Football Dad: (Friends to Lovers) Read online

  “Okay, you’re going to have to practice getting in and out of the shoulder pads. You can’t go to practice tomorrow and have the same issue,” I said as I opened the front door to our two-floor, three-bedroom bungalow home and walked through the threshold. We lived in a nice quiet neighbourhood outside of Boston, just a block from the larger, luxurious homes. It was the perfect home and I’d lucked out and gotten it as a foreclosure, so the deal had been sweet. It did have some work that needed to be done to it, like new flooring, but I’d get to that—eventually.

  “Yes, Mom.” Justin sighed, giving me the, do I really have to, look.

  “You don’t want the kids making fun of you, do you? Not knowing how to get into the equipment makes you stand out.”

  “Mom, my lack of skill makes me stand out.”

  Giving my son, who was four-to-five inches taller than me a side hug, I replied, “You were getting better. It just takes practice, which is why you’re in the training camp. Cole was saying that if you practice and stick with the camp you’ll be great when it comes time to try out for the high school team.”

  “Cole?” Justin made a face at me as he set down his shoulder pads and helmet, then slipped his backpack off his shoulders. “Who’s Cole?”

  “The guy that helped you with your shoulder pads. He’s really nice, we had a great conversation.”

  “Oh, Mom.” The condescension in those two short words was evident.

  Planting my hands on my hips, I said, “What do you mean by, ‘Oh Mom’?”

  “I know the look on your face.”

  “What look?” I suspected I knew what look he was referring to.

  “The look that says you’re interested in this guy. And I know what’s going to happen.” Justin kicked off his cleats and made his way down the hall and into his bedroom.

  “What’s going to happen?” I asked, following hot on his heels.

  “You’re going to go out with him and then get attached. You’re going to treat him like a king and then he’s going to treat you like crap and hurt you,” he answered, calling over his shoulder to me in the doorway. “You always treat the losers you date better than they deserve.”

  If I were to be honest with myself, that was usually how my relationships went down and a pretty accurate analysis. I’d always given everything I had to a man and then he’d just use me. It was a vicious cycle and I didn’t know how to get out of it. Was I choosing the wrong men? Was I not ‘playing the game’ properly and giving them the upper hand to early in the relationship? I didn’t know the answer to those questions.

  Crossing my arms over my chest, I eyed my son as he got himself ready for bed. He was fifteen, in less than four years he’d be going off to college and I’d be alone. I hated the idea but had to face that reality. Maybe subconsciously, I’d accepted this reality a long time ago and I tried to hard to find someone before I was left alone. I’m sure there were dozens of theories as to why things never worked out for me in the relationship department. Though it could just boil down to the simple fact that I just hadn’t come across someone I clicked with yet. Some were lucky and found Mr. Right early, I just wasn’t one of those people.

  “Well, don’t worry, Justin. It won’t happen this time.”

  “You said that last time. I told you Trevor was an asshole, but you refused to see it.”

  “Justin Kennedy, there’s no call for that type of language!”

  “It’s true, Mom.” The annoyance in his expression softened. “I know you want to be happy with someone. I get it. But don’t allow a man to walk over you, I don’t like it.”

  Neither do I, I silently agreed. I entered his room and went to him, giving him a big hug. “You’ll always be my number one man. Even if I never find Mr. Right, I’ve been fortunate enough to have the best son a mother could ever ask for.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” He hugged me back, calming me. His hug assured me that I was going to be all right. The sad thing was that I was supposed to be the one reassuring him when things went wrong, but he seemed to take on the role of shoulder to cry on more often then he should. The thing was that we only had each other. Both my parents had passed, my father when I was five and my mother just a few short years after Justin was born. I had some relatives I barely knew spread across the US, but none of which I had any type of bond with.

  Smiling, I released my son. “Get to bed. You’ve got another long day of training tomorrow.” It wasn’t until I was at the doorway that I turned back and gave him a final smile. “I love you, Justin. Have a good night.”

  “Love you too, Mom.”

