Love at the 20-Yard Line Page 6

  Her scent made him think of sunny skies, warm breezes, and spring flowers. Resting his hands on her shoulders, he wanted to pull her back against his chest and rain kisses along the exposed skin of her neck.

  Instead, he took out his wallet and left cash for the bill as well as a generous tip on their table.

  Haven noticed the other night Brody seemed to leave hefty tips and wondered about the reason. She assumed it was because both times the server was young and pretty and he was the big jock looking to impress a girl. Somewhat miffed by his actions, she glared down at the money he casually dropped next to the bill.

  Brody caught Haven staring at the cash on the table. He shrugged his shoulders and looked down at his feet. “Mom worked two jobs as a waitress all the years I was growing up and to help put me through school. I… um…”

  Haven reached out and squeezed his hand, aware that Brody had cracked open the door to his heart and let her peek inside for a brief moment. Remorseful settled over her for thinking his generous gesture was about stroking his ego. Perhaps there was more to the man than she originally thought. “I think that’s nice, Brody.”

  He nodded and kept her hand in his as they exited the restaurant and returned to his truck. On the drive back to her office, they chatted about the weather and spring arriving soon. He started to get out to see her to the door, but she asked him not to.

  “It will just distract the staff with unnecessary gossip and speculation if you do.” Haven placed her hand on his arm before he could get out of the truck.

  “Why? Surely this isn’t the first time you’ve left with a man for lunch.” Brody assumed someone like Haven would have men asking her out on a daily basis.

  “Well, it’s um…”

  “Come on, Haven. You go to lunch with clients all the time, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but you aren’t a client.”

  “And I’m really glad about that because I’m pretty sure you can’t do this with your clients.” Brody leaned across the cab and placed a soft, gentle kiss on her surprised lips.

  Although the contact was brief, Haven felt like her lips were about to burst into flame, along with the rest of her body from the brush of his mouth against hers.

  “Thanks for lunch today, doll. I’m going to be playing out of town this week and next, but maybe we can see each other for lunch again, or something,” Brody said in a husky voice with his face just inches from Haven’s. His gaze rested on those pink lips he’d just kissed. He wanted to take her in his arms and drink from them until his thirst for the lovely woman was finally quenched.

  Alert to the longing reflected in her eyes, along with a hint of uncertainty, Brody looked around his pickup for a piece of paper. He cleaned it out before he took her to lunch and didn’t even have a stray gum wrapper anywhere in the cab.

  Brody grabbed a pen and took Haven’s hand in his, turning it over so it rested open and flat on his thigh. He shot her a cocky grin after scribbling something across her palm.

  “That’s my cell number if you want to call or text me.” Brody kissed her cheek as she opened her door and started to slide out. “I hope I don’t have to wait until our next home game to see you.”

  Unable to speak as she held her hand open, away from her body, hoping her nervous, damp palm wouldn’t annihilate the ink before she could get to her desk and write down his number. She tipped her head to him and hurried inside the building. She forced herself not to look back at Brody’s truck. Instead, she smiled at the receptionist and hurried to her office.

  Plopping down at her desk, she snatched up a pen and wrote the number on a piece of paper.

  After removing her coat and hanging it up, she took her phone out of her purse and added the number to her list of contacts. She contemplated the significance of Brody giving her his personal number.

  Since he wouldn't be in the area in a few months when the season ended, she needed to decide if she’d allow herself to enjoy his company while she could or continue guarding her heart.

  Chapter Six

  “You’re not still mad about us ditching you at the diner after the last game, are you?” Allie asked Haven as they walked across the parking lot to the arena.

  “What do you mean left you at the diner?” Hale glanced from his cousin to his sister. He’d picked up Haven at her apartment and they met Allie and Rick in the parking lot at the football game.

  For some odd reason, Haven refused to ride with Allie and he wondered if this had anything to do with it.

