First Down (First and Ten #1) (8 page)

“It’s going as well as can be expected. I’m taking it slowly, so she has time to get used to the idea of me.” Rubbing his hand over his face, he stared into the kitchen and caught sight of Ana speaking with her friends. “She’s not a big fan of football players, and the paparazzi are becoming a problem for us. I hope that her feelings for me overcome her concern.”

The doorbell rang.

Jack heard Ana call out for him to answer it. He moved around the guys, opened the door, and was greeted by a pretty woman with red hair and blue eyes. “Hi. Ana’s in the kitchen, and she asked me to answer the door.” He put his hand out. “I’m Jack.”

The woman stared with a confused expression. “I’m Sara, Ana’s neighbor.” She watched the large man step aside and was greeted with the sight of two equally large men. She smiled tentatively at the group.

“I bet you were not expecting to walk into Ana’s house and see the defensive line waiting to greet you,” Jack said.

Sara studied the men and let out a laugh. “I’ve just gotten to know Ana, and I didn’t think that she hung out with football players. Especially such large ones. I thought Alex was the only professional athlete in the group.”

Clark stepped forward. “We’re new additions to the group. And we’re hoping to get on the permanent roster.”

Ella chose that moment to walk into the living room. “Clark, there isn’t an opening for a permanent position. It’s a fling thing.”

Clark shook his head. “No fling, Ella. If you want to sample the goodies, then it has to be more than a fling.” He watched her give him a narrowed look as her hands moved to her hips. “Your mean eyes have no effect on me.”

“I think it’s terribly inconvenient that you’ve decided to acquire a moral code at this moment. Why couldn’t you just be the playboy that you’ve always been?”

“Those exploits have been blown out of proportion, and I’m not a playboy.” He walked over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I know you’re going to come around to my way of thinking.”

Leaning into his kiss, she closed her eyes and wondered why he wasn’t cooperating with her plan. He gave her a wink before walking into the kitchen. She watched his very fine backside walk away, and then felt Jack walk up and put his arm around her shoulders.

“If I were you, I’d think about what he’s offering.”

“But it’s not part of my plan,” Ella responded.

“Things like this never are.” Jack turned and noticed Justin and Sara deep in conversation. “That didn’t take long.” He heard Ana call for everyone to come in and start eating. He led Ella into the kitchen and perhaps her destiny. Little did she know that Clark was no longer playing the field. He was playing for keeps, and if Ella wanted a shot, then she was going to have to consider it as a possibility.

********

Ronnie sat next to Jordan, leaned over, and spoke quietly. “It must be ten, because Ana is asleep, and so is Jack. They could be a perfect match. How is it that two perfectly healthy twenty-six year olds can fall asleep at ten most nights?”

Jordan studied his friend sleeping in the arms of a very large football player. Jack held her hand even though they were both dead to the world. “I never thought I would see a day where Ana would consider a professional athlete as a viable option. But looking at the two of them makes you feel like it might work. It all seems to be done, except for the details.”

Clark leaned in front of Ella and asked, “What’s wrong with us? Why wouldn’t she be interested in Jack?”

“There’s nothing
wrong
with you. It’s just that Ana had her high school heart broken by a football player and then had her college heart broken by a hockey player. She’s only dated non-athletic men for the last five or six years,” Jordan responded.

“I don’t think Jack’s interested in breaking anything. In fact, I think he’s interested in the full monty. I’ve never seen him act this way with anyone,” Clark said.

Ronnie looked over and considered what he’d said. Sometimes the best information came from an unexpected source. In this case, Clark may have some very real insight into how his friend was feeling. “When you say
full monty
, what exactly do you mean?”

“I mean, walk down the aisles, big ring, and a lifetime together,” Clark answered.

“Ana wouldn’t like a big ring, because her hands are small,” Ronnie responded. “I understand that you were not speaking in the literal sense. But, god forbid it should ever come to that. I want you or I to talk some sense into him about the ring.”

“Nothing like jumping ahead, Ronnie.” Clark shook his head and laughed.

Jordan shushed them as the final scene of the show came up. “Be quiet. This is where it all comes together.”

