“Well, I guess I can stop worrying about that the next big bad thing is going to be.”

  “Why? What is it?”

  “What if Jackson wants to have more kids. How am I going to tell him that their a chance that I can’t?”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Carrington Olivia Butler

  The car and driver picked us up in front of the restaurant. Kayla wanted to come back to the hotel with me, so we could have breakfast at her favorite place in the morning. I had the feeling she didn’t want to go home.

  We drove by her place and too drunk and too tired to move, I waited in the car while she ran up to grab a change of clothes. I called Jackson.

  “Hi.”

  “Hey.”

  “You sound tired. Were you sleeping.”

  “Baby it’s seven a o clock.”

  “Oh, it feels later.”

  “I’m sure it does when you’ve been drinking since one o’clock. Where are you?”

  “In front of Kayla’s place. She wanted to come out and stay at the hotel with me tonight.”

  “Is she ok?” I wasn’t sure how much to tell him. I didn’t want to get into anything over the phone.”

  “Yeah, she’s fine.”

  “Where are we eating tomorrow night?”

  “Kayla said it was a little Italian place close to the hotel.”

  “Cool. It will good to see her and Jamie.”

  “Yeah.” I felt so bad about what she told me and I wanted to ask her if it was a deal breaker for him, if she didn’t want to have kids. I figured I would wait and ask her in the morning.

  “Did you have dinner?”

  “I did. Although I miss our Friday night dinners.”

  “I know. I’ll make it up to you.”

  Kayla returned to the car yelling at someone into her phone. “Alright. I know. Bye.”

  “I got to go.”

  “Ok, text me when you get back to the hotel so I know you made it there safe.”

  “Jackson, thank you, for worrying about me. It feel kind of nice.”

  “You’re welcome. I love you so much.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Kayla climbed into the car, rolled her eyes and feel asleep before we pulled away from the curb.

  When we got back to the hotel, we both collapsed on the bed and passed out.

  I woke up frantic as I searched for my phone. Once I found it, I collapsed on the bed, relieved I had remembered to text Jackson. I didn’t want him worry about me.

  “You’re going to love this place. It has the biggest pancakes.”

  “I need coffee.”

  We took a cab to the pancake place and ordered coffee while we waited for a table. The crowded place seemed in constant motions between customers and waiters.

  “You talked to Jackson this morning?”

  “Text.”

  “I hope I didn’t ruin any planned Skype sex session with me staying over.”

  “No, we don’t Skype sex. Simulating sex when it’s so good in real life, sucks.”

  “It is good isn’t it. I knew he was good.”

  A sexy grin spread across her face. I hit her on the shoulder. “Please stop imaging having sex with my boyfriend.”

  “Your boyfriend,” she said and laughed.

  “Why’s that so funny.”

  “It’s not funny. It sweet. I am so happy for you two. I am glad you guys got your chance.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Kayla table for two.”

  “That’s us.” We sat in a booth and ordered pancakes and bacon. Kayla order strawberries and whip cream on hers. I made my plain.

  “You’re going to want some of mine.”

  “That’s way too much sugar for the am.”

  “It’s no worse then donuts.”

  “I don’t eat donuts.”

  “You are so perfect, Carrington.”

  “No, I’m trying not to press my luck.”

  “You really would not be surprised to walk outside right now and a helicopter with a hook accidentally scooped you up flew you over the Hudson, brake your foot by banging it on the bridge, drop you into the bay, where you would be swallowed hole by a mid pacific ocean tiger shark.”

  “Yep, that could happen. Nothing surprises me anymore.”

  After breakfast, we both headed in a cab back to the city. The cab dropped me off in midtown and continued on to take Kayla home. We made plans to meet at the hotel lobby for a drink before dinner.

  I spent the day wandering the city. I shopped and enjoyed the feeling of being by myself. I seemed like I was always surrounded by people who knew me. Anonymity felt nice. Not something I would have much of being with Jackson, but a sacrifice I needed to make.

