Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)(5)

A.J.’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t really want to talk about it.”

“You set a record for three-pointers in the play-offs and then broke it the very next year.” Jared started rattling off her stats, the ones he could remember. “I watched you in the finals your senior year. You made me love women’s basketball. Wow. I thought for sure you’d go pro.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” A.J.’s tone changed, she turned stiffly toward him. “I think we should call it a day.”

“Okay.” Jared maneuvered to the edge of the pool and let her help him out. The cool air sent gooseflesh over his skin but she didn’t seem affected.

“I’ll see you Friday.” A.J. handed him his crutches and left him gaping after her.

Jared maneuvered his way to the locker room and changed back into street clothes. According to the clock on the wall he still had thirty minutes of PT left. Jared texted Rick that he finished early and headed back to the lobby. He wondered what happened to A.J. and if anybody here knew her real identity.

“I’m parked out front, Jay.” Rick ran through the doors, slightly breathless.

“You didn’t have to run, Rick. I’m not in a hurry.” Jared smiled at his driver. “But thanks.”

“It’s what I’m paid for.” Rick held the door open for him and helped him into the SUV.

“Hey, Rick?” Jared asked casually.

“Yes? Did you have another stop you want to make?” Rick looked at him in the rearview mirror.

“No. I was just wondering if you ever watch basketball.” Jared watched out the window. “Like, women’s basketball?”

“Oh, no, not really.” Rick answered. “I am not really a sports fan, to be honest.”

And the world make sense again, Jared thought, no wonder Derek hired this guy to drive him. “No big deal, Rick. Just wondering.”

“Are you sure there isn’t anywhere else you’d like to go, Jay?” Rick asked expectantly.

“Nope, just take me home, please.” Jared put his head back on the seat. “I’m really tired from PT today.”

“That’s why you ended early?” Rick’s eyes flicked toward the review again.

“Something like that,” Jared mumbled.

“My daughter went to PT at Amherst last year.” Rick said. “She was exhausted after every session that first few weeks.”

“I can understand why.” Jared didn’t know what to say.

Rick must have picked up on his discomfort, “Ally’s okay now, she got hurt in one of those fitness races, some mud challenge thing. Anyway, Ally really liked the gal she worked with but she was real tired after their sessions.”

Jared’s ears perked up. “Who did your daughter work with?”

“Hmmm, what was her name? She understood my girl. They talked sports cuz I guess she was an athlete too.”

“Was it A.J.?” Jared asked, perhaps with a little too much enthusiasm.

“Yeah! That’s it.” Rick nodded his head. “She got my Ally running again. I think she’s even invited to the wedding.”

“You don’t say.” Jared couldn’t believe his luck.

“Yeah, Ally says she’s in better shape now than before and she says it’s all because of that therapist.” Rick bobbed his head a few more times. “Hopefully, you have the same luck.”

“I don’t think A.J. likes me quite as much. But I do hope she can get me back in shape.”

Rick looked at him in the mirror. “She’s good at what she does, Jay. I’m sure she’ll have you back to playing football in no time.”

Jared didn’t even try to hide his surprise, “I thought you didn’t watch sports, Rick?”

“Did I say that?” Rick smiled mischievously. “I may watch a little football from time to time.”

“Indeed.” Jared waited for his driver to ask a favor. He was used to it. Happened all the time.

“Sorry I lied to you,” Rick apologized, “I didn’t want you feeling self-conscious or worried that I would give you up to the press or something. I won’t, I promise you. I really am doing this just to make some extra money for my Ally’s wedding. She’s my baby girl, Jay.” Rick emphasized the last part with emotion that could not possibly be faked.

Jared relaxed in his seat. “It’s fine, Rick.”

“Incidentally, if you need somebody to watch films with, I’m more than happy to do that part for free.” Rick smirked and looked back at Jared briefly.

“Actually,” Jared arrived at an interesting idea, “I would really like that. I’m used to being surrounded by people and my house is so quiet. As you know my family can’t really visit right now, media following them around and all.” He trailed off, hoping Rick picked up on things himself.

“My family gets together on Sundays to grill out,” Rick began, “why don’t you join us?”

Jared smiled, “Really? It wouldn’t be too much of an imposition?”

“Of course not! My family would love to have you over,” Rick assured him. “My wife likes a full house and with our youngest about to be married off, she’s starting to feel the empty nest thing.”