick.

  The team appeared back in the arena and Brody looked Haven’s direction as he entered the field. It made a smile bloom in her face to know he was thinking about her.

  A few minutes into the fourth quarter, Brody waited for a pass. The rowdy fans split the arena into two sides. The first side chanted,” Jump it up!” while the second side yelled, “Jackson!”

  This went on until Brody leapt high in the air, catching the ball with one long arm extended and brought it back to his chest. He hit the ground running and gained almost ten yards before a tackle drove him down right on the twenty-yard line, directly below Haven.

  When he got to his feet, he looked up at her and lifted his hand slightly. She discreetly waved back at him, but smiled broadly when he nodded his head and returned his attention to the game.

  “So what’s going on with you two?” Tom asked Haven as her eyes followed Brody’s every move.

  “Going on?” Haven asked, clearly distracted.

  “Yeah. I mean it’s obvious you’re a goner for Brody and for reasons I’ll never understand, he seems to like you, too. What’s gonna happen when he leaves at the end of the season?” Tom asked, genuinely concerned.

  Haven pivoted her head to the side and studied her brother. Although Tom could be a jerk and a dork, she knew he cared about her even if he’d never come right out and say it.

  “I try not to think about what will happen when he leaves, but we both know it’s going to happen. I suppose I’ll go back to being lonely and a workaholic, except then I can add broken-hearted to the description.”

  “So why keep seeing him, knowing you’ll wind up hurting?” Tom thought his sister was truly crazy.

  “I’d rather spend a few months loving someone like Brody, and being loved by him, than never know what it would be like to experience true love,” Haven said. Tom didn’t miss the wistful look on her face or the soft light in her eyes.

  “Still, it seems like you’re just setting yourself up for a mental breakdown.” Tom kept his tone light and teasing.

  “And I’m sure you’ll be the one to suggest a straightjacket when the time comes.” Haven lightly slugged his arm.

  “You know it, kiddo.”

  Marcus scored a touchdown. They got to their feet and cheered along with the rest of the fans.

  The game ended soon after that with Brody’s team winning. They were on fire for the season and had a chance at making the playoffs. If they did, it meant Brody would be around for a few extra weeks.

  Haven hoped they did make the playoffs not only for the team, but also because it would keep Brody near for just a little while longer.

  He looked her direction as he left the field and she nodded her head at him, indicating she’d wait while he changed. Quickly deciding to skip out on the after-game celebration, they instead went to a late movie then to the diner near their apartments where Brody ate a full meal and Haven indulged in a pie
ce of cake.

  “So you’re gone next week, is that right?” Haven asked, already knowing the answer. She had the team’s schedule memorized and could rattle off their travel dates, when they’d be home, and approximately how many hours between times she could see Brody.

  “Yep, but we’ve got a home game Easter weekend, so I plan on chasing the Easter Bunny to your place that Sunday morning,” Brody said, giving her a teasing smile.

  “Maybe he’ll skip by me. I’m getting a little old for the Easter Bunny business, don’t you think?”

  Brody put a hand over her mouth, dropped his shoulders down, and looked cautiously around the restaurant. “Shh. He’s got spies everywhere checking up on who’s good and who’s not. You better be careful or no goodies for you.”

  Haven laughed as Brody took another bite of his burger.

  “I guess I better be careful about who I’m seen with, too,” she said, starting to get up from the table.

  Brody shook his head and grabbed her wrist, tugging her back down across from him. “Too late. He already knows you associate with riffraff like me.”

  “Hey, don’t go calling my boyfriend riffraff,” Haven said, giving him a saucy smile. “He’s a pretty great guy.”

  “You think so?” Brody was inordinately pleased she thought well of him. “I heard he was one of those jerk kind of jocks, full of himself, that sort of thing.”

  “Oh, he is, don’t get me wrong.” Haven offered Brody an innocent look. “He’s completely conceited, thinks he’s always right, is single-minded in his focus on football, and can be a little overbearing.”

  “Then why do you hang out with him?” Brody couldn’t decide if she was teasing him or not. She was getting better about not letting every emotion show on her face. However, when she grinned, he knew she teased him.

  “Because he’s also funny and sweet, caring and gentle, and he’s really, really cute.”

  “Don’t forget a good kisser. You forgot that part,” Brody said, finishing his fries.