  I arrived back at the hotel as the team bus pulled up. A small crowd of people gathered outside waiting to get an autograph or a photo with their favorite player. I stood behind a little kid with a Florida State jersey with Jackson name on the back.

  “Are you a Jackson Mitchell fan?” I asked.

  “Yes, he’s my favorite player.” The kids looked about Jack’s age with blond hair and blue eyes.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Mike.” A woman with the same blond hair stood a few feet away talking on her cell phone. I rolled my eyes at her inattention.

  When Jackson exited the bus, the kid squealed, but not loud enough for Jackson to hear him. He walked over and grabbed his suitcase off the sidewalk. He walked over to the people waiting and signed a few autographs. One of the assistance whispered in his ear, and he turned away before he got to us.

  I couldn’t let this kid leave here empty handed.

  “Jackson Latre Mitchell.”

  I knew he would turn if I used his full name. He spotted me, his eyes narrowed, but he approached.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi Jackson, I’m sorry to bother you, but this is Mike,” I said. “He is your biggest fan.”

  “I watched every one of your games, even in college.”

  “Oh yeah. How old are you?”

  “9.” The kid handed Jackson his pen and sign his hat.

  “You want me to sign the jersey, too.”

  “Would you?” The kid’s eyes grew twice their normal size.

  “Of course, turn around.” The kid turned and I placed my hands on his shoulders. Jackson placed his hand over mine as he signed the kids jersey. An electric shock shot through me and I wondered if the kid felt it. It went away when the loud shrill voice of the kids mother entered my ears. She had put her phone away and made a bee line for her son and Jackson.

  She grabbed my man’s forearm and I was about to pull a ninja move on her, but Jackson passed me a look and I backed down.

  “You are so much cuter in person.”

  “Thank you.” Jackson said and smiled. “Mike, you play football.”

  “Yeah, but mom won’t let me play tackle until I get older.”

  “That’s a good plan. Get your fundamentals down.”

  “See, I am right.” She said to her son. She turned back to Jackson, her hand still on his arm.” Thank you. He just loves you.”

  “Mom,” the kids pleaded with his mom.

  “Oh no problem. Mike take care of your mom. You guys have a good night.”

  Jackson turned to me. “Baby, you coming or you scoring more autographs?”

  He held out his hand and I took it, lacing my fingers in his. He leaned down a passed me and quick, but sexy as hell kiss.

  “I was enjoying being your groupie.” He grinned down at me as we heading into the hotel. The team had a special area to check in. Jackson grabbed his key and handed it to a trainer who took his bag.

  “Baby, this is Landon. Landon, this is my girlfriend Carrington.”

  “Hi Carrington. Nice to meet you.”

  “Hi Landon.”

  “I got some time?” Jackson asked Landon.

  “Not much, Troy and Joe are on they way down.”

  “Come and get me in the bar.”

  “Sure.”

  We found a couch in a corner near the back of the bar. We sat down next to each other, Jackson kissed the sided of my face and leaned back. I turned to face him.

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you. So do you.”

  “You had a good day.”

  “Yeah, did a little shopping in Manhattan.” I took his hand and massaged it. “That kid was so cute. You guys always have people waiting for you at the hotel.”

  “Depends on where we are, but New York, San Francisco, Dallas and of course, Miami and Tampa.”

  “Those people looked like fans, not groupies.”

  “The groupies usually come out at night.”

  “Great.”

  “Baby, you know you have nothing to worry about, right?”

  “Oh, I know. I just didn’t realize.” I squeezed his hand. “And now you go and talk to Troy and Joe about the game.”

  “Yeah. And then team meetings and position meeting. I’ll be done by seven thirty and then curfew is eleven.”

  “Were not going to have any time alone.”

  “I have curfew at eleven, but I can sneak out and come wake you up if you like.” He placed a few kisses behind my ear and it made me shiver.

