AUSTIN
THREE
“Well, this is you,” I say, walking Paris to her desk.
I’ll admit that I attempted to stalk her on social media after I got the call from Memphis about her needing a job, but her accounts are private.
I wasn’t able to see much aside from her profile picture, where she was facing away from the camera as she watched the sunset with three kids by her side.
Her brother is a really good-looking guy, so I expected that she’d be attractive, but holy fuck, nothing could’ve prepared me for the sight.
I haven’t felt this way since the last time I set foot on the field—from the butterflies to the anxiety of knowing it’ll be over far too soon.
I’m sure a lot of what I’m feeling is because I’ve become a bit closed off after being publicly cheated on, so I don’t find myself in many situations where I’m alone with a pretty girl.
Other than the significant others of my ex-teammates, who I think of more as sisters than anything else, I can’t even recall the last time I had a conversation with a woman that wasn’t in a professional setting.
Although, we are in a professional setting, and technically not alone, either.
“Sydney should be here soon to get you acclimated,” I say.
“She’s always at least ten minutes late.
She’ll claim that she hit traffic on the way, but there’s a ninety percent chance that the coffee she’ll inevitably have in her hand is the reason she’s running behind. You could set your watch to it.”
She giggles. “It’s not a bad reason to be late. I’d actually kill for a good coffee right now. I poured a cup this morning, but by the time I got the kids packed and ready to come here, it was cold. Better luck tomorrow, I guess.”
I can’t stop the grin that stretches across my face. “How old are they?”
Her smile mirrors mine, her expression turning proud.
“Rowan is eight. He’s my biggest helper, doing everything he can to wrangle the other two even when I tell him I’ve got it.
Rhys is six, and as rambunctious as any little boy has ever been.
Huge sports nut, that one. And Lennon is fifteen months.
She’s the exact opposite of her brothers, but that’s probably because they treat her like a princess and give her everything she wants. ”
I chuckle. “They sound amazing. Are they here in the daycare?”
“Yeah,” she answers. “The boys go to school, but they’re out for summer break.
Rowan tried to convince me that he’d be perfectly fine at home by himself because he didn’t want to come, but Rhys had his clothes laid out and his bag packed a week ago.
He’s very excited to be in the same building as Maddox Dane, who’s apparently the best quarterback in the world. ”
Ouch. That one stings a little.
I nod, shoving my hands into the pockets of my sweatpants. “Maddox is a good friend of mine. I’ll put in a good word for Rhys.”
Her eyes go wide, an ear-to-ear grin blooming across her face.
I can’t ignore the way it makes my heart beat faster in my chest, even though that’s the very last thing that should be happening right now.
Not only are we—for all intents and purposes—co-workers, but there are a handful of other reasons I shouldn’t even be looking at this woman.
First of all, she’s Memphis’ sister. I helped her get in here, but I’m sure he wouldn’t want me looking at her like I am.
Secondly, she’s newly divorced and navigating life as a single mom.
From what her brother said, her ex is a real piece of work.
I’m sure the last thing she wants is anyone thinking about her in a way that’s less than professional.
“Austin, he would freak out if his favorite player even knew his name. He already tells anyone who will listen that his uncle is the best pitcher the Cleveland Gladiators have ever had. Poor Memphis has been to more show-and-tells than any grown man should be subject to. I can’t imagine that Rhys would ever stop talking about it if he crossed paths with Maddox. ”
I make a mental note to text my friend later. He’s probably gearing up for a workout on the other side of the facility as we speak. I’m sure he could find time in his schedule to come say hello to a fan.
“I have a feeling your little guy is going to love it here. Aside from being able to see the team practice out the window, you never know who may be walking around.” Just as the words leave my lips, the elevator doors slide open to reveal the most inappropriate workplace scenario I’ve ever witnessed.
Steele’s back is facing us, Sydney’s leg wrapped around his thigh as they make out—very loudly—like they’re the only two people in the building.
Wet, sloppy kissing noises fill the air, and I roll my eyes, knowing that no amount of obnoxious throat-clearing will make it stop.
“Sometimes, you even get to watch our new running back suck face with the owner’s daughter in broad daylight. ”
“Fuck off, Baker,” Steele says, Syd punctuating the sentiment with a middle finger directed at me over her boyfriend’s shoulder before they finally unlatch from one another and step into the reception area.
“Don’t you two do enough of that at home? You can’t act professional for five minutes?”
Sydney’s nose scrunches in disgust, and she looks from Steele to me. “Austin, have you met us? Not a professional bone in either of our bodies. You’re lucky we’re even here at this hour.”
I bark a laugh. “Touché. And without your coffee, too. Very uncharacteristic of you, Syd.”
“Yeah,” she replies, her hip popping out in a spectacular show of attitude. “Last time I ride to work with this asshole.” She tosses a thumb over her shoulder. “Yapping about how he was going to get fined for being late yet still insisted on walking me up here.”
