Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)(42)

“Sorry, Jump has a previous engagement. But be sure to come on out next weekend to support the Panthers!” Derek flashed his Ken-doll grin at the crowd and ignored the disgruntled stragglers who’d patiently waited for a minute of Jared’s time. The security team flanked Jared and guided him back toward the building.

Once out of earshot, Derek addressed him. “Why aren’t you with your teammates?

“I was,” Jared snapped, “or didn’t you see Tate and Roberts standing next to me?”

Derek ignored the biting comment. “You’re scheduled to sit with the ESPN anchors at tonight’s game in San Francisco so you’ll have to be on the plane in thirty minutes. That limo,” he gestured toward the side exit, “will get you there on time.”

“What? I can’t do that. My Mom’s waiting for me at my house. She leaves tomorrow and I wanted to spend the evening with her.” Jared stopped walking and grabbed Derek by the arm. “I can’t just up and fly to San Francisco.”

“You can and you will. It’s a done deal. If you don’t show it will ruin you,” Derek snapped. “Get with the program, Jump. I’ve done everything to salvage your career. Your mother will understand. Now get your ass in the limo.”

“What about my car?” Jared scrambled to think up a way out.

“We’ll get it back to your house for you,” Derek answered dismissively. “Now get the fuck out of here.”

“At least let me get my phone so I can call my Mom.”

Jared gritted his teeth defiantly. Had it always been like this? No, he didn’t think so. Something was different and it wasn’t just him. Derek was purposely trying to keep him busy.

Derek nodded toward one of the security guys. “Get Jump’s phone for him.” The walking muscle suit cocked his head toward Jared.

“What?” Jared played dumb until he caught the hard ‘I’m going to wring it out of you if you don’t tell me’ glare from the meathead. “It’s in the side pocket of my duffel bag.”

With a curt nod, the security guard stalked over to the Camaro, opened the door, fumbled around and produced the phone. He shut the door reverently behind him, that was something. The other guard escorted Jared to the limo where he received his phone and was quickly ushered into the back. The security guards didn’t join him. Jared shot a quick text to his mom letting her know what happened. Despite her supportive response, Jared suspected she was pretty pissed off at the moment. Derek had him, it’s not like he could skip out on a prime time appearance. Jared resigned himself to one more Derek-arranged appearance. Things would be different soon enough.

**

“So, Jump, that was quite a performance today.” Brett Simpson, one of the Sunday Night Football Announcers had greeted him warmly and assured Jared that they’d keep things light. So far, he’d lived up to that promise.

“Thanks, Brett.” Jared hated the way his voice echoed in the microphone. “It was great to be back on the field and I’m just glad I was able to help us win.”

“Help?” Jimmy Williams, the other half of the sportscast, chimed in. “You call that help? You had over 200 yards receiving and three TDs, Jump. That’s a banner day for any receiver but coming off an injury like yours, well, that’s just spectacular.”

“My team really came through today. Trent Roberts had some great blocks and really opened up our offense by making a few crucial catches up the middle,” Jared explained, “and I think maybe I was underestimated a little bit.” He offered that trademark smile to the cameras like he had so many times before.

“I don’t know, it looked like you were a whole new player out there.” Brett shook his head and shuffled his papers. “I’ve never seen a receiver come back from an injury like that and have a game like that.”

Jared shrugged and put on his serious face as if he were sharing a secret with the announcers. “To be honest, I had no idea what my numbers were today. I just went out and played ball.”

“You just went out and played ball,” Jimmy repeated back to him, “now that’s an answer we like to hear. Too many people get caught up in the celebrity of the sport and forget about the game.”

“Now, Jump, I hear you had a great physical therapist who really helped you get back on track,” Brett cut in. “How are you planning to thank this guy?”

Jared cringed internally as he recalled making the same mistake, but then realized that it would be a great way to give her national praise without giving up her identity. He nodded emphatically and responded. “My PT is probably the best in the business. A.J. works with kids with long-term illnesses and took the time to help me recover. I can honestly say that A.J. is the only reason I was able to do what I did today. I’m still working on a way to repay A.J. but I haven’t quite found the right way. I mean, how do you thank somebody for saving your life?”

“Wow! That’s some serious praise, Jump,” Jimmy exclaimed. “Saved your life? Was it really that serious?”

Grinning, Jared confirmed his statement. “I can honestly say that A.J. saved my life and got me back on track, back to who I need to be.”

“Well, if I ever need a physical therapist, I know who to call for a referral.” Brett shook his head. “It looks like halftime is coming to a close, would you care to hang around for the rest of the game, Jump?”