Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)(54)
“A wise man once told me that you should always bring a gift when you sign on with a new team,” Coach Smith began, “and I have always honored that tradition. So, today, as I take on the role of Head Coach of the Nashville Cougars, I bring with me two phenomenal offensive weapons who I hope will help get us to the playoffs.” Coach Smith paused. “Please welcome your new Nashville Cougars, tight end Trent Roberts and wide receiver Jared “Jump” Jackson.”
A.J. clapped a hand over her mouth as Jared burst through the door and popped up to the table followed by the other man who she vaguely recognized. The crowd around them erupted into a flurry of questions and flailing hands, all vying for attention.
“Now calm down, everybody, one at a time.” Jared smiled his 1,000-watt grin at the crowd. “I’m sure you all have a lot of great questions but my man, Trent and I can’t hear you if you ask them all at once.” Jared gave them a few minutes to collect themselves, flashes snapped and he just kept grinning at them. Once they stopped yelling questions, he continued. “Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why we made this move. Trent can tell his own story, but for me, it’s about a woman.”
The crowd erupted again. A.J. scrunched into a ball in her seat, wrapped around the football. Her group ignored the media circus and focused on her instead, very aware of which woman Jared was referring to.
“He’s talking about you, Alex!” Jaida whispered excitedly in her ear. “C'mon, sit up. Don’t hide back here!”
“Oh! You want to know who she is?” Jared’s voice carried back to them. “I don’t think she’d like the way you’d treat her so I’ll just keep it quiet for a while if you don’t mind.”
“C’mon, Jump! We’ve seen all your flames!” a voice called out from the other side of the room.
“My man, there haven’t been any other flames. This woman is the only woman, period,” Jared said firmly into the microphone in front of him. “And anybody who says otherwise is perpetuating the lies set out by my former manager, who, in case you haven’t heard, is facing several charges for his illegal actions.
“If you have any questions about the lady in my life, please feel free to refer them to my agent, Ameryst Rice. In the meantime, I would ask that you respect my privacy as I make the move to my new team and try to get things moving with the lovely woman who sparked this transition.”
“Where are you going to live, Jump?” another voice chimed in.
“Now, I’m not stupid enough to tell you that. And I can assure you that my new agent’s not so easy to buy off.” Using his hand, he shielded his eyes and scanned the crowd. “Ah! There they are! If you will excuse me, I have a very special group of kids here and I’d really like to take them out on the field if you don’t mind.” Jared stood, shook hands with both coaches, patted Trent on the back and pushed through the throng of writers until he reached their group.
Rick stepped forward and embraced him. “Well done, Jay, well done.”
“Thanks, Rick.” Jared grinned, he looked so relaxed. “Now, how’s about we go out on the field and have a little fun?”
Jared led the way, ushered the whole group out of the room and ignored the media begging for his attention. It occurred to A.J. that he was really making a statement with this. The media would never forgive him for this, would never look at him the same way. A.J. fell into step behind Jared who was already chatting happily with Ally’s brother, Paul.
“So, I need to talk to you about a job,” Jared said, “as in, would you like one?”
“What?” Paul gasped, “Are you serious?”
“Absolutely. Coach Smith was really impressed with the tips you gave me and I explained how you had a lot more to offer. So, the job’s yours if you want it.”
“Of course I do!” Paul exclaimed. “Thank you so much!”
“You deserve it,” Jared clapped him on the shoulder, “just thank me by helping us win some games.”
“Absolutely!” Paul agreed.
The group followed Jared onto the field where players from both teams were milling about as if waiting for something. A.J. thought it peculiar but kept quiet and followed Jared to mid field.
“Okay guys, I’ve got the field for the next few hours and all of these guys,” he gestured toward the remaining players, “have decided they want nothing more than to hang out with you. We were trying to figure out something fun to do and thought you might be up for some football practice, what do you think?”
“YES!” The kids screamed and cheered. Players ran over with kid-sized footballs and began working with kids and families, even Jaida joined in.
“I was afraid you weren’t going to come.” Jared appeared at A.J.’s side.
“I almost didn’t,” A.J. admitted.
“What did you think?” Jared asked, watching the action on the field.
“About what?” A.J. asked coyly.
“The trade,” Jared said evenly as he studied her. “You look different.”
“You are different,” A.J. deflected.
“You would know better than anybody,” Jared stated. He took her hand. “I did this to be near you. I know things got messed up when I left but I meant every word I said in that letter.” Jared exhaled and pulled her into his arms. He looked into her eyes, his voice husky. “Dammit, Alexis, I want to be with you. I want you. I left everything because you changed me and now I’m asking you to be with me.”