Chapter 25 #2
“I think he’s one of the good ones, honey,” her father answered.
“But even good guys slip up.” Her father ran an agitated hand through his thinning salt-and-pepper hair.
“I’ve done my best to shield you from the less pleasant aspects, but you know this industry,” he said with a sigh.
“Between the travel, the time away from their families, and the temptation constantly thrown their way, fidelity is a rare thing among professional athletes—even the good guys.”
Her stomach roiled. She and Ben had only been out together once and she’d already seen him get hit on—and while he was on an obvious date with her no less.
Had that been a one-off or was that something she would have to get used to if they were going to continue seeing each other?
Would other women hit on him even if they knew he was involved with someone else?
And would Ben continue to turn them down?
“I know you don’t want to hear this,” her dad continued, interrupting her thoughts, “and I’m sorry to be the one to have to tell you, but if you choose to date Logan, it won’t be easy.
All it takes is one bad game, a losing streak, or the right temptation at the right time.
The guys get lonely and in their heads and their moral compass goes wandering. ”
Melody felt queasy. Her dad’s words confirmed that her concerns were legitimate.
Unbidden, her mind pulled up the memory of the fan mail Eric had received just the other week.
Did Ben receive sexy pictures and lingerie, too?
Eric had predicted he would, if he didn’t already.
A dry lump formed in her throat at the thought, and the subconscious act of swallowing saliva suddenly took effort.
“Are you telling me you think Ben would cheat on me?” she asked, her voice hitching as she spoke.
Her father frowned. “The truth is, I don’t know him well enough to say for sure.
” He sighed heavily. “I’ve seen the odd saint among players—and Benjamin Logan has a decent shot of being one, in my opinion—but it isn’t the norm,” he acknowledged.
“Most players—and we are talking about the decent guys here—screw up at least a few times and it’s only by the grace of their wives and girlfriends that they’re able to maintain their relationships.
” Her dad paused a beat before continuing.
“It’s possible to have a good relationship with a professional athlete, but the odds are heavily stacked against it.
” He leveled her with a serious look. “And that’s something you would have to be prepared for. ”
Melody released a long and gusty breath. “You’ve certainly given me a lot to think about.”
Her dad steepled his fingers together and looked at her thoughtfully. “I’m sorry to have to lay all of that on you, honey.”
“Me, too,” Melody lamented.
Her dad sighed heavily. “Logan’s a good man, Melody. I truly believe that.”
“Are you trying to tell me I should date him or stay away from him?” Melody could have wept. She was already confused enough without throwing this additional tidbit into the mix.
Her dad stared into his café au lait before meeting her eyes. “Neither,” he pronounced.
“And to think,” Melody said with cheek, “I was hoping your drink might have offered a more powerful portent than tea leaves.”
Her dad’s lips twisted in wry amusement. “Sorry to disappoint, honey. A fortune teller I am not.”
Melody shrugged. It would have been nice if her dad had been able to offer her some sort of guarantee where Ben was concerned, but she knew he couldn’t tell the future any more than she could.
“Can I give you some additional fatherly advice?” he ventured.
“Please,” Melody assented, eager for any insight he might be able to offer. Maybe it would help her to cut through some of the jumble her thoughts had become.
“I wouldn’t want you to miss out on an opportunity to be with someone who obviously cares about you just because the surrounding circumstances aren’t perfect,” he observed. “I just wouldn’t want to see you going into a relationship like this blind.”
“Expect the best, but plan for the worst?” Melody asked, parroting one of his favorite idioms.
He smiled. “That’s my smart girl,” he praised in the loving tone he reserved just for her.
Melody felt awash with affection for her father. She appreciated the way he was looking out for her without trying to make her decisions for her. But all she said was, “Thanks, Daddy.” She knew she didn’t need to say more for him to understand.
Her dad’s face was thoughtful as he looked at her. “Based on the expression on your face, I assume you’re going to see him again?”
Melody felt a gentle warmth infuse her cheeks. “If he asks me, yes,” she answered, punctuating her answer with a nod.
“Oh, he’ll ask all right,” her father predicted. “Of that, I have no doubt.”
Melody sure hoped so. Despite the challenges, she was too interested in Ben to not explore what might be possible between them.
“You just be sure to let me know if Logan isn’t treating you proper,” her dad instructed before taking another sip of his coffee.
“I have no problem manufacturing reasons why he might need to do extra wind sprints—or worse—if he doesn’t behave like the stand-up gentleman you deserve.
” He was joking, but Melody could also hear the resolute promise in his words.
“Thanks, Daddy,” she repeated as she resumed filling her plate, adding a generous glob of whipped cream and a small mountain of mixed berries on top of her waffle. “It’s always nice to know I have you in my corner.”
“Anything for you, honey,” he assured.