Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)(41)

“Do you really think that I would have a secret wife? How many secrets have I kept from you guys over the years?” Jared countered.

“We heard you went to a wedding though, Jump.” The hiss came from Toad.

“I did attend a wedding,” Jared admitted, “but it was not for me, it was for the youngest daughter of my driver. He was a good guy and asked me to attend for his daughter who’s a huge fan of the Panthers. The man drove me around for weeks, it was the least I could do.”

“Man, Jump, now I feel like an asshole.” Toad shifted uncomfortably.

“Nah, don’t feel that way. I get it, you boys are just doing your job,” Jared said diplomatically, “but I assure you, I am not married and the only woman in my house right now is my Mother. She had a relaxing day at the spa and I have promised her a relaxing evening so if you want to talk to her, unfortunately, you’ll have to wait for morning.”

“That’s okay, Jump. We’ll just head out.” Frog tugged at Toad’s arm. “Sorry, again.”

“Have a good night, guys.” Jump waved them off and disappeared back into his house. His mom hadn’t moved from the couch but her eyes danced with mirth. “Derek has got to go.”

“I think that would be wise,” his mom agreed. “They’re probably not the last ones we’ll see this weekend, huh?”

“I doubt it.” Jared flopped on the couch opposite his mother.

“Awesome.” His mom frowned. “Honey, what if you write A.J. a letter explaining everything and inviting her and her sister to join you for the game in Nashville. You could have your friend Rick and his family attend so there would just be one big group.”

Jared contemplated this. “That may work. I am sure I can get a lot of tickets from the team for that game. Not many people have family or friends who live near Nashville. It would be great to have a crowd there.”

“It may help your case for a trade to Nashville,” his mom added. “If it looks like you have a crowd, I mean.”

“You’re right, Mom.” Jared smiled his real smile, the kind that reached his eyes. “It could work. If she will even read my letter.” Then he had an even better idea. “Mom, I think I know a way to make sure A.J. shows up at that game.”

“What do you have in mind?” His mom arched an eyebrow, suspicious.

“Let’s just say, I have a lot of friends that would love to see their first professional football game.” Jared knew it would take a lot of work to make it happen but he knew it would be worthwhile if he pulled it off.





Chapter11

“Are you sure about this, Jump?” Trey asked for the third time as they walked out of the stadium.

“Yeah, man. I’m good,” Jared assured his teammate.

“It’s gonna be a great party, lots of fine ladies around.” Trey had been trying to entice Jared to join him for some post-victory partying.

“Have fun, Trey,” Jared laughed, “but not too much fun.”

“Fair enough, bro.” Trey took off down toward the others as they argued over who would drive and piled into a few cars.

Jared sauntered over to his Camaro and tossed the duffel into the passenger seat. He surveyed the crowd screaming at him from beyond the wrought iron gates, grateful his mom had stayed at the house. A few of his teammates, Xander and Trent included, were already signing autographs but most of the crowd seemed to be clamoring for his attention now.

Riding the high from their victory and his triumphant return to football, Jared knew he couldn’t avoid the crowd and hope to maintain his fan base. He grabbed one of his token green Sharpies from the cup holder and headed across the lot toward the fans, careful to catch the kids first.

“Hey, Jump! Can I get your autograph?” A young kid, probably middle school-aged with a head of curls similar to his own caught his eye first.

“Absolutely, what’s your name?” Jared offered up his lop-sided grin.

“Brett,” the kid gushed. “You played a great game, one of the best I’ve seen and I’ve seen a lot!”

Jared chuckled. “Thanks, it wasn’t too bad. You play football?”

“Yeah, I’m a cornerback,” Brett said sheepishly.

“Have you met Xander Tate yet? He’s one of the best in the league,” Jared said, noticing his friend a few paces down the line. “You should definitely look up to him.” He winked at the kid, handed back the program, and moved on.

“Great game, Jump!” Another kid stepped up and handed him a football. “My name’s Chris, with a C-H, not just a C.”

“Okay, Chris with a C-H,” Jared confirmed and scrawled a message on the ball with his own name and number attached.

Kids came and went, sprinkled with adults looking for memorabilia to sell but Jared smiled and talked with each one, casually working his way closer to Xander and Trent who were known for spending time at the fence after games – win or lose. A few women stepped closer and asked Jared to sign their breasts, nothing new but not quite as exciting as it used to be. Xander laughed beside him as the cameras flashed to commemorate the moments. Jared took it all in stride, answered questions about his recovery, much as he had during the post-game press conferences, but it felt sort of empty. He didn’t know how long he was out there before Derek walked up with security and put an end to the autograph session.