Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
CARLIE
How soft the sand is on beaches in Hawaii never ceases to amaze me. It’s almost like a powder. I abandoned my flip-flops just a few steps onto Kalepolepo Beach, and now I’m sitting back watching turtles slowly make their way toward the ocean. It’s enchanting.
The whole gang is here, of course, because I couldn’t stop my mouth from inviting them when Law suggested it. Jenna wouldn’t have cared if I spent a few hours with him before helping her with the kids. But something about being alone with him scared me a little bit, and my words got the best of me.
But watching Ruby point and giggle and stomp her little feet in excitement is a lot to pass up on, even if Law probably did want alone time. Devin and Jenna have their kids in a little group with them as we watch, and they’re sitting far enough away that it almost feels like Law and I are alone. They could be just another family on the beach. Except for the part where Jenna keeps looking over at me and wiggling her eyebrows.
Sisters.
“This is really cool,” I say in a hushed voice. In fact, except for the few times Jenna has caught my eye, I can’t take my gaze off the turtles, no matter how slow their course down into the water.
“It’s amazing.” Law’s already taken several videos, and of course pictures of us posing in front of the turtles. He’s sitting with one of his arms bracing him behind me. It would be so easy to lean into him. Last night when we danced, I couldn’t get enough of his arms around me and his hand in mine. We danced for a lot longer than I expected. He makes hanging out with his new team look easy, even though I know it’s anything but for him. He says things about being the new guy all the time, and it surprises me that a successful pro football player can be insecure about it. What’s the story there?
I didn’t know a lot about Law before he came to the Pumas. I’ve really only started watching football since Jett went pro. So I’ve probably seen Law play when his old team played the Pumas, but I didn’t take note. I’ve since googled videos of him, and watching him makes me think he can do it all. I gasped loud enough at one point when he hurdled another player that Jenna had come over to me on the couch to look over my shoulder. Pretty soon we had Law Card highlights playing on the TV in the suite.
I turn to watch him while his gaze is still intent on the turtles. He has a small, entranced smile, so similar to the one Hudson is wearing that I almost snuggle right up to him. And listening to the caring way that Law talked about his neighbor last night solidified even more that he’s a good guy, but my own insecurities are real and not something I can just dismiss.
My brain can’t stop bringing up the fact that Xavier seemed that way too. He was caring. He was kind. He loved to randomly pay for people’s groceries in line ahead of him, always acting like it was some big contest to win when someone racked up a bill over a hundred dollars and he got to pay. I thought it made him sweet. Now I’m certain it was just guilt—him trying to balance his sins when that wasn’t even possible. I haven’t talked to him since they arrested him, so I have no idea how he justified any of it.
“Carlie?” Law’s voice breaks me from my thoughts, and I realize I must have been staring at him—only I know I’m scowling, because he’s frowning back and his eyebrows are furrowed.
“Sorry!” I hurry to smile back. “I was just thinking.”
His expression smooths out, but he still raises his brows at me. “About?”
I want to tell Law more, but it still feels too soon. Like, what is the protocol for admitting that your ex-fiancé is serving twenty years on drug charges? Besides, my nephews and niece could interrupt at any time, or anyone else who came with us, for that matter. Telling Law about my felon ex is a conversation when I know we can be alone.
“I have a stupid ex,” I say carefully. “And the experience with him has left me kind of irrationally cautious.”
He nods slowly. “Jett did warn me to take things slow.”
I groan and shake my head. “That’s such a big brother thing, right? I mean, he’s not really, but he’s acted like it since Devin and Jenna got married.”
Law smiles. “He sort of feels like everyone’s big brother. A little bossy, expecting a lot, but protective.”
“Yeah, that’s Jett.” I’m grateful Jett said something, even if it’s a little embarrassing. Maybe it means that Law won’t give up on me quickly if I have a hard time advancing the developing relationship between us.
I can sense that Law wants to know more. I would. I do . The comment that Ivy made about Law not knowing what a normal marriage looked like was intriguing, basically a siren call to my nosy heart. Probably something to do with his parents’ marriage, and I want details. That’s not out of the ordinary for someone I’m considering dating. Plus, despite Law’s behavior toward me, I can’t shake how close he and Ivy are. It’s unfair, and probably jealousy. She’s such a good friend to him. I can see that. If I had more details about them, it would probably soothe some of my jumpy nerves over this.
“I have a real brother,” I say. “A twin, actually.”