  Closing the door behind me, I entered my bedroom. Once my bedroom door was firmly shut, I began to shed my clothing, tossing it all in the hamper just inside the door of my ensuite bathroom. My private bathroom was small, just barely big enough for the toilet, pedestal sink and tub, but the tub had jets and a relaxing bath was just what I needed right now.

  Plugging the drain of the bathtub, I turned on the water and poured a little bubble bath into the tub. Since it was a jet tub, the bubble bath wasn’t necessary, but I enjoyed the rose fragrance that quickly began to fill the room. Grabbing a bath bomb from the cabinet over the toilet I threw it into the water as well. After an hour of soaking, my skin would turn out silky and smelling like roses.

  Going back into the bedroom, I grabbed a romance novel that I’d been reading and headed back to the bathroom, my bare feet slapping on the teal and white colored tile. The tub was almost hallway full and with the jets, it would be a perfect depth.

  Dunking a toe in, I was satisfied with the heat level and stepped in, sinking down into the water until it was covering my breasts, taking care not to get my book wet. E-books were now becoming the thing of the future and being a self-published author, I knew that was where most of my money came from so I should be supporting that technology, but I still couldn’t get myself to read off a phone or tablet screen. I needed to feel the pages and smell the newly inked paper.

  The warmth of the water encompassing me, in combination with the smell of the roses, quickly brought me to a state of serenity. It relaxed me to the point I nearly dropped the book into the water due to nodding off. Giving my head a shake, I sat up in the water and placed the book onto the closed toilet seat, not trusting myself not to drop it.

  Sinking back into the water, I closed my eyes and the first image that came to mind was Justin’s practice, more specifically, my chat with Cole while watching them practice. There was no debate, he was a damned good-looking man. I’d always had a soft spot for a muscular man with blond hair and blue eyes. It was that boy-next-door look that drew me in. He had a mean scar along his jawline. I wondered how it got such a nasty scar. Most likely some sport he’d played in high school or college, or perhaps an auto or motorcycle accident. Once I got to know him better, I’d have to sate my curiosity by asking.

  What did he do for a living? Was he single? What was his pastimes? I had so many questions about him and I was dying to get the answers. I realized Justin had concerns, but there was nothing to be concerned about at this point, he was just a guy I met. Maybe he’d become a friend, who knew. At the very least, he could possibly be someone to help me pass the time as I waited on the sidelines while Justin practiced.

  And he’d been a very good pastime indeed. I’d be happy to just sit there and stare at him. The scar only added to his good looks, giving a little edge to his boy-next-door appeal. My stomach fluttered a little as I continued to think more intimately about Cole.

  Even his name I found sexy… Cole. Cole. Cole… it was sexy in its simplicity.

  My pussy clenched as I envisioned pressing myself up against his hard body, our bodies merging together like molten metal. I’d look up into his eyes and I’d see a reflection of my desire in those stunning blue orbs of his.

  “But we’re just friends,” I’d whisper, my feeble attempt to stop what was destined to be.

  “We’re so much more than friends,” he’d whisper back.


  My hand slid down my body to my mound, cupping it and gently squeezing. I moaned softly, as I parted my velvety folds and slipped a finger between them. Running my finger along the length of my pussy, I paused at my clit, stroking it and sending a surge of pleasure through me.

  My mind slipped back to thoughts of Cole. Oh, how tracing the hard muscle with my fingertips would feel so amazing. My hands would move lower, down his broad chest to his abdominals, three perfect rows of abs leading my eyes downwards to the waistband of his jeans and the pleasure that could be mine to be unleashed.

  Done with my clit, leaving it swollen and needy, I slipped my fingers lower and probed at my entrance, slowly sliding two digits inside. I moaned a second time as I began to stroke the inner wall of my pussy, hitting the perfect spot to turn my mind to mush.

  Back to Cole. My fingers would work his brown, leather belt and then proceed to frantically undo the button on his jeans and pull down his fly, anxious to reveal the treasure beneath. When his cock springs free it would be rock solid and oh my god, it would be huge. And all for me.