“Just making sure you get where you need to be safely, Mistress,” Steele says, pulling her into his tattooed arms. “I told you I was never letting you out of my sight again. Matter of fact, I’m going to borrow Theo’s BabyBjorn so I can strap you to my chest while I work out.”
I chuckle, unable to get the image out of my head.
Our cornerback, Theo Calloway, is the undisputed king of babywearing since becoming a dad last year.
We all tease him relentlessly for his extensive collection of harnesses and slings, but if I’m honest, I’m a little envious of the guy.
His girlfriend, Finley, just gave birth to their son a few weeks ago, making them a family of four.
As happy as I am for them—and all of my ex-teammates as they get married and start their lives with the women they love—I can’t help but think maybe that ship has sailed for me.
I’m thirty-eight years old, and terrified of being hurt and humiliated again.
I haven’t been on a date in almost a year, let alone spent enough time with a woman to consider a future where I don’t die alone.
Okay, that’s a bit dramatic, but honestly…where’s the lie?
“Well, maybe I’ll run by Brew-La-La after I meet with your dad and pick you up a white chocolate mocha. Paris here was just saying she’d commit a felony for some caffeine, and we wouldn’t want her getting arrested on her first day.”
Paris’ eyes go wide, her cheeks turning that adorable shade of pink again. “Oh, that’s okay. You don’t have to do th—”
“I want to,” I reply, setting a gentle hand on her forearm.
I hope she doesn’t think I’m weird, or that I’m doing too much, but I’m a caretaker by nature.
When someone wants or needs something, I’m always happy to provide it if I can.
This is a simple walk down the street to the café, and if it makes her feel more welcome here at the Renegades facility, then it’s absolutely worth the extra effort.
Plus, she has a pretty smile, and this’ll give me another shot at seeing it again.
“Thank you,” she says quietly, her brown eyes twinkling. “Just a caramel cappuccino is good. I think I have some cash in my wallet.” She reaches into her tote bag, but I back away, extending a hand between us.
“No need. It’s on me.” She opens her mouth to argue, but I stop her before she can. “Your brother will kick my ass if I don’t take care of you, so please let me.”
She nods, pulling her hand from her bag and wrapping her delicate fingers around the strap.
It’s hard to believe this sweet, shy woman is even remotely related to Memphis, who has a reputation for being the most animated, boisterous person in any room.
I have a feeling there’s more to Paris than I’m seeing at the moment, though.
Hopefully, everyone here makes her feel comfortable enough to eventually show us who she really is.
“Alright, you two,” Syd says, her gaze bouncing from Steele to me. “Can you please fuck off so I can show our girl around? There’s too much testosterone in here. I can’t focus.”
“I’ll give you too much testosterone,” her boyfriend growls, collaring her throat with his giant hand and smacking a rough kiss to her lips.
But as it always does with them, the connection deepens, turning into yet another public make-out session.
I sneak a glance at Paris, noticing the way her head tilts to the side just slightly while she watches, like she’s curious about their dynamic.
I know that they both enjoy being in control—sometimes even fighting for dominance—but I have a feeling that maybe she isn’t subject to this type of PDA very often.
She doesn’t look uncomfortable with it…just interested. And that makes me interested.
No, Baker. For fuck’s sake. No.
She’s Memphis’ sister. I shouldn’t even be looking at her, let alone wondering if she’s ever been held the way Steele is holding Sydney right now.
It’s absolutely none of my business how she’s been touched.
We can be friendly around the office, as I am with everyone here, but beyond that, I need to remember that she’s off-limits.
Jesus fuck. Even I don’t believe the bullshit I’m spouting off right now.
“Anyway,” I say loudly, breaking the two heathens apart before I start fantasizing about what my friend’s sister tastes like.
Syd pulls away, earning an annoyed growl from Steele, who crosses his arms over his chest like a petulant child.
I level him with a stare that says Save it for the dungeon, dickwad, but he just rolls his eyes as I turn my attention to his better half.
“I take it you’ve got things from here?”
“Yep,” she replies, her blonde curls bouncing as she perks up. “I’m going to teach Paris the art of clocking in, then pretending to look busy while she does absolutely nothing. I’m pretty much an expert in the field.”
I chuckle. As cool and nonchalant as the youngest daughter of Paul Grant is, she’s a damn hard worker.
Even during the offseason, she’s whipped the Renegades’ social media department into shape, making it run like a well-oiled machine.
On top of that, she volunteers three times a week at the local animal shelter and still finds time to be there for every person in our friend group when they need something.
She just might be the most dedicated one of us all, despite her casual attitude.
“Alright, then.” I lift my chin, stepping backward as my gaze finds Paris. “Let me know if you need anything else, okay?”
She nods shyly, lifting her hand in a wave. “Thanks again, Austin.”
And goddamn, I don’t hate the way she says my name.