Law smiles, accepting what I can tell him about myself. “Ivy might have mentioned him.” He chuckles. “I have a brother too. Malcolm. He lives in Nashville, near my mom.”
“Are you from Tennessee?” I ask.
He nods. “Yeah, I grew up in Nashville.”
I widen my eyes. “You’re a Blues fan, aren’t you!”
He laughs and makes a show of putting his arm around me, pulling me against him like he’s trying to keep me quiet. “Why don’t you announce that to my whole team?” he teases.
I scoff at him. “Jett’s the only one here.” I try to nod down the beach where he and Ava are sitting.
Law shakes his head and lets me go, but I keep my position right next to him.
“I can’t believe you’re a Blues fan,” I say in a whisper. “Is that why you had such a hard time moving to Houston?” I hope he knows I’m teasing.
“Ha.” His laugh is a little forced, but his eyes dance. “Of course that’s why.”
There’s more there. I can feel it. Are we good enough friends that I can push this? Maybe that’s also a conversation for when we’re alone. When we know each other better. It’s only been a few days, after all. So I change the subject instead. “And your dad?” I ask.
His jaw clenches, and I realize I assumed too much. My parents are still happily married, so all too often I expect everyone else to have a happy family life. I should have known better, considering the hints that have been dropped from both Law and Ivy.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have?—”
Law holds up a hand. “It’s a natural thing to ask about my family. Not prying. I want to get to know you better too.” He pins me with a knowing stare, and I nod in acknowledgment of what he’s saying. Soon , I promise in my head. “My dad died about six years ago,” he says.
“Law! I’m so sorry for bringing that up.” I put my arms around him in a side hug. “Forgive me.”
He smiles, looking down at me with an expression I didn’t expect. Understanding and kindness play across his features, and my heart says I’m being paranoid. He’s perfect.
“It’s fine, Carlie.” He shifts, moving the arm that was braced behind me around my waist, and gently pulls me closer to him. “We weren’t close. He was a senator for Tennessee for as long as I could remember, or in politics, at least. He was gone a lot.”
I put my head on his shoulder. “He was still your dad. Your feelings might be complicated, but you still have them.”
He rests his head against mine. “Yeah. I do.”
We watch the turtles quietly for a while, and I’m so content here with his arm around me.
“And your family?” he asks. “Any more siblings besides Jenna and …” He looks embarrassed not to remember Caleb’s name, which is silly. I didn’t mention it, and if he knows it, it’s because of Ivy.
“Caleb. And no. Just us three, and my mom and dad.” I offer that last almost apologetically, making sure he doesn’t have to make awkward guesses.
“Do they all live in Houston?”
I shake my head. “No, my parents live in Dallas. Caleb actually lives in their basement, but not in the way you think.” I have to laugh. “He’s in IT, and he bought my parents’ house from them several years ago to make sure they’re secure. The apartment is fully furnished and nicer than anything I’ve ever lived in.”
“Ivy said he’s thinking of coming to Houston?”
“You guys really are besties, aren’t you? So you talk to her about everything?” I tilt my head back a little so I can see his face as I laugh about this.
He gives me a fake cringe. “I do. But in all fairness, it’s really hard not to talk to Ivy about everything. She has a vibe that just makes you want to spill your guts.”
“She’s probably a really good life coach, then.”
“She is. So, Caleb’s coming to Houston?” Law isn’t letting me off the hook here, and that’s fine. Talking about my family is easy.
“I hope so. He wants a break from living with my parents, and I don’t blame him. Plus, if I want to get my own place, I need a roommate. He’s a good option. We can afford something a lot nicer if he’s paying … most of the rent.” I break into laughter.
Law joins me, and I like the sound of it from here next to him. It rumbles in his chest in a happy way that warms me.
We chat about the easy things until the turtles have all made their way into the ocean, and even then, no one rushes to leave the beach. Hudson and Ian play in the sand, and Ruby has fallen asleep on the beach blanket that Jenna brought for them to sit on. Sometime during the last thirty minutes, Devin has gone back to the rented Suburban to get the beach umbrella to shade the blanket. Jett and Ava meander up and down the beach, holding hands and stepping in the shallow waves.
And I cuddle with Law. These last few days, every chance I’ve had to spend time with him has been perfect. But that’s one thing that happens on my true crime podcast a lot: the host pointing out that “their life seemed perfect,” which is probably why I can’t stop worrying about when the bubble will burst.