  “Allie thought it would be hilarious to leave me at the diner after the last football game because Brody Jackson happened to be there. She was under the assumption he’d give me a ride home if I was abandoned by my so-called friends.”

  Hale glared at Allie. “You didn’t really leave her there, did you?”

  “Well, yeah, we did. Rick and I parked across the street and then followed behind his truck to make sure she got home safely. He didn’t even try to kiss her goodnight. I was, like, totally in shock.” Allie spoke to Hale, ignoring the look of irritation on Haven’s face.

  “So not only did you dump me, you stalked me?” Haven glowered from Allie to Rick. He at least had the decency to look embarrassed.

  “It wasn’t stalking. I wanted to make sure he wasn’t like a crazed killer or something.” Allie looped her arm around Haven’s as they neared the door.

  “Wouldn’t that have been good to discover before you left me at the diner?”

  “Maybe, but it was a spur of the moment thing.” Allie grinned as they sauntered inside. “Besides, it worked out fine, didn’t it?”

  “I don’t know what your definition of fine is, but it’s not like we’ve gone out on a date or anything. I haven’t even seen him for a couple weeks,” Haven said. Although Brody gave her his number and said he wanted to see her again soon, between him traveling out of town for games and her work schedule, all they’d managed to do was speak on the phone a few times.

  Brody called her last night to make sure she’d be at the game, and she assured him she’d be there. She’d hoped he’d want to talk a while, but he cut the call short and left her wondering what was going on with him. She still couldn’t decide if he was interested in her or not.

  Now was not the time or place to worry about it. Instead, she turned her attention to their options for food.

  Although Haven was still annoyed with Allie and her crazy ideas, she wasn’t mad enough to keep from inviting her to attend the game that night. She knew both Allie and Rick enjoyed the last one. Hale hinted, when they had dinner together Tuesday night, he’d like to go since Abby was out of town for the weekend.

  The four of them bought drinks and snacks then went to their seats. While they munched on warm, doughy pretzels, they watched the players warm up out on the field, tossing balls and stretching.

  “Look, Haven! There he is!” Allie grabbed Haven’s hand as she was taking a sip from her water bottle, making liquid splash down the front of her shirt.

  “Thanks, Al. Thanks a lot,” she said, mopping water from her chin with a napkin and following Allie’s pointing finger to the field where Brody tossed a ball with his friend Marcus.

  From their conversations, Haven learned that Marcus was Brody’s best friend. She’d even talked to him for a few minutes last week when Brody had to answer a question the coach asked in the middle of one of their calls. He was friendly and amusing, and seemed like a good balance to Brody’s more dynamic personality.

  Brody happened to look into the stands and catch her watching him. He lifted his hand just enough that she knew he acknowledged her presence, although he didn’t smile. His attention quickly returned to the ball in his hands and in another minute the field cleared and the drum line entered the arena.

  The thump of the bass drum and the chiming clang of the cymbals energized the crowd. The players filed out onto the field one at a time as the announcer called their names.

  Surprised when Brody came out holding the hand of a
little boy, she noticed a few of the players had kids with them. The announcer said something about the children representing those who had undergone treatment at the hospital’s new cancer center.

  She watched Brody squat down and put his arm around the little boy, talking to him while cameras flashed and music blared. The child finally smiled and nodded his head at something Brody said.

  Deeply touched by the interaction, Haven didn’t know what to think about Brody Jackson.

  He was intense, exciting, confusing, kind, and exasperating. Beyond that, she decided she’d hold off forming any other opinions until she actually went on a real date with him, if that ever happened.

  Haven swallowed hard, watching the beautiful cheerleaders strut their stuff. She was so far out of Brody’s league, she had no business entertaining any thoughts about him. In addition, she set herself up for a fall when Brody would leave in a few months and she’d never see him again.

  Purposefully closing the door on her worries and self-induced anxiety for one night, she decided to follow Allie’s example and live in the moment. At least until the end of the game.

  She cheered as the game began, watching the players on the field.