  “I would like.”

  “Cool,” he whispered. His lips hovered millimeters next to my ear, “So when I knock on your door at four am, let me in. You won’t be sorry.”

  He turned my face towards him and leaned in to seal his promise with a kiss.

  “Sorry, to interrupted, but Jackson, they are ready for you.”

  Jackson’s face scrunched up, matching my own disappointment.

  “I’ll be right there,” he said, but keeping his eyes on me. I closed the space between our lips and gave me a kiss that made we wish four am would come sooner.

  I should have gone to my hotel room, gone to bed and waited. The next ten hours, I could have done without.

  ***

  Jackson Latre Mitchell

  I followed Coach’s lead and kept my team speech short and to the point. We had a great week of practice, everyone dialed in. The tenth game of the season, we no need for the ra ra speech. We were focused. Sunday’s game was a big one. If we won, we had the best record in the NFC and the broadcaster and reports were not only talking playoffs, they were talking Super Bowl.

  I tried not to get caught up in the hype, but sometimes a little hype does well for your confident.

  I took my que from Towson and his calm demeanor. The kid impressed me daily.

  As the coaches dismissed us, I motioned for him over.

  “Hey Towson,” we shook hands. “How you feeling?”

  “I’m good.”

  “What’re you up to tonight?” His eyes grew wide like I had asked a stupid question.

  “Watching film. There is something about twenty four. I can’t figure it out.”

  “Listen man, you are ready. Their such thing as to much preparation.”

  He narrowed his eyes.

  “Who are you?”

  “What?” I asked and laughed.

  “You’re the one who told me that every player has film on his bad habits. It’s up to me to put the work in to find it.”

  “Yeah, well, come hang out tonight and I’ll tell you. We need to get away, relax for a couple of hours.”

  “Ok.”

  I spotted Carrington in the lobby as soon as we walked off the elevator.

  “It didn’t think his tell was that obvious,” Towson said, but I half listened. The rest of my attention, on my Carrington. She wore a black wrap dress that showed off her cleavage. Her black boots made her legs look long and lean. She sat on a stool in the bar, her legs crossed, her right leg bouncing up and down. She laughed and every other thought left my brain, I wanted her.

  She turned to find me staring at her and smirked. He leg stopped in mid bounce. Kayla talked her ear off, but I could tell, she didn’t hear a word. Her focus one hundred percent on me as we approached. The way she looked me up and down and licked her lips,we were on the same page.

  “J.” Towson hit me on my arm.

  “What?”

  “Dude, the two of you don’t look like you want company.”

  I smirked and hit him back.

  “Hey baby.” I leaned down and kissed Carrington two quick kisses on her lips. I wanted to do three, but with two I could maintain control. Three and I would picked her up and taken her to my room.

  “Hi.” She whispered.

  Kayla who seemed a few drinks in all ready squealed and clapped her hands.

  “Oh my God, you two look soooo good together.”

  “Hi Kayla.”

  She hugged my neck, which took some effort considering I stood a foot taller than her.

  “Hey Kayla.”

  Carrington grinned and hugged Towson.

  “Hey James. Joining us for dinner?”

  “Ms. Carrington. Yeah, if that’s ok?”

  “Is this my birthday present?” Kayla squealed and the rest of the bar stared.

  “Kayla, this is James Towson.”

  “Hi. Happy birthday.”

  “I know who he is.” Kayla slapped Jackson’s arm. “You are very, very talented.” She said as she reached out and squeezed his arm.

  “Well, thank you.” James said and flashed her a smile. If James was uncomfortable, he didn’t show it. He joked about being a cocky and over the top wide receiver, but he seemed quiet and reserved. He let his game speak for itself.

  “You know, she’s right.” James said looking back and forth between Carrington and I, “It’s good to see you two together.”

  Carrington smiled as she grabbed my hand and laced her fingers in mine.

  “Kayla, where’s Jamie?” I asked.

