Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)(28)

“Welcome back, Jump!” a voice screamed.

“I love you, Jump!” A shriek from the other direction.

“I think that chick wants to marry you, bro,” Trey, the number two wide-out yelled in his ear and pointed toward a sign with a huge glittering ring on it and the words ‘please ask me.’

Jared just grinned and played along, caught up in the excitement of the moment. Who wouldn’t be. Two of the cheerleaders popped up beside him, he couldn’t remember the blonde’s name because she was newer but Amanda, the redhead, was a familiar face. She’d made the squad his rookie season and had been dating Jared’s attorney for the past few years. She wrapped her arm about his waist in a side-hug and stretched up to whisper in his ear.

“Good to see you, Jared.” Amanda grinned up at him. “Matt finally proposed!”

“That’s great!” Jared beamed down at his petite friend and wrapped her up in a warm. “Congratulations!”

“Thanks!” Amanda gestured for the other cheerleaders to help his teammates escort Jared through the crowd of people. Flashes snapped from all angles but, mercifully, the team’s SUVs were in sight.

“Ride with me, I want to hear about it.” Jared took her hand so they wouldn’t get separated. He left his concerns about Derek behind and climbed into the first SUV, tugging Amanda behind him. The perky blonde followed her and Trey popped into the passenger seat.

“Welcome back, Jump!” the driver exclaimed and put the car in gear.

“Jared, do you remember Kyra?” Amanda introduced the blonde who extended a delicate, manicured hand to him.

“Of course I do,” Jared lied smoothly and shook her hand lightly, “it’s nice to see you again.”

Kyra just blushed and giggled. She played at the poms in her lap and watched him as if he weren’t quite real.

Jared winked at her before turning his attention back to Amanda. “So, when’s the wedding?”

“Nah, man. None of that talk,” Trey interjected from the front seat. “You’re back, we’re gonna party like rock stars and wedding talk is just a downer.”

Amanda launched one of her poms at Trey. “He can handle a little wedding talk if it’s from me. Then you can have him for the rest of the night while I go home to my fiancé.” She put extra emphasis on the fiancé part and flushed. “He proposed at the cabin last weekend. I wanted to call you but I heard you were coming back so I figured I’d just tell you in person.”

“That’s great, Amanda. I’m really happy for you.” Jared gave Amanda a little squeeze on her knee. “I’m guessing you haven’t made any plans yet?”

“No, not really. We obviously want to do it in the off-season so probably some time next spring,” Amanda answered, ever the practical one and so opposite the person she played on the field.

He remembered Matt’s reservations about going on a date with the bubbly redhead he’d only seen on the football field. Jared thought how A.J. would get along with Amanda and what an interesting meeting that would be.

Not one to miss such a thing, Amanda arched an eyebrow at him. “What are you smiling about, Jared?”

“Huh?” Jared played dumb. It seemed the smart move with Kyra and Trey in the car.

“Don’t play dumb with me,” Amanda scolded. “I know that smile. What happened while you were gone?”

“I worked hard and rehabbed.” Jared shrugged. “I met a really great family and attended their daughter’s wedding. It was nice.”

“You went to a wedding, bro? What the fuck happened to you in the sticks?” Trey seemed offended. “Did you go soft on us?”

“No. I just enjoyed the wedding. It’s not like there was a lot to do while I was there. Especially since I had to work to get my leg back,” Jared pointed out and, in an effort to smooth things over with his teammate, “I’m probably just a little jet-lagged. I’m sure a shower and fresh clothes will have me ready to party.”

“You better be ready. The boys planned some big stuff. Everybody’s coming.” Trey looked back, his expression stern. “Even Xander and Trent agreed to be there.”

“What?” Jared gaped. The Panther veterans, cornerback Alexander Tate and tight end Trent Roberts, never attended events. They were family men who avoided the party life at all costs.

“Yeah, man. Everybody’s happy you’re back,” Trey confirmed.

“It’s true, Jared,” Amanda said quietly, which made Jared suspect there was more to the story.

“We’re all happy you’re back,” Kyra gushed. Okay, so she was a stereotypical cheerleader. “We worked real hard to make things perfect for your welcome back party.”

Her southern drawl only added to the stereotype. Kyra would have the trifecta if she happened to hail from the great state of Texas. Jared almost asked but couldn’t make himself care enough to engage the woman any more than he needed to.

“I can’t believe Xander and Trent are gonna party.” Jared shook his head. “How did that happen?”

Amanda squeezed his knee gently. So there was more to the story. Shit, now what did Derek pull to force his teammates out of the quiet life? Dammit.

“They just want to be there for you,” Amanda covered but gave him a meaningful look.