Tackling Love - Kathleen Kelly Page 0,9
of the front door. When she reaches my car, I wind down the window. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, Colt… Derek is asleep on the couch. He’ll be fine. Go home, and thank you for worrying about us.”
I grin and shake my head. “It’s no trouble. Does he do that often?”
“Not for a long time. He was a good man… once. Unfortunately, he put all his self-worth into his job, and when he lost that, he spiraled.” She frowns and looks to the house then back at me. “Anyway, please go.” Maria turns quickly and walks inside.
I wait around for another minute before I drive off.
Derek’s lucky he has both of them, blessed that he has a family. It’s a pity he hasn’t woken up to that yet.
SKYE
It’s Friday night, and I’m in my pajamas watching The Notebook for the hundredth time. Tears are streaming down my face as it plays again. Loud music filters in from outside, and I hear a voice singing, “I like you baaaby, and if it’s quite all right, I need you, Skyeee…”
My tears stop instantly, and I peer out my front curtains with my eyebrows drawn together.
Standing outside is Colt Anders with a marching band, in what I am assuming, are his team’s colors. There must be a dozen people out there.
I jump to my feet, open my front door, and yell, “What are you doing?”
“Aren’t they great?” Colt asks as he dances around.
Laughter explodes out of me as he dances and tries to sing.
“So… do you like?” Colt asks as he shakes his chest.
“Shut up!” yells one of my neighbors.
I step outside onto the porch and motion for Colt to come inside. “Yes. Please, stop!” I say through my laughter. I live in a nice neighborhood, so having a noise complaint against me is the last thing I need.
Colt turns around and shakes a couple of their hands. “Thanks, guys.” He jogs toward me, ducks and throws me over his shoulder, then he turns around waves at his friends, and we enter the house. Colt takes me straight to my bedroom.
“Hang on! Put me down,” I demand.
Colt throws me on the bed. “Your wish is my command,” he says seductively. Then he looks at me, at my face, and concern washes across his features. “Are you okay, sugar?”
Realizing I must look a mess, I nod frantically. “I was watching a sad movie, and I wasn’t expecting anyone, so I’m kind of dressed… for bed.”
I’m mortified by my appearance as I crawl off the bed and shake my head.
I shouldn’t have opened the front door.
What was I thinking?
“Let’s go back out into my living room, or kitchen, or anywhere there isn’t a bed and talk.”
“Talk?” Colt looks confused.
“Yes, Mr. Quarterback for the New England Warriors. Talk!”
“Ahh… so you do know who I am?” Colt states with a smirk.
“I googled you. You’re quite famous and a known ladies’ man who’s left a string of broken hearts everywhere he goes.”
Colt looks uncomfortable, and the cockiness slips from his stance. He looks at me from under his lashes and says, “Maybe once upon a time, but not anymore.”
“Okay then, talk?”
Colt grins at me, and we head toward the living room. “Talk? I’m capable of it.”
I giggle, wishing I was more appropriately dressed as I settle on my couch in my usual spot. Colt sits next to me taking up the rest of it. The silence is deafening as he stares at me expectantly, waiting for me to start this conversation I want.
“How long have you played football?” I ask nervously.
Colt frowns, then looks thoughtful. “Always. My dad encouraged me from a young age. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing football.” He smiles. “My turn, how long have you lived here?”
“I bought the house two years ago. It needed a little bit of a makeover, but now she’s perfect.”
Colt nods and looks at me. “It’s your turn.”
“Oh! Ahh… I read an article that said you’ve always wanted to play for the Warriors. You must have been excited when they picked you?”
“Is this an interview, or do you want to get to know me?”
I nod as Colt moves away from me slightly, but answers my question. “Yes, football is something I love, but it’s not all of me. You probably know more about my career than I do if you’ve read up on me?”
I feel my face become hot.
Dammit! He’s right, I sound like a reporter.
“I’m sorry, I am a little nervous. Do you live near here?”
Colt relaxes and