Just for Kicks by Tracy Solheim

Eleven

* * *

HARPER HOPPEDFROM one foot to the other.

“Do you need to go potty?” her mother asked quietly.

The little girl nodded before grabbing Andi’s fingers and tugging her toward a two-story building on the other side of the tent.

Merrit Gibson lunged after them. “Honey, wait. Mommy will take you. Andi doesn’t want to leave the party.”

Oh, but she did. She really, really did. Outside of the coach’s wife and their precious daughter, every other female in attendance had given her a chilly reception. Andi could think of nothing better than escaping to the ladies’ room.

“I’m happy to take her,” she said. “I’m just not sure where I’m going.”

Merrit glanced over to her husband who had their son, Max, propped on his shoulders. Husband and wife exchanged a look seeming to encompass an entire conversation, concluding with a warm smile on both their faces. Andi felt a bit like a voyeur witnessing a silent communication born from years of intimacy. A feeling of sorrow washed over her. What would it be like to know someone that well?

Harper trotted toward the building, her tiny bladder making her steps quicken.

“I appreciate you being so sweet to her,” Merrit said as she pulled open the big glass door. “She’s usually very shy with strangers.”

“I wasn’t sure what this picnic would be like,” Andi admitted. “I’ll take all the friends I can get.”

They raced down a long, carpeted hallway. A glass wall lined one side of the hall. Behind the glass was an impressive display of trophies of all sizes and shapes, footballs, and jerseys.

“Oh, trust me,” Merrit said as she pushed open the door to the lounge outside the ladies’ room. “I can relate to being the new girl in town. Actually, I should thank you for marrying Declan when you did. I’m no longer their favorite target.”

“Wow. Good to know they’re this welcoming to everyone.”

Merrit put her fingers to her lips, ducking to check beneath all of the stall doors to make sure they were empty and no one could overhear them before disappearing into one with her daughter.

“I probably shouldn’t have said that,” she called through the door. “I’m sure they are always wary of the new head coach’s wife. Especially one who was never a WAG before.”

“Your husband didn’t play before he became a coach?” Andi wasn’t all that familiar with the game of football, but she assumed most coaches were former players.

Harper and Merrit emerged from the stall. Merrit lifted her daughter at the waist so Harper could lean in and wash her hands. The little girl made a production of soaping her hands and blowing bubbles toward her troll doll on the counter.

“We weren’t together during Heath’s playing days.”

Judging by the melancholy in Merrit’s voice, there was a story to be told, but Andi wasn’t comfortable asking about it. She wasn’t going to risk pushing away her only friend among the WAGs by being nosy.

Merrit guided Harper’s hands beneath the faucet. “It’s hard, too, when you have a child who’s special.” She leaned down to kiss the top of her daughter’s head. The little girl’s hair was exactly the same color as her mother’s. Andi felt another kick in the belly at the intimacy. She didn’t even remember the color of her own mother’s hair.

“Harper is special.” Andi smiled at her little friend in the mirror.

“Most people don’t believe us when we tell them she’s a total chatterbox at home.” Merrit handed Harper a paper towel. “She just doesn’t speak around anyone else. The pediatrician said she’ll grow out of it. But other parents can be so judgy.”

Andi sank down to be eye level with Harper. “You’re just saving up all your pretty words and opinions for those who appreciate them, aren’t you?”

Harper grabbed her troll from the counter and hugged it to her chest, before nodding.

“Atta girl.” She brushed a strand of hair out of the little girl’s eye. “Be true to yourself. Don’t ever forget that.”

Andi stood and brushed her hands on her shorts before looking up to see Merrit studying her with a warm grin.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about with the other WAGs,” Merrit said. “You’re a lot stronger than you look.”

“I’m used to not fitting in most places.”

They headed out through the lounge, Merrit carrying the troll doll while Harper skipped between them, each of her hands in one of theirs.

“Oh, I don’t think their attitude today had anything to do with you fitting in, Andi. I’m pretty sure they were all just a little bit jealous after that interview.”

“Jealous? Whatever for?”

Merrit laughed. “Girl, they were all wishing their significant other looked at them the way Dex was looking at you.” She fanned herself with the troll doll. “Given his reputation of stoicism, I really didn’t think he had it in him. But he’s got it bad for you. Anyone watching could see that.”

Andi nearly tripped over her own feet. There had certainly been a moment during the interview when they each weren’t trying to skewer the other one, a moment when she’d felt a connection with Dex. But as far as “having it bad” for her, no way. He had made it very clear that he would have no trouble ignoring the sexual attraction between them. She’d already discovered that he was a skilled actor. Especially when he had a lot to lose. He’d just given his fans, and the authorities, everything they wanted. Nothing more.

“So, tell me about your soap business,” Merrit asked once they’d left the building. “That sounds like an interesting and creative endeavor. How did you get into it?”

