Chapter 15 Stella
FIFTEEN
STELLA
“Are you ready for this, old man?” I ask Austin from the driver’s seat as I merge onto the highway.
He’s been doing an amazing job with physical therapy and not overdoing it at home, so we’ve decided that he can start easing into throwing the football again at the rehabilitation facility.
He won’t be sending fifty-yard bombs down the field anytime soon, but his shoulder has healed enough to play a game of catch here and there.
He rolls his eyes. “I’ll give you old man, smart ass. I could run circles around you, even with my weak lungs.”
I pop a dubious brow in his direction. “Are those the same weak lungs you used to yell at that toxic blonde guy from Seduction Island last week, like he could actually hear you? Because they sounded pretty strong to me all the way in the guesthouse.” The man may be all about football, but if you give him a reality show where couples test the strength of their already-rocky relationships, he’ll stay locked in for hours.
He scoffs, his top lip curling in disgust. “Amelia had barely even left the house, and Trevor was balls deep inside one of the Stunners. Those guys don’t even try to stay faithful. It’s messed up.”
I huff a laugh, checking my blind spot before moving into the Express Lane.
“That’s the point,” I tell him. “They choose couples who are on the brink of destruction, dangling a bunch of hot singles in front of them until they fold like cheap lawn chairs. It makes for interesting television, doesn’t it?
Otherwise, you wouldn’t go back for more every week. ”
“I guess,” he says with a shrug. “That’s why I don’t date anymore.
Cheating seems to be the norm these days.
” I wondered why I hadn’t seen any women around since I started working for him.
I know he was in a relationship with a pretty well-known supermodel a few years ago, but there were reports that she was caught sneaking into a hotel with some billionaire real estate agent.
It’s obviously not my business, so I haven’t asked, but this conversation has me thinking there was some truth to the rumors—and now I want to find this woman’s address, ring her doorbell, and throat-punch her for hurting my poor, sweet Austin.
“What about you?” he says, breaking me from the violent fantasy.
“Are you seeing anyone?” My throat goes dry, cheeks heating with embarrassment.
I’m definitely not dating, nor have I in a very long time, but his teammate—my ex-husband—has been inside the guesthouse that he owns on more than one occasion.
Part of me thinks there’s no way he doesn’t already know, especially since there are cameras on his property.
But unless he’s had a reason to check the footage, I guess he wouldn’t.
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “I don’t really have time for that.”
He turns toward me, dipping his chin as though it’s the most ridiculous excuse he’s ever heard. “You have plenty of time, Stella. I’m not a baby. I’m fully capable of taking care of myself and staying out of trouble while you’re gone.”
I roll my eyes. “I know you are, but I don’t know anyone here. Plus, I’ll be moving somewhere new when our time is up, so what’s the point?”
“Sounds like a load of bullshit to me,” he says matter-of-factly.
“You told me you still haven’t settled on a place to live yet.
What if your soulmate is right here in Cleveland, and this was supposed to be your home all along?
” His words slam into me like a brick, my stomach clenching at the memory of Emmett’s kiss.
The way I’m still feeling only validates Austin’s claim that my soulmate is right here.
Whether or not I’ll be able to earn another chance at my happy ending remains to be seen.
It’s a long shot, for sure. But at the end of the day, I know there’s nobody else in this world I’d ever want the way I want him.
If he decides he’s not able to forgive me for the pain I’ve caused, I don’t even think I’d be interested in a trip to the altar with another man.
“Maybe,” I say quietly, thankful that our exit is coming up so I can change the subject.
“I was thinking I’d drop you off and run to the mall for a new coat.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a winter like this, and I’m definitely ill-prepared.
” Growing up in Pennsylvania, I wasn’t a stranger to the cold.
But when I was in Cleveland on my previous assignment, the weather was pretty mild—nothing like it’s been already this year.
Then, I was sent to a much warmer climate, donating a lot of my old belongings to charity so I didn’t have to lug them from city to city.
“Actually,” he replies, “I kind of need you inside, if you don’t mind. You know, in case I start throwing the ball and my shoulder acts up.”
“Oh. Okay. That’s no problem.” I’m a bit confused because he’s pretty comfortable with his physical therapist, so he usually sends me on my way during his sessions.
He’s been working with Russ for several weeks now, and they’ve built a good rapport, but maybe getting back on the horse has made him a little nervous.
I’m certainly not going to leave him if he doesn’t want me to.
I’ll just grab a new coat during his next appointment.
Turning into the parking lot, I kill the engine and get out, following Austin down the concrete path that leads to the massive building. He’s arranged for his coach to meet him here, so I’ll just sit back and watch from a distance unless I’m needed.
“Hey, Austin. How are we feeling today?” Russ says as we step through the doors to the indoor field.
They rehab athletes from all different sports here, so the place is completely equipped with everything they need.
Until now, we’ve mainly stuck to the gym and pool areas because Austin hadn’t been cleared by his surgeons to do anything else, so I’m taken aback by how realistic it looks.
From the painted logos on the turf to the silver bleachers that surround it, it almost feels like I’m at an actual stadium.
“Not bad,” he replies, rotating his shoulder.
“I’m ready.” I can hear the slight hint of trepidation in his voice, so I reach out, giving his forearm a squeeze to let him know I’m there.
It’s scary to move to new stages in recovery, especially with all the setbacks he’s had from day one, but this will be good for him.
He needs a reminder of what lies ahead if he just keeps pushing forward.
