She cleared her throat and with a whisper said,“I didn’t exactly follow the rules.”
“Please no, Carrigan.”
“I’m sorry. But I couldn’t help myself. He’s so charming and convincing andsexy. I don’t think even the strongest woman could turn him down. It’s impossible, Val.”
I sighed, disappointed in both of them, thendismissed her of her duties. I ripped up the profiles of the other ladies because if this woman of structure and dedication couldn’t turn him down, I had little hope for the others.
The paper in my notebook gets crumpled up and tossed into my wastebasket. I can’t proceed with the plan as is, so it’s back to the drawing board.
Noting the time on my watch, I decide to pay him a little visit before practice ends.
My car’s engine purrs, soothing my frayed nerves, and I peel out of the parking garage, zipping through the streets of downtown Houston.
I may need to up my dosage of Xanax after I’m done with Nic. I don’t think I’d look good in a straight jacket.
Whistles blare and the sound of crashing helmets saturate the summer air. Men gruntand coaches yell, and I watch from the sidelines.
After shaking hands with Monty and William days ago, I was handed an all access pass, allowing me to go and come to every Drillers facility. Monty wanted all three men to be available to me at all times. Nico is a top priority and my presence is a necessity.
My white heeled sandals sink into the plush grass of the practice facility, and the sun beats down on my face.My oversized sunglasses shield my eyes, but the bright rays still break through.
The brightly colored summer suit I wear catches the eyes of a few players, and the intensity slows down. Men's heads turn and a murmur falls over them, no doubt wondering who I am. I search for William and spot him just as he sees me. We wave at each other, then he blows his whistle twice in rapid succession.
Every player turns their attention to him as he instructs them to take a water break. They begin jogging off the field, a couple throwing a second glance my way. That’s when I see him. The new bane of my existence. It’s only been a few days and already I’m annoyed with the kid.
Coach begins crossing the field and before Nico can run off, he grabs him by the bicep and pulls him along. He trips on his feet trying to turn around while being hauled backwards, buthe manages to recover. The helmet is pulled from his head and I have to catch my breath.
Sweat drips down his face, his neck and I’m assuming down his chest because little streams flow over his ripped abs like water over river rocks. His jersey is cut practically in half, exposing his taut stomach. I let my eyes trail down, admiring his sculpted thighs and calves that appear to have been chiseled from the finest marble. I am so grateful for these black sunglasses right now. I’d hate for him to see me admiring. He would most definitely use it against me.
“Hello Val,” William greets. “What brings you here, today?”
I lift my glasses and jut my head in Nico’s direction. “Our favorite panty snatcher,”I say, and looks of confusion blanket both of their faces.
“Come again.” William drops his grip on Nico and folds his arms across his chest.
“Seems like Nico was, yet again, living up to his nickname. After specifically telling him that sex with the candidates was off the table, he slept with her anyhow. Now I’ve had to scrap all three women and start over.” William’s nostrils flare while Nico’s shoulders slump, making him seem meek and small even in his pads.
I thought about taking it easy on the kid, but I’m not about to let his antics slide. If we’re going to tidy him up by September, there’s no time to beat around the bush. I need all the backing I can get from William and Monty.
“I see.” William’s reply is that of a disappointed parent.
It’s the kind of disappointment that dumps buckets of guilt on your head. I remember the infamous guilt-trips my mom laid on me when I was younger. I’d rather her have just yelled at me.
“So what’s our new plan of action?”
“I’ve been thinking about it all day and I’ve decided we should–”
The honk of what sounds like a toy car interrupts me, and my eye catches something speeding towards us in my peripheral. A golf cart painted in Drillers colors with a large Drillers logo on the front barrels towards us with Monty behind the wheel.
The men jump out of the way like it’s a bullet train. I stand still, mostly because my heels are anchored into the thick Bermuda grass and I would likely fall on my ass if I did. Monty slams on the brakes and swings out of the cart with the finesse of a man half his age.
“I heard there was a beautiful woman amongst these beasts.” He reaches out for me and lays a sweet kiss on my cheek. “Hello darlin’. How are you today?”
“Hi Monty. I’m well, but I could be better.” He raises his eyebrows and shoves his fists inside of his golf pants, jutting out his round belly.
“Please tell me Loving doesn’t have anything to do with that.”
“Well,” I begin, then fill him in on the latest.