  She dropped Towson’s arm and fished her phone out of her purse.

  “Oh, he’s at the place. Let’s go.”

  We jumped in the back of a black SUV. Kayla sat up front and gave the guy directions even though the place was only six blocks down the road.

  We all sat in the back, Carrington in the middle.

  “You look beautiful.” I whispered to Carrington and put my arm around her and pulled her closer.

  “Thank you,” she whispered back, but her gaze fell back on Kayla.

  When we arrived at the restaurant, Jamie’s booming voice hit our ears before we spotted him in the small bar off to the side of the entrance.

  “Ok ladies. We have time for one more because my wife,” he loud whispered the word wife, “just arrived.”

  “Whoo Hooo.” The young ladies yelled as they took the shot. Jamie pushed himself up from the bar stool, but stole one more not so subtle look back at the girls when one of them yelled. “No, Jamie, stay and party with us.”

  “Sorry ladies, but my sugar mamas here. I have to give her some attention,” Jamie said and we were making a scene in another bar. The whole place stopped and stared.

  “Hey Carrington,” Jamie said as he wrapped his arms around her. She placed a hand on his chest to give herself somewhat of a barrier as he hugged her tight and I fought back the urged to push him away.

  “I am amazing.” He grabbed Kayla who had turned away from him, pulled her to him and kissed her on the neck. Then he looked up between James and I. “And we have not one, but two superstars in our midst.”

  One of his shot girls stumbled over and grabbed Jamie’s shirt. “Holy Shit, you’re Jackson Mitchell.”

  Carrington grip pressure increased.

  “Little girl, go back to your friend.” Jamie said in a firm voice and the girl turned around dropped her head scurried away. The whole scene made me uncomfortable.

  “Hi Jamie.” I shook his hand hard.

  “Jamie, this is Jackson’s wide receiver, James Towson.” Kayla said his name in a seductive tone and we all blushed … except for Jamie.

  We all stood their staring at each other for another tense moment.

  “Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Towson, your table is ready,” The hostess interrupted.

  “Excuse me.” Jamie said. “Don’t you mean Mr. Randle. After all, I did make the reservations. And, my wife is worth more then both of them put together, but I understand, we aren’t famous football players.”

  “I’m sorry. I just …” The woman scrunched her face.

  “Hey doll, don’t worry about it. Some silly people get all stupid around celebrities.”

  I didn’t like the way he said the word celebrity. I had only met Jamie a couple of times, but he didn’t act like this.

  “Jamie, will you stop. You’re embarrassing us.” Kayla said.

  “Oh, sweetie. You know I’m kidding.” Jamie grabbed Kayla’s chin and tilted her face up and kissed her. The type of kiss that made people dislike PDA.

  “I’m starving. Let’s eat.” Carrington said a little too loud.

  I looked at James and his fist were clinched. I slapped him on the back.

  “Yeah, buddy. Let’s eat.”

  He grinned and gave me a look that said I owed him big time for this one.

  When we arrived at the table, James and Kayla ended up on one side of the table and Carrington and I on the other. Jamie sat at the head, looked like the odd man out.

  As soon as we got situation, Jamie turned his attention to Carrington.

  “Carrington, you look hot tonight.”

  “Thank you,” she said and scooted her chair closer to me. I should have sat between them. This douche bag made my girl. It vowed to project her, especially from sleazy self righteous and self entitled pricks like Jamie.

  Carrington caught my attention and she nodded and rubbed my thigh to calm me down. It worked … for a minute.

  “I’d like to propose a toast,” Jamie said a little too loud to interrupt his wife from flirting with my wide receiver. He raised his glass and we all followed.

  “To my lovely red haired vixen of a wife. Even though you act like a child, well I supposed it keeps you young at heart. Even on your birthday. I love you baby. Happy fucking birthday, Kayla Randall.”

  We all sat our glasses down and Kayla tried hard to fight back tears.