AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s a great question. Such a great question that I can tell that Delaney doesn’t quite seem to know how to answer it.
“Well…” She starts, shifting her weight from one leg to the other as she rubs the back of her neck. “That, I’m not quite sure about yet! But what I do know is that I have a ton of experience when it comes to getting eyes on you and buildingintimateconnections!”
Oh no, here it comes.
“Are you looking to expand your resume?” Wilks snickers in response, causing the team to explode into laughter.
And there it is.
“Wilks!” Alf joins me by my side, a frown of disapproval on his face. “All of you!” He scolds as the laughter comes to analmost immediate halt. “We’re done with introductions today. Get in the showers. Now.”
The team sighs in defeat as they trudge their way off the pitch, but that doesn’t stop the lads from suggestively glancing over at Delaney one last time before they disappear into the tunnel.
“You know where to find us to build moreintimate connections.” Hart flashes her a wink, prompting Alf to slap him on the back as he walks by.
Christ, I can only imagine what the topic of conversation in the changing room is about to be.
“I’m sorry about them.” Alf takes the liberty to apologize on behalf of the group. “They’re just excited, that’s all.” He brushes aside the guys’ sexual enthusiasm as genuine enthusiasm before as he shoots me a stare. “In fact, we’reallexcited to have you join us, aren’t we, Parker?” Alf asks rhetorically, nudging me as he speaks.
I do my best to nod, even though the only value I can see Delaney bringing to this team so far is an opportunity for an easy punch-line amongst the group and a rest for the eyes.
Wilks wasn’t completely unhinged with his remark earlier about my involvement with women. How can I find the time to secure a relationship when this team takes up far too much of it? I wouldn’t have it any other way, though, but the truth is, I already know that Delaney is unlike any girl I’ve seen before. She’s unique, bold, and a ray of…sunshine.
“Right.” Alf disrupts my thought, clearing his throat. “Well, I’ve got some work to do…” He gestures back. “But how about I catch up with you two tomorrow? Sound good?” Alf proposes, giving Delaney one last reassuring smile before heading off through the tunnel and toward his office.
Once he’s out of sight, Delaney beams in my direction. “I think that went really well!” She cheers as I close my eyes,rubbing my hand against my eyebrows. “I think they already really like me,” she adds proudly. “What do you think, Warren?”
“Oh, they liked you, alright,” I mutter under my breath. “But maybe not for thepublic relationswork you’re hoping to accomplish.”
Within an instant, the bright smile on her face is replaced by a frown as her brows furrow in deep thought. I hate that I’m the clouds in contrast to her.
“Really?” she mumbles in response, playing with the knot in the front of her jersey. “Why do you say that?”
Rather than rhyming off the plethora of innuendos she’d just set up for herself, I opt for something much simpler instead. “You want a word of advice?” I ask her solemnly, crossing my arms and finally meeting her gaze as she delicately nods.
I swallow the dryness in my throat before speaking. “Remember that at the end of the day, you’re talking to a bunch of grown men who kick footballs—footballs, notsoccerballs—around for a living. It’s going to take a whole lot more than you stumbling your way in here to earn your place on this team.”
Silence washes between us for a couple of moments as I look past her and out onto the field. A part of me is hoping that she’ll take that and walk away. But she doesn’t. Instead, she stands in front of me as if waiting for me to continue.
“Is that your ‘word of advice’?” she retorts, impatiently to mimic my stature.
I can’t ignore the annoyance I feel from her shift in attitude—the expression she’s portraying that’s making me feel like I should’ve held her hand the whole way through the introduction—figuratively, of course. What does she expect from me? For God's sake, I’m a football coach, not a life coach.
Maybe I should just tell her that she’s not cut out for this, send her on her way, and continue with the team the way I had initially planned on doing.
It all sounds so easy, forgetting that this introduction ever happened, though I know the task will be much harder when I try to fall asleep tonight.
But then again, before I go to open my gob, I’m reminded for a final time: she’s Ira’s granddaughter. I’d have done anything for Ira, I would’ve—because I know he would've done the same for me.
I let out a sigh of resignation as I met her gaze. She’s got a look, as the saying would have it, that sugar doesn’t melt in her mouth—whereas I know sugar wouldn’t stand a chance in mine.
Because of that, I give out my one, only, and final real piece of advice to her before both her claim to Ira and this innocent stare hold me back any longer.
“You want some real advice, Delaney? Here it is. If you really want to be a part of this team, you’ve got to earn it, just like everyone else. And once you do, only then can you start whatever it is you’re here to do.”
I attempt to walk away, but her voice brings me to a halt. “And who made you in charge?” She stands her ground, her face unwavering. “Huh?”
I purse my lips as one. “Your grandfather,” I tell her without a slither of doubt, as the words fall from my lips, her face softens ever so slightly. “And I made him a promise I’d take care of his team—one that I don’t refuse to renege on.”