I spend the day helping Devin and Jenna entertain the kids, mostly on the beach, but we also take a trip to a nearby park so they can just run around and be their normal selves for a little bit. When we go to dinner, Law and Ivy are there, and we all sit at a big table together. Law sits next to me, and when everyone is mostly finished and we’re all sitting back and chatting, he moves his arm to the back of my chair. I love every second of it.
Law walks with Devin and Jenna and me back to the suite, and my sister makes it too obvious that they’re rushing inside to leave us alone to really set the right mood for a goodnight kiss. Besides, I’m just too nervous. Despite the great times we’ve had together today, I’m not quite ready for that step yet. If I let myself fall for Law too quickly—and I know my heart will be gone once I kiss him—it just means a bigger chance of getting my heart broken when I find out that he really is too good to be true.
He seems to sense the mood isn’t right either, and he leaves me with a hug that I melt into. Yeah, kissing him is going to be so good. I can already imagine the way he’ll have to curl over me, how his arms will lift me up into him, and how steady his firm chest will feel.
I must be the only woman on the planet who wouldn’t dive headfirst into love with a guy like Law Card—a tall, strong, kind professional athlete, for heaven’s sake, who also happens to be good-looking as all get out.
He pulls away and smiles softly at me. “Night, Carlie,” he says, and his understanding expression somehow says that he gets it even without knowing.
Okay, it might be too late. I might already be falling, kissing or no kissing.
I watch Law stroll off in the direction of his hotel room, unable to wipe a contented smile from my face. But that’s also how I notice Wylie Ford and his “friend” walking up the beach together. I drop my sandals next to the door of our suite, and step off the patio and into the sand.
Right away, I notice their hands keep brushing as they walk, and the looks between them have surpassed flirty vibes at this point. They’re also obviously headed for the Blue Mermaid, the resort bar. A lot of the football players that came on this trip are family men, so there probably won’t be very many hanging out this late at the bar, which is the reason Ford and the woman might not be acting just friendly anymore. This is totally my chance to find out more and get the proof I need to show his wife he’s lying to her.
I pull out my phone and pretend to be paying attention to it as I meander behind them toward the bar. I don’t know the woman he’s with, and between me and Jenna, we’re pretty sure she’s not with the team either. Did Wylie meet her here at the resort?
They walk through an archway ahead of me that leads to the entrance of the bar. One thing that has struck me about the resort is how everything is open. Archways lead right into the tiled hallways that house everything from restaurants to offices. There are few doorways that lock, except those at the front of the hotel.
Two palm trees flank the doorway of the bar, growing up through the gap between this building and the next. The woman leans up against one, pulling Ford toward her by his lapels. I hold my breath to see if he resists, but he gives her a slow smile and leans in. I walk casually past, and then I hold my phone up like I’m taking a selfie with the palm trees, careful to see if Ford notices me. I’m wearing the dress from the celebration last night. I put it on for dinner because it’s cute, even dressed down with a pair of flip-flops, and I wanted to wear it again. I don’t know when the next time I’ll get the chance to wear it will be once we get home.
The problem is that this dress might give me away as being with the football team, and Ford might recognize me and realize I know the people he’s here with. If he spooks, I won’t get a picture for evidence. Is there a chance he’ll remember me from the day I walked up the beach behind them?
He and the woman are too busy kissing now to notice me, TBH. I angle the phone, trying to figure out how to get Ford’s face in it. Frowning, I realize I have to walk around them, back where I came from, since that’s the direction Ford is facing right now.
“Terrible lighting,” I murmur, in case anyone is paying attention to me, and then I sidle around so that my back is now to the palm tree and the woman. I can definitely see Ford better now, so I snap a few pictures, but I need to get closer. I shuffle backwards, fiddling with my phone like I’m trying to get more of the palm tree in my picture.
Then my back slams into something, and I hear glass tinkling. I whirl around to see that I’ve run into a waiter, and glasses are rolling this way and that.
“I am so, so sorry,” I squeak to the waiter, who crouches to gather things.
“Oh my gosh!” the woman with Ford says, and I duck my head, since I’ve totally called attention to myself.
From the corner of my eye, I see dress shoes join us, and I glance up to see Ford crouching down next to the waiter to pick up the scattered glasses as well. His gaze strays to my phone, which I’ve set aside, clearly in camera mode. Is he going to put two and two together? I was doing a good job of pretending to take a selfie with the front of the bar in view, so hopefully he bought that. And I don’t think he’s gotten a good look at my face, so maybe he doesn’t know who I am. We’ve never actually met, just hung out at a few of the same gatherings with the team.