Ronnie elbowed him. “This isn’t reality. This is all staged. Why are you making me be quiet?”

“The same reason that you make me shut up during the proposal of the bachelorette.”

“Oh, yeah. That’s right.” Ronnie stared at her best friend asleep in the arms of one of her best clients. She wanted to be optimistic about their chances, but she didn’t want to be foolhardy. It was her job to protect Ana, and she didn’t want Jack’s good-guy reputation to give her a false sense of optimism. She needed to stay on guard. After all, she had experienced heartbreak at the hands of one of his best friends. The one time she’d let her guard down for more than a minute, Brian swooped in and ultimately broke every little-girl dream she’d ever held in her heart. No, she needed to keep her eyes open and make sure that Ana was going to be okay. “Should we wake them?”

“No, let them sleep for now,” Clark answered.

Justin stood and held out his hand for Sara. “I’m going to walk Sara home, and then I’ll be back. See you guys in a little while.”

Sara waved to the group as she and Justin made their way out of the living room.

“I guess Justin likes being included as part of our group,” Clark said.

Ella joined the conversation. “Who says you’re part of the group? Maybe you won’t end up hanging out with us.”

Clark took her hand and kissed her head. “Oh, we’re part of the group. You’re just mad because I won’t let you get at me without a commitment to date. It’s funny how roles change. I’m tired of women wanting me for my body, my hair, and my money. I’m worth more than that.”

Ella rolled her eyes. “Oh, let me feel sorry for the big, handsome, famous, and rich football player. Or not!”

“Don’t be mad because you are not getting what you want right away. All the good things in life take a little work,” Clark said. He looked at Ella and watched her fume. This was going to be fun, and by the time they came together….it was going to better than the fireworks show over Disney World.

The show ended, and the group started getting up and taking their dishes into the kitchen. Ana and Jack didn’t move, even with the people walking around them. They had that in common. They both fell asleep quickly and then passed out like the dead. This actually could be a match made in heaven.

CHAPTER SIX

Halloween

Ana walked into Ronnie’s house and looked around. Her friend had outdone herself in decorating her worn-down mansion. Ronnie liked re-decorating almost as much as she liked making money. Her house was starting to show all the love and devotion that she’d poured into it. She thought the Halloween decorations played perfectly against the faded grandeur of the house. “Ronnie, where are you?”

Standing at the top of the staircase was her best friend dressed as a southern grand dame. She wore a gold caftan and large jewels, and her dark hair was piled on top of her head. “Good evening, dear friend. I’m dressed as my mother in her heyday. What do you think?”

Ana started laughing as her friend descended the staircase slowly with a martini glass in hand. “Why…Mrs. DuMond, it’s a pleasure to see you in our fair state of Florida.” Ana giggled.

“It’s not my practice to travel so far for such a small social affair, but I felt it was my duty to attend.” Ronnie started laughing as she hit the landing. “I swear I felt like my mama was taking over my body when I said that. I think she’s here in spirit.”

“Did you steal the caftan out of her closet?” Ana asked.

“No. I had her maid steal it and send it to me.” She flipped out her hand and flashed her rings. “These are, however, paste jewels. I didn’t dare ask to borrow the real thing.”

“I think your mama would be proud if she could see this. It might actually give her a false sense of hope that you in fact have turned into the proper southern woman that you were raised to be.”

Ronnie snorted in response. “Like that was ever going to happen.” She took her friend’s hand and twirled her around. “Are you dressed as your date this evening?”

“Yes, Jack Ellis, defensive end for the Miami Sharks. Am I a believable football player?”

“No. It’s one of your more sorry attempts at a costume. I know dressing up isn’t your thing, but this is pretty pathetic.”

“It will be better when I have Jack standing next to me dressed in a doctor’s white lab coat. We switched identities for the evening.”

“Well, I suppose that’s a bit better, but not by much. Why didn’t you let me get a costume for you?”

“Because the last time I let you get one for me, it was uncomfortable. I hate dressing up.” She adjusted her jersey and stared down at her feet. “At least I’m comfortable this year, because I get to wear these shoes.” She put out her foot and showed Ronnie her latest pair. “These are the ones that Jack endorses. He even gave input on the design.”

