Chapter 40 This is your future
CHAPTER FORTY
This is your future
Ryker
I sat beside Coach in the dimly lit hotel room. All the curtains were drawn, and all the doors were sealed shut, blocking out any trace of natural light. Even the overhead lighting had been switched off. The only source came from stage lamps, which were all directed at Coach and me.
They radiated a shit load of heat, causing a sweat to break out beneath my football jacket. I pulled at my collar, unzipping it slightly while exhaling slowly. It was worse than a hot locker room in here.
We were filming a series of short clips to be used alongside other footage on Draft day. Coach and I had been played countless game replays and highlights to reminisce about, walking viewers through the moment.
Had it just been Coach and me watching past games, it would’ve felt normal. But throw in a producer, three assistants and a series of cameramen, and it was as sterile an environment as they came.
I’d said as much to Ruby when I texted her during my last break, to which she’d replied: Get used to it, Wheels. This is your future.
A future that looked a hell of a lot brighter if I got to repeat the events from my birthday weekend. That was a moment I’d happily relive and talk about. I wouldn’t complain about a game tape either.
Since I’d partially seen her naked in the flesh, Ruby had officially given me the green light to look at the photo – and my god, it was even better than I remembered.
Not to mention now when I eyed her creamy legs, I could feel them hooked over my shoulders, and when I glimpsed the delicate white underwear, I replayed dragging them over her hips – mere seconds before getting comfortable between her thighs.
I was in so fucking deep, and I didn’t care. Other girls? No clue they even existed anymore. Ruby was the only one occupying my thoughts.
“We’re going to have your coach talk about what it was like working with you, Ryker,” the producer said. “If you could stay quiet for this part, that would be great.”
Sounded easy enough. Coach, on the other hand, didn’t seem thrilled by the idea. He hated this more than I did, but it was part of his job. Just like it would be part of mine soon.
Coach was old school. He’d climbed the ranks because he was obsessed with the game, not because he enjoyed the spotlight that came with it.
It was the same for me. I hadn’t put in the work to become a household name. I did it because I loved football. So much so that calling it my profession would never stop feeling too good to be true.
I’d soon be getting paid – and paid well – to do something I genuinely enjoyed.
I already had plans for my first contract, including paying off my parents’ mortgage, treating my sister to a family vacation, and replacing my brother’s death trap of a car.
Maybe I’d buy Ruby her entire ASOS wish list as well.
Or perhaps I’d take us to a secluded island and ban her from wearing clothes the entire time.
Yeah. The second option sounded good.
As the producer counted down, the room fell silent – except for Coach, who cleared his throat and shifted in his chair. They were so goddamn uncomfortable.
“Action.”
“Ryker has been a pleasure to coach, both on and off the field. He’s a natural leader and intelligent player.
I’ve learned as much from him as I hope he’s learned from me these past four years.
I have no doubt that whichever team is fortunate enough to pick him will make history, because Ryker Richardson is destined for greatness. ”
I actually fucking blushed. Sitting silently beside someone while they complimented you was a strange feeling. Especially when you were surrounded by a roomful of strangers and had countless cameras directed on you.
“Perfect,” the producer said, seeming satisfied. “Let’s take five while we reset the cameras.”
Coach hurriedly got to his feet. “I need a coffee. You want anything, kid?”
“I’m good, but thanks.”
He darted out of the room quickly, probably afraid the producer might cancel the break and force him back onto the uncomfortable stool.
Half-worried about that myself, I quietly and promptly slipped behind one of the closed drapes and stepped onto the balcony. The cool, refreshing air was welcome. I’d been sweating up a storm inside.
Taking my phone from my pocket, I texted Ruby.
Ryker: FT?
She called me right back, and as her face filled the screen, I relaxed for the first time all day.
“Hey,” I said, squinting as my eyes adjusted to the bright light. “I thought you were at work.”
“I am. I’m eating breakfast outside.”
“Breakfast? It’s four in the afternoon, Rubz.”
“Is it? I’ve lost track. I’ve been here for over seventeen hours.”
“Really? That doesn’t sound very healthy.”
“It’s the health industry is what it is.” She lifted her palm to her mouth, hiding a yawn. “Are you done filming?”
“Nope. I doubt we will be anytime soon.”
I felt guilty complaining about the shoot when it was clear Ruby had worked ten times as hard. She looked exhausted. Even beneath her glasses, I could make out dark circles below her eyes.
“Tell me about your day,” I said.
“It’s been an ordinary one. A couple of hip replacements, and I have a cholecystectomy in–” She checked her watch. “–fourteen minutes.”
“What the hell is that?”
“Gallbladder removal.”
I shuddered. That sounded gory and gross.
Taking off her glasses to rub her eyes, Ruby yawned again. The shape her mouth formed sent another shudder through me – though this time, it had nothing to do with nausea.
“I miss you, Rubz.”
The corner of her lips turned up. “As a friend or a sex partner?”
I barked out a laugh. “Both.”
Not that we’d actually slept together yet, but I hoped we’d have the chance soon. The anticipation was killing me. If a bit of foreplay had me feeling this addicted, I expected to sell my soul to Ruby once she let me fuck her – if she let me.
“Did you get a chance to figure out whether you can come and visit this weekend?” I checked.
Ruby shook her head, regret plain on her face. “I don’t get off until ten tonight, and then I’m back for a night shift tomorrow.”
I had no idea how she’d lasted nearly four years of long distance. It’d been less than two weeks since we’d hooked up, and my patience was already wearing thin.
It had me worrying what next year would be like. Neither of us knew where we would end up. Realistically, it could be a lot further apart than Philadelphia and Ohio.
She slipped her glasses back on, gathering her things. “My break’s almost done, and you’re probably due back.”
She was right. I could overhear hushed voices coming from inside, probably wondering what was taking me so long.
“I’ll call you later if I can. Bye, Wheels.”
“Bye, Rubz.”
The producer caught my attention the moment I stepped back into the dark, stuffy room. Coach was still nowhere to be seen. I should’ve stolen his coffee idea to buy myself more time.
“While we wait for your coach, can you tell us the team you’re hoping to get drafted to.”
“I’m not hoping to–”
“Don’t tell me, tell the...”
She mouthed the word camera while tapping the expensive looking piece of technology.
I took a deep breath as I resettled in the uncomfortable seat.
Just be your charming self, Wheels. That shit will sell.
“I’m not getting my hopes up,” I admitted, keeping my tone level. “There are too many variables, like where teams will end up and what type of players they’re looking for.”
“Is there somewhere you’re wanting to go?”
“No. I’ll be thankful if I get drafted to any team.”
“What about someone you’re wanting to be near? Like your family, or maybe even a girlfriend.”
Four years ago, when I’d been fresh-eyed leaving for college, I would’ve prayed to get drafted to Denver, just to be closer to my family.
But now, the first person I saw beside me next year was Ruby.
As a friend, as a fuck buddy, as something more, I hadn’t yet figured out.
All I knew was that I wanted – needed – her close by.
I wouldn’t cope if she wasn’t.