“Great,” Russ beams proudly, lifting a hand toward the corner.
“Your guys should be here any second, so how about we get you stretched and loose?” I could’ve sworn Austin said he only had one coach joining him today because everyone else was busy getting ready for the big game against Cincinnati this Sunday, but the more, the merrier, right?
They head to the middle of the field, so I make my way up the first set of metal stairs, settling into a seat in the front row and pulling out my phone.
I’m far enough to be out of the way, but close enough if I’m needed, although I have a feeling that I’ll be an afterthought once that ball leaves his hands for the first time.
I scroll mindlessly, getting lost in social media, until a text notification appears at the top of my phone. Smiling, I pull it up.
LAUREN:
Why is it that you live twenty minutes away from me now and I never see you?
ME:
Don’t blame me for that. It’s not my fault that you’re the best at your job and they knew you were the only one who could handle the night supervisor position.
LAUREN:
Handle is not the word for what I’m doing.
It’s more like…surviving. They weren’t lying when they said the freaks come out at night.
I have a guy who’s in the step-down unit after a motorcycle accident.
His friends decided to send him an exotic dancer at three in the morning.
I have no idea how she got past security, but his heart monitor was going crazy, so I went to check on him.
She was mid-lap dance, and he had the biggest boner I’ve ever seen in my life.
ME:
OH. MY. GOD.
What did you do??
LAUREN:
I made him empty his wallet into her G-string and told her to come back during visiting hours.
ME:
Never a dull moment, huh?
LAUREN:
Enough about me. How are things with Austin? I heard he’s making great progress, which means you’ve been keeping him in line.
ME:
He is. He’s been a model patient. We’re actually at the rehab facility now. He’s going to try throwing some passes.
LAUREN:
That’s amazing! Well, I have to get some sleep, or I’ll be a zombie for tonight’s shift. Let me know how it goes today.
ME:
I will. Have fun at the gentleman’s club…I mean the hospital.
LAUREN:
I hate you.
I chuckle, closing the app just as Austin’s laugh garners my attention.
I look up, the smile on my face falling as Emmett walks into the room.
My heart pounds in my chest, mouth going completely dry while I stare like an obsessed stalker.
Maybe it’s the fact that our kiss has been on replay in my head, even though the ending wasn’t ideal, but I can’t stop myself from noticing how hot he is.
He’s wearing a pair of clean white sneakers, grey sweatpants that are tight in all the right places, a form-fitting Renegades T-shirt, and a backwards hat.
For a moment, I forget about all the heavy emotions that hung between us the last time we were together.
Instead, I go back to the days when I could watch him play for hours, cheering loudly so the entire world knew he was mine.
I took that time for granted, and I’ll never forgive myself for ripping it away from both of us.
“What’s up, Hayes? Glad you could come out,” Austin says cheerfully, extending a hand.
Emmett takes it, pulling his teammate into a quick hug before backing away.
A bright smile blooms across his face, and I soak it in, because I haven’t seen it in so fucking long.
Even though it’s not intended for me, my heart warms at the sight.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” he replies. “I need all the extra practice I can get. One more win, and we’re on our way to the Wild Card game.
” Austin was telling me last week how big of a deal it is for a first-year expansion team to come this far.
From what I’ve seen, the Renegades seem to be working well together.
Of course, they’ve had their struggles, but they definitely don’t look like a bunch of guys who just met earlier this year.
And the way players like Emmett are supporting Austin, even though they didn’t get much time on the field together, speaks volumes about the type of brotherhood they’re creating.
“Coach Bellows got roped into taking care of Maddox’s reinstatement paperwork after practice, so he’ll be here when that’s done. ”
“All right,” Russ shouts. “Let’s get to work.
” The three men take the field, spreading out not too far from one another.
Austin stops, spinning the football in his hands for several seconds before finally passing it to Emmett.
I watch for any signs of discomfort, but when a grin tugs at the corner of his mouth, I breathe a quiet sigh of relief.
He’s fine.
They play an easy game of catch, Austin becoming more relaxed with every passing minute as they joke and banter back and forth. And when he suggests a game of two on two, I immediately become aware of the odd number of participants.
“Stella can be our fourth,” he says loud enough for me to hear.
My head immediately begins shaking rapidly in protest, but he just smiles.
“I’m sure a leisurely game of two-hand touch will be a breeze for her.
” The look on his face is diabolical as he raises a brow.
“Come on, Stell. Make an old man’s day and come play with us. ”
Emmett chokes on a laugh beside him, quickly recovering as he attempts to remain stoic.
I narrow my eyes, shooting daggers at Austin as I try to think of a valid excuse as to why I can’t join them.
I’m wearing sneakers, comfortable athletic clothes, and my hair is pulled back into a ponytail, so I can’t say that I’m not properly dressed.
Damn it all to hell, Stella. When will you ever learn?
When I was talking all that shit to him in the car, I never thought I’d have to back it up, but here we are, and I refuse to go down without a fight.
So, I stand, lifting my chin defiantly as I make my way down to the field and stop in front of him.
“Fine,” I sass. “But don’t be mad when I embarrass you with my skills. ”
He barks a laugh, throwing his head back as his body shakes.
I can’t help the smile that blooms across my face in response.
We both know I’m full of shit. I’m the most unathletic person in the world, unless you count eating an entire package of Oreos in one sitting as a sport. I’d gold medal in that.
“Well, in that case,” he replies, “you can defend Emmett. He’s pretty fast, but I’m sure you’ll have no problem keeping up.”