I grab my phone and straighten, leaving Ford to help the poor waiter, and hurry away from the mess I created, ducking inside a door around the corner. I shut it behind me, noting the tile floor of the bathroom, pressing my hand to my heart. It’s thumping so hard I have to take a deep breath and hold it to see if I can slow it down. I’ve likely made Ford think more about me by fleeing the scene when he might have dismissed me if I’d just stayed to help like a normal person, but the drive to make sure he didn’t see my face was just too much. I groan quietly and push open the door just enough for me to peek out and see if Ford and the woman are gone.
“It might be easier if I go out and see if the coast is clear for you,” a voice says, and I jump, barely stifling a scream.
I whirl around. “Law!” I whisper-shout. “Wha-at do you mean?” Does he know I’ve been spying? How can he know what I was doing? And what is he doing here? I watched him walk toward his room.
He gestures around him, a big grin on his face, and I notice for the first time the wall lined with urinals. A small “eeep” escapes me as I realize I ducked into the men’s bathroom to hide. I slap a hand over my forehead. This can’t get much worse, can it? And why did it have to be Law who saw me?
“Ivy has gone into men’s bathrooms on accident more times than I can count,” he says with a chuckle. “Usually because she’s following me and talking and not paying attention.”
“I …” This is a much better explanation than telling him I was spying on his teammate and trying to escape from getting caught doing it. “Yeah,” I finish lamely.
Law steps closer. “I’m happy to go see if the coast is clear so you can sneak out of here with no one the wiser.”
My answering laugh is full of air, and odd enough sounding that Law tilts his head a little bit. “My knight in shining armor.” I swallow, trying to get a hold of myself.
“Your wish is my command,” he says, and his voice goes slightly husky. Man, if we weren’t standing in a men’s restroom, this might be the right time to kiss him. Only to distract him, of course, from reading too much into my weird behavior.
He pushes open the door and walks out, and I peer out after him, keeping the door open a sliver. He walks back toward me after only a moment. “There’s a waiter around the corner mopping up something, but no one in this hallway.”
“Is there anyone outside the bar entrance?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “The women’s restroom is just there.” He points down the hallway. “I don’t think anyone will notice where you came from.”
But Ford will definitely notice me if he’s anywhere in the vicinity. “Okay.” I slowly emerge from the restroom, hesitating and peering around me like maybe I don’t quite believe I’m in the clear. “What are you doing here? I thought you went back to your room,” I ask once we’re standing together in the empty hallway, hoping I sound casual.
He nods toward the bar. “Their fries are amazing. Ordering some to take back to my room, and I’m just waiting on them now. Want to share with me?”
And go into the bar, where Ford and the woman will definitely notice me given how strange I acted? “I’m sorry.” I grimace apologetically. “I actually have to get right back.” I scramble for a good lie. “Jenna and I have a date to binge-watch some How I Met Your Mother episodes. It’s our favorite. We never really get to do that anymore, so it seemed like the perfect vacation thing to do, you know?”
Law nods slowly at my rambling. I sweep my hair up into a bun on top of my head, using a black hair tie I keep on my wrist next to my watch. It’ll change up my appearance a little so that Ford and the woman hopefully don’t notice me. The walls of the Blue Mermaid are glass, and if they’re sitting at a table, they’ll have a full view of my exit. Law doesn’t say anything about my hair change, but that’s probably because even though it’s getting dark, it’s still warm and humid outside.
“Thanks for the rescue.” I give him my most genuine smile.
“Anytime.”
“So,” I say. “Good night again.”
“Good night.” He leans over to hug me, which actually does a lot to calm my racing heart. After the way I acted on the hike the other day, and now this, he’s probably rethinking if he wants to see me again.
I walk around the corner, shrugging my shoulders so the elastic on my off-the-shoulder dress slides up my arms, giving my dress what looks like a completely different neckline. I don’t look back to see what Law thinks about that. Hopefully he’s already heading into the bar to get his fries.
As I hurry my steps back toward my suite, I whisper the motto of my favorite podcast to calm myself. “Don’t be afraid of standing out, especially in a bad situation.” The host is all about making sure women know it’s okay to turn down men who make them uncomfortable, or to do things that mean you’ll be remembered by people, in case something happens to you. That’s what this is, I remind myself. Wylie Ford is putting his wife in a bad situation, and I may stand out a little bit, but it’s all about making things right.