Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)(18)

Jared bobbed his head in acknowledgment and pushed off the table. “I actually saw her play in college. She’s really talented.”

“Yeah, she plays pick-up games sometimes at the rec center. Puts those boys to shame.” Dr. Radlinksi shook his head. “You should check it out sometime. I don’t think she’s lost a step.”

“I’ll try to get down there,” Jared promised even though he’d already seen A.J. in action. He’d been embarrassed for the guys who tried to play against her. Half of them were panting, balls of sweat before A.J. showed any signs of being winded.

“Good luck, Jared.” Dr. Radlinski stood and extended his hand. “It’s been a pleasure working with you.”

Jared took his hand. “Thank you, Doc. I appreciate it.”

He forced the words out but practically choked on them since he’d only seen the doctor a few times and today’s visit boasted the most face time of all the visits. It had been A.J. who got Jared through the recovery and back on track, not Dr. Radlinski who clearly couldn’t wait to take the credit.

“Oh, and Doc, could we keep this under wraps a little longer? I want a little more gym time to get my form back before I head back.”

“Absolutely,” Dr. Radlinski assured him. “I think we can put everybody off for a few more weeks to give you some time to bulk up. Make sure to add in some protein shakes.” He flashed a grin of dismissal and turned back to his desk.

Jared took the cue and slipped out of the office. He had places to be anyway. As promised, Micah, Max, and Paul waited for him in the waiting room, similarly dressed in mesh shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. They’d leapt at the opportunity to work out with Jared and were waiting eagerly for him to get the all clear.

“Let’s go, guys.”

“Are you sure about this, Jay?” Paul pressed from the front seat of the SUV. “It’s bound to draw some attention.”

“Doubtful. This place is usually pretty dead at this time of day except for the guys who play basketball.” Jared shrugged. “They’re pretty excited about the whole thing and the staff didn’t complain about the bonus for their silence.”

“Quit trying to ruin it, Paul,” Micah chastised from the back seat. “This is gonna be awesome.”

They pulled up to the rec center and bailed out of the car. The parking lot sat all but empty, just a smattering of cars. They ambled up to the front door and Jared knocked lightly. The door swung open and they were greeted by one of the rec center employees, a perky redhead making her way through college while working part time at the rec.

“Hey-ya, Cass.” Jared offered a lop-sided grin. “How’s it coming?”

“Great! Everything’s ready to go and the guys are waiting in the gym.” Cass beamed, her ponytail bounced as she whirled to lead them toward the gym. “I think it’s all set.”

“Great, thanks, Cass.” Jared stopped at the doors and gestured for the brothers to go ahead of them. “Give us a heads up when they get here, okay?”

“Sure thing!” Cass bounded off to the front doors to wait for their special guests.

Jared exhaled and put on his game face. He strolled into the gym exuding as much confidence as he could muster. “Alright, guys. Let’s make this good. Does everybody know what they’re doing?”

The guys greeted him with grins and cheers. Several stepped up and slapped him on the back approvingly or just shook his hand.

“Man, this is a great thing you’re doing.” One sandy-haired, beanpole stepped forward and offered his hand to Jared, “I can’t believe you put all of this together. I never would have guessed you’d be so cool. But, if A.J. swears you’re good people, then you are.”

“Thanks.” Jared shook the guy’s hand firmly. “Just trying to do some good while I’m here.”

“This is really good, man.” The sandy-haired guy said seriously before slipping away to join his buddies.

“Are you sure you're ready for this?” Micah popped up beside Jared.

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Jared nodded. “How did the jerseys turn out?”

“Great!” Micah held one out to him, a white basketball jersey trimmed in navy blue. “Here’s yours.”

Jared accepted the jersey and pulled it over his head as Cass popped her head in the gym.

“They’re here!”

A.J. appeared next, clad in her hospital scrubs and followed by a nurse pushing one of the kids from Amherst’s Pediatric Wing. They filed into the gym, one by one, some walking, some pushed by nurses, but all with wide eyes taking in the fully decorated gym. The pick-up basketball players handed jerseys to each of the kids as they passed beneath the blue and white balloon archway to the tune of ‘Eye of the Tiger.’ A.J. strode across the gym to greet Jared and gave him a quick, chaste kiss on the cheek.

“This is incredible,” A.J. surveyed the gym, complete with stations for several different sports from golf to football to basketball. “I can’t believe you did all of this.”

Jared beamed. “I didn’t do all of it. I had a lot of help from these guys. They were more than willing to help.”

“Probably because of Jack’s little brother,” A.J. said casually. She subtly gestured toward the sandy-haired guy helping a young boy grip a football. “Jack transferred to a college back here so he could support Caden through his therapy. This probably means a lot to him.”