“I think this costume is just an excuse wear what you’re comfortable in and not dress up.”

“What’s wrong with that? It’s not like I was going to wear a sexy witch costume or something. I’m sure there will be plenty of those anyway.”

“You’re probably right. Go put your bag away, and then come meet me in the kitchen. I’m going to check on the food and drinks.”

“Yes, madam. I shall follow your orders as well as you followed your mama’s.”

Ronnie smiled at her best friend. “See that you do.” They laughed and moved off in different directions.

********

Ana walked into the backyard and looked for Ronnie. She saw her in conference with a fellow who was setting up the outdoor movie screen. Part of the backyard was decorated like a movie theater. She had a concession stand set up with popcorn, snacks and drinks, and lots of cushions and blankets spread out across the lawn. She joined her friend and listened as she gave instructions about the movies that she wanted shown. “Are all the movies going to be scary?”

Ronnie turned and shook her head. “No, I have a mix of classics and a few new ones. Don’t worry because you can snuggle up to Jack, and he can hold you while you scream your head off.”

Ana smiled at the thought of holding on to Jack. “You’re right, I may have to hold on real tight when the scary parts come up. I’m just not sure about what parts I’m going to be holding onto.” Laughing, she watched Ronnie’s eyes pop out of her head. “I surprised you with that one, didn’t I?”

Grabbing her hand, Ronnie led her into the house. “Dr. Ana James, I’ve never heard you say something like that about a man. We need a pre-party drink to discuss your intentions with Mr. Jack Ellis.”

“All right. But I’m not sure you’re ready to hear about the naughty thoughts I’ve been having. I should probably keep them to myself. I will tell you that he’s crossed my mind a few hundred times since last Tuesday night, and I’m not sure what to do about it. Maybe when I see him tonight, it will have all worn off.”

Standing at the bar, Ronnie studied her as she made two martinis. She handed one to Ana and then took a sip of her own. “Perfection. My mama taught me more than the importance of writing a thank-you note. She also taught me the value of making a decent martini. God bless her.” She walked around the bar, hoisted herself up on a stool and faced her friend. “So, Jack?”

Ana took a healthy sip and regarded her friend for several seconds before she responded. “Yeah. I didn’t see it coming, and I’m not sure what to do. I may just give in and see what he has to offer. I say that casually like I actually have a choice about it, but the truth is….I probably don’t. Jack Ellis has gotten in my head and seems to be stuck there.”

“I saw the way you looked after one kiss, so I’m not surprised. The man is either going to become the love of your life or he’s going to ruin you for all others. I don’t mean to give you such a dire prediction, but that’s what I feel in my bones.”

Ana studied her hands. “Yeah…I have the same feeling. I thought maybe I could ignore it, but it doesn’t seem to be working out very well. I’ve spoken to him every day. We’ve had the longest conversations about random things. I’ve discovered that we both like crime shows, fried chicken, and Cajun music. He falls asleep early, just like I do, and he seems to really listen when I speak.”

“I never thought you two would have so much in common. I knew he was smitten with you when he met you in San Diego, but I never thought he would pursue it as seriously as he has. Maybe it’s time I pay closer attention.”

They sat quietly with one another as they worked on their drinks and gazed out over the backyard. The front door opened and brought them both out of their musings. They watched Ella walk toward them in a beautiful green dress.

“Please, don’t say anything. I know this costume isn’t great, but it was a last-minute decision and it shows.”

Ronnie studied her and got up to make more martinis. “Are you supposed to be Medusa before the curse?”

“I knew you would get it, but I’m afraid that no one is going to understand what I’m going for.”

Ana got up and studied her friend’s costume. “I think people will get it. Is Clark dressing up as Poseidon?”

“I’m not sure. We had a fight the other day before he left, and I haven’t spoken to him since Friday. He wants to date me for real, and I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Ana and Ronnie asked, “Why?” in unison.

“Because he’ll break my heart. If we date, I’ll get attached, and then he’ll get bored and leave. You can’t mix a football player and me and expect to have good results. He thinks that dating a person with a big brain is all fun and games. But what happens when he figures out that I’m just a big geek with unruly hair and an unnatural affinity for numbers?”