  Haven joined in the chanting as the rowdy fans started yelling, “Jump it up, Jackson! Jump it up!”

  When the quarterback threw the ball to him, Brody jumped so high, Haven didn’t know how he could do it. He caught the ball and took off running. He gained several yards before a tackle felled him, but the crowd had already gone wild, stomping their feet and clapping noisily.

  “Did you see him, Hale?” Haven turned to her brother, wearing a happy smile.

  “I sure did, baby girl. Maybe you can ask him how he jumps like that. Does he put springs in his shoes?” Hale teased, giving Haven a one-armed hug. Hale knew she had more than a passing interest in the football player. He was all for her having fun, but worried Brody would break her heart before the season ended.

  “He told me he once jumped over a backyard fence. Can you imagine?”

  “Not really. Maybe we can take him out to the farm sometime and see if he could hurdle one of dad’s big hay bales.”

  “That would be entertaining,” Haven agreed, returning her attention to the game.

  Allie nudged Haven and pointed to where Brody joined his teammates as they walked out of the arena and back to the locker room at halftime.

  “You sure he doesn’t play tight end, because, sweetie, that is definitely what he’s got going on. Don’t you just want to reach out and grab his bum?” Allie giggled as a searing blush colored Haven’s cheeks bright pink.

  “Hey, boyfriend sitting right here,” Rick grumbled, insulted and somewhat peeved at Allie.

  She kissed him on the mouth and rubbed her hand across his shoulder. “And I’ve only got eyes for you, lover boy. I’m just pointing out the obvious to Haven. We all know she needs a little nudge now and then.”

  “Well, keep your nudging to yourself.” Haven fanned her face with the program. Although she secretly agreed with Allie’s assessment, she pretended to be indignant. Thoughts of Brody lingered in her mind. She couldn’t decide if she preferred Brody in his uniform or dressed up like he’d been when they went to lunch. She needed to see him in jeans and a T-shirt in the light of day before she made any lasting decisions, though.

  Reluctantly reining in her inappropriate thoughts where one handsome football player and his extremely attractive backside was concerned, she turned to Hale and talked to him about work.

  The teams returned to the field before Haven even had a chance to run to the restroom, so she stayed in her seat, waiting to see Brody again.

  He made another amazing jump, catching the ball and gaining a few yards before a tackle ended the play. When he got to his feet, he turned his head her direction. Haven smiled and nodded her head in approval, hoping he knew she thought he did well.

  While the team was playing defense she excused herself to the restroom and returned with some of the mini doughnuts Hale loved so much. She purchased two orders of them, knowing she and Allie wouldn’t get any if they had to fight both Rick and Hale for a bite.

  She licked sweet chocolate frosting from her fingers and cheered when the team made another touchdown, moving the score ahead in their favor. The final quarter of the game was brutal and she watched as the rival team repeatedly slammed Brody to the turf and into the dasher boards.

  With just a few seconds left on the clock, his team took possession of the ball and made it to the end zone, winning the game. The crowd erupted into cheers and Haven clapped loudly, watching the players high-five each other then shake hands with the opposing team.

  “That was wicked,” Hale said, knuckle bumping Rick as they gathered up their things to leave.

  “What a game! It was brutal!” Rick kissed Allie’s cheek as they waited for the aisle leading out of the arena to clear so they could leave.

  “I’m too wound up to go home this early. You guys want to go out?” Allie asked as Haven slipped on her jacket and dug around in her purse for a piece of gum. Finding a half-empty pack, she passed it around before dropping it back in her bag.

  “I’ll pass, but Hale, you can go if you want to.” Haven preferred mornings although Allie was a night owl and Hale landed somewhere in the middle.

  “Nah. I’ll take you home and then I think I’ll turn in. I had to fill in at the pharmacy this morning and I’m kind of tired.” Hale grinned as Brody jumped over the dasher boards in the sponsor section. “Don’t look now, but your hero has arrived.”