  I want you, London, he’d whisper into my ear, his voice husky and filled with lust.

  “Oh Cole. Please!” I murmured to the empty bathroom. “Please, take me!” It was a typical line spoken in the romance novels I write for a living, but nonetheless, I uttered it from my lips.

  My fingers worked my G-spot frantically, periodically emerging from my core to stroke my throbbing clit. The coil in my stomach tightened, my need becoming more urgent. I hadn’t even gotten to the good part of my fantasy and I was already close to coming. Water splashed around me from the violent movements of my hand, bubbles flying around me.

  “Then you can have me,” he’d growl in my ear, scooping me up into his arms and placing me onto the bed, his large frame covering my much smaller body.

  I was getting closer, so close that it was almost painful, but painful in the most delicious way. My fingers dipped deep into me, working my G-spot harder… faster. Dear lord, I was on the brink and about to explode.

  Cole would bend over and begin to kiss along the side of my neck, sending jolts of electric pleasure through me as his hand would undo the clasp on my jeans.

  And then suddenly I was there, I’d crested the summit of my desire and went topping over. My body shook and writhed in the water, splashing suds over the side, but I didn’t care. All I cared about was the release as the tension within me suddenly disappeared and I was left with the feeling of sheer bliss and satisfaction.

  Damn I couldn’t wait for football practice tomorrow. I’d be severely disappointed if he didn’t keep up with his promise to speak with me again tomorrow. Of course, how I’d be able to face him without a blush coloring my cheeks would be beyond me. I’d already nearly fucked him in my mind.

  Chapter 3

  London

  Oh my, what to wear?

  This was silly, very silly. Maybe Justin was right. I was getting myself anxious to see a man I’d just met. There’s nothing that says he had even the slightest interest in me anyhow. We’d been at the training camp for six hours, it could have just been boredom that brought him to sit next to me to shoot the shit. Considering I’d babbled on like an idiot the day prior, he may try to avoid me like the plague.

  As many times as I’ve told myself the same thing, I still couldn’t help but look for something to wear anyhow that accented my features. I didn’t have much in the breast department, I was a modest B cup, but I had a nice round ass going for me.

  After a lot of indecision and trying on several outfits, I settled on a pair of low-rise jeans and a red t-shirt, with a padded push-up bra underneath. Sometimes the best choice is to make like you’re not trying to impress someone.

  With my outfit chosen, I made my way to my vanity and sat down before the mirror. Taking off my glasses, I inserted my blue contact lenses and began to apply my makeup. Ten minutes later, I set down the tube of lipstick and examined my handiwork. Cheekbones had appeared where they hadn’t been before. The dark makeup around my eyes made them really pop, and the look was completed with a neutral lipstick, as to not compete with the dramatic look of my eye makeup.

  I was as ready as I’d ever be.

  Getting up from the chair, I exited the bedroom and went straight to Justin’s room, knocking on the door. “Justin, can I come in?”

  “Yeah, Mom.”

  Opening the door, I stood in the threshold watching him pack his football gear in a black canvas tote. “We need to leave in ten minutes, so you might want to hurry up.”

  Looking up from what he was doing, he stared at me for a moment and frowned.

  I sighed. “Okay, what’s the problem?”

  “You’re dressed up.”

  Looking down at my clothing, I gave him an odd look. If he felt jeans and a t-shirt was dressed up, then I’d hate to see what he’d consider dressing down. Had I let myself go so horribly since my last break-up?

  “Why do you say that? I’m wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I’m hardly dressed up.”

  “You’re wearing makeup.”

  “I always wear makeup when I go somewhere,” I defended, but I knew what he was getting at. I’d taken extra care to make myself look perfect.

  “No, I mean, you’re wearing your ‘going on a date’ make-up. Which means you have an interest in that Cole dude.”

  Damn, why did I have such a smart kid? I was both proud and frustrated he’d caught on. I tried to keep my answer as flippant as possible. “I just wanted to look nice. It’s not a big deal.”