  “What?” Haven spun around as Brody charged up the steps toward them.

  “Haven!” Brody was all smiles now that the game was over. “Did you like the game?”

  “You played very well,” she said, unnerved by his penetrating gaze. He looked like he wanted something and she wasn’t exactly sure what it was or if she would be willing to grant his wish if she did know.

  “Man, that was amazing,” Hale said, shaking Brody’s hand. “Great game.”

  “Thanks,” Brody said, returning his handshake. “Haven talks a lot about you.”

  “Then I’m surprised you’ll even shake my hand,” Hale said with a teasing smile directed at his sister. “You aren’t telling tales are you, baby girl?”

  “No, I’m not. But I might if you don’t behave yourself.” Haven frowned at Hale, embarrassed he called her baby girl in front of Brody. He’d always called her by that name and the family was used to it. However, she didn’t think it sounded like a very dignified moniker for a business professional.

  Brody laughed and shook Rick’s hand then smiled at Allie, giving her a wink and leaning over to whisper his thanks for dropping Haven in his lap after the last game.

  “If I beg and plead, will you guys come to the party? I’d really like to have you join me,” he invited, seeing the hopeful look on Allie’s face.

  Haven started to say no but an elbow in her ribs from Allie and a shove at her back from Hale forced her to agree.

  “Sure, why not,” she said, turning a cold stare on her cousin.

  “You mean it? You’ll go?” Brody wasn’t convinced he’d heard her correctly.

  “We’ll be there.” Haven thought it was a bad idea, but she felt pressured to agree.

  Brody told them where to go and said he’d meet them there as soon as he could. After pecking Haven’s cheek, he hurried away, glancing over his shoulder once and giving her a pleased smile.

  Excited, Allie bounced on the balls of her feet. “We get to party with the team. This is going to be so cool.”

  “Right. Cool.” The beginning of a headache started pounding in Haven’s temple. She hated big crowds and loud parties. All the drinking, and who knew what else, that went on was definitely not her thing.

  Allie, however, fed off the energy and Rick didn’t seem to mind either.

  Haven looked at Hale as they turned to leave the stands. “If you want to go home, I can leave myself at the mercy of
these two.”

  “I’ll tag along,” he said, throwing an arm around Haven’s shoulders as they walked to the exit and went outside. “At least for a little while. That way if you want to leave early, I can take you home.”

  “Thanks, Hale. I appreciate it,” Haven said as she climbed in his pickup.

  They followed Allie and Rick to the sports bar just a few miles from the arena. They walked inside together and the jubilant atmosphere nearly sent Haven rushing back outside.

  It was noisy and rowdy with many of the fans already enjoying the after game party. After making their way to an empty table in a corner, Haven and Hale sat down. Allie decided to mingle and Rick went along to make sure she didn’t get into any trouble.

  Hale ordered two sodas and a burger when a waitress stopped by their table. Haven just wanted to go home. She couldn’t fathom why Brody wanted her to come or how he thought they could talk here. The noise level made it impossible to think let alone converse.

  Even seated beside Hale, she could see his lips moving as he spoke, but she couldn’t hear a word he said.

  She released a sigh and held a hand to her ear, indicating she couldn’t hear him. Hale gave her an odd look and turned his attention to the burger the waitress sat in front of him.

  Irritated, Haven rifled through her purse and pulled out a notepad and pen. She scribbled a note to Hale, asking if they could leave as soon as he finished his burger.

  He read the note and shook his head.

  “Why not?” she yelled, annoyed by the noise and atmosphere. He was getting to be as bad as Allie at making her do things she didn’t want to do.

  Rather than answer, he pretended not to hear her and continued eating his burger. He motioned for her to take some fries but she refused. Again digging through her purse, she found a bottle of pain reliever and took two, hoping it would stop the throbbing in her head.

  With her agitation multiplying by the minute, she contemplated calling a cab when a warm hand settled on her shoulder. She lifted her gaze to look up at Brody’s handsome face.