  “Yeah, sure. Just don’t get too into this new guy. I don’t want to see you hurt again.”

  Fifteen years old and he was so wise. Walking into the room, I gave him a hug. This kid was my world—my lifeline. I was supposed to be the one worrying about him, not the other way around. It was wrong that he had to worry about me and my love life. “I love you honey. But don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

  “’Kay.” His tone told me that he didn’t believe me. That was okay though, I’d show him. There would be no tears this time. At thirty-three years of age, I was too old to be crying over another man.

  ~*~ TT ~*~

  My pulse accelerated when I caught sight of Cole talking to his son’s coach. They seemed to be laughing and joking as if they were best friends. But then again, his son had probably been going to these summer camps for years. It would make sense that he’d get to know them.

  “I’m ready and in the full uniform today without assistance,” I heard my son say from behind me.

  Turning, I grinned. Sure enough he was fully outfitted, complete with his secondary pair of glasses. I silently prayed he didn’t break those ones or he’d have to go blind for a couple days while we ordered a new pair. Maybe it was time to get him into a pair of contact lenses, I doubted glasses would feel very good with the helmet. After practice we’d go and get him set up with contact lenses for sure.

  “Excellent.” Giving him a pat on the shoulder, I continued, “See, you’re getting the hang of it already.”

  “Yeah.” He gave me a rueful smile in return. “Here’s hoping.”

  “I have faith in you. You were making a lot of progress by the end of the session yesterday. Cole said the very same thing.”

  He rolled his eyes at me and I immediately regretted mentioning Cole. “I’m heading out. I made friends with one of the guys in the group and he’s waiting for a partner to toss the ball.”

  “Sure. Sure. Wishing you luck.”

  He didn’t respond, but jogged off in the direction where his group was beginning to form.

  “All right then,” I muttered under my breath as I found a seat on an empty bench located at centerfield, not too far from where Justin’s group was. Rummaging through my burgundy leather handbag, I found my mobile phone and pulled it out, intent on passing the time playing some Plants vs Zombies. I loved that game, it was a mindless indulgence that Justin got me into playing. He’d long since stopped playing i
t. The one thing that I really didn’t want was for Cole to think I was waiting for him to grace me with his presence, the game kept my eyes busy so they wouldn’t wander onto the field searching out Cole.

  I was deep into an intense round when I heard someone approach from behind. “Is this seat taken?” Recognizing the source of the voice, I grinned, turning slightly to look up at him, thankful I hadn’t scared him off the other day.

  “It is now.” I flipped my hair over my shoulder and then inwardly cringed at my actions. I wasn’t a damned teenager with a crush.

  Laughing, he sat next to me. “How’s Justin doing today?”

  Flashing him a guilty cringe, I let him see what was on my phone. “But he did get into his uniform unassisted, so we’re starting off strong. Though I will admit, I’ve been distracted. I’m in the middle of a zombie attack.” As I spoke, two zombies killed my sunflowers and entered my house. Game over.

  Damn.

  “Yes, I see how that could be a distraction.”

  “It’s a way to pass the time.” I shut the game down and put the phone back into my purse. The zombies could wait.

  “If you don’t mind me saying, you look nice today. Got a hot date after practice?”

  Laughing, I shook my head, my dark hair swaying against my back. “Nope. I haven’t dated for a while.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Just haven’t. Too many bad relationships in a row perhaps. I needed a break. Maybe it’s making me weary to try again.” I laughed. “Finding myself and all that.” I looked over at his left hand. No ring. Why that hadn’t been one of the first things I’d have checked upon meeting him was beyond me. But then again, no ring didn’t mean a helluva lot, I’d learned that the hard way. “What about you? Any hot romances in your life?”

  “Nah, not currently. I just got divorced last year and I’m trying to spend more time with Alexander. He’s sixteen now, and it won’t be long before he moves on. Time flies so quickly. In a way I guess you could say that I’m finding myself as well. My life has changed so drastically, it takes time to adjust.”