Glad for the change of subject, Andi lifted Harper’s arm and gave her a little swing. “Well, like a certain little girl I know, I was special too when I was little. I was born with a very discerning sense of smell. When I lived with my grandmother, she had terrible arthritis and she’d use all those creams to help ease her pain. The smell would be so intense for me that I’d go outside and find other natural scents to camouflage the stench. Soon I was making little sachets to hide around the house. When I moved into foster care, I kept it up. Mostly so I could have something to remember her by.”

“Mmm. Better sachets than a tube of Ben Gay.”

They both lifted Harper into another swing.

“For sure. One of my foster moms was a science teacher. She liked the idea of having organic soap to use, so she filled in the gaps in my chemistry and the rest was history.”

“That’s amazing. I have a lot of respect for women entrepreneurs.” The genuine awe in Merrit’s voice made Andi’s shoulders square with pride. “What’s the name of your company?”

“Oh, I don’t have one yet. A name or a company. I’m pulling together a business plan now in one of my classes,” she explained. “I’ve been slowly working and getting my business degree at night. I hope to finish this semester.”

“Good for you. Never let anyone stand in the way of your dreams.” Merrit lifted her daughter up and Andi followed suit. Harper let out a soft giggle when the two women swung her between them. “You hear that, little one. You are in the presence of some awesome girl power.”

Andi grimaced. “It will only be awesome if I pass managerial accounting this fall. I’m more of a creative than a numbers person.”

Merrit halted beside her. “Well, then, Andi Fletcher, today is definitely your lucky day.”

She was so shaken by the sound of the name that shouldn’t be hers and wouldn’t be for long that it took her a moment for the rest of Merrit’s statement to register. “How so?”

“Because, I just happen to be a CPA. One who specialized in managerial accounting.” Merrit smiled proudly. “If you have questions on anything, I’m your girl.”

She stared at Merrit, dumbfounded. Was she actually offering to help? The other woman beamed back as if that was exactly what she was offering.

“You don’t have to do that,” she said before she could stop herself. She was used to doing things herself, getting by on her own. Since she’d crossed paths with Declan Fletcher, however, her luck had changed. She was no longer saddled with a mountain of debt. And now, a woman she’d known for barely an hour was offering to help her pass the one class she’d dreaded her entire college career.

“Of course, I don’t have to,” Merrit countered. “I want to. Honestly, you’ll be doing me the favor. I haven’t done anything to keep my skills sharp since Harper arrived. It’ll be fun.”

Andi chuckled. “‘Fun’ is not a word I would use to describe accounting, but if you say so.”

Harper tugged on their hands, silently demanding they swing her again. Both women grinned as they once again made their way in the direction of the tent.

“I promise to make it painless,” Merrit said. “How does that sound? When do classes start, anyway?”

“This week. Accounting is on Thursday night.”

“Oh my gosh!” a woman behind them exclaimed. “I’m in professor Hart’s class, too. We can be study buddies.”

Andi froze. Please no. Don’t let it be her.

Harper and Merrit stopped and looked at Andi questioningly. Her first instinct was to yell ‘run’ but it was too late. Jade Hathaway, last year’s Wisconsin Butter Queen and self-anointed social media influencer, blocked their path, her perfect pearly white teeth bared in what was likely intended to be a smile. Except she knew from personal experience that Jade’s smiles packed a vicious bite.

So much for luck.

“Hi.” The beauty queen extended her perfectly manicured hand to Merrit. “I’m Jade Hathaway, Trey Van Horn’s girlfriend.”

Figures.Trey was one of the few people who had been nice to her this afternoon. Turns out, he was just another one of those suckers for long legs and big hair.

“I’ve been dying to meet you, Mrs. Gibson,” Jade gushed. “I’m looking forward to working with you on some of the WAGs outreach and community activities. Particularly the gala for the children’s hospital. My father is the U.S. attorney for this district,” she bragged. “And my mother is one of the patrons of the hospital, so I know the event well. And since Trey is the face of this team, I know it’s important that I lend my talents and connections to the efforts.”

Andi threw up a little in her throat.

For her part, the coach’s wife donned a poised smile. “We appreciate the talents and connections of everyone, no matter what their significant others’ position is on the team.”

Jade bristled slightly at the diplomatic rebuke, but it didn’t deter her. “I’m happy to take the lead on anything.”

Andi almost snorted. Not everything. When Jade had been assigned to a group project with Andi and two other students in their small business marketing class, Jade wasn’t interested in “taking the lead” or any other role, for that matter.

As if reading her mind, Jade shifted her man-eating grin in Andi’s direction. “And it will be so much fun working with Andi again.”

“I take it you two know one another?” Merrit glanced between the two of them, a bemused expression on her face.

“We had a class together once,” Andi commented, shocked Jade even remembered her name. She left out the part about it being pure torture. Jade had had a mix-up in her schedule and was forced into taking a night class. She’d spent the entire semester complaining about how she was missing The Bachelor and could the professor please, please, please, dismiss the class early so she could get back to her apartment in time to see the rose ceremony. Not that she wasn’t already watching the show on her phone.

“Oh, it was more than that,” Jade added. “I wouldn’t have survived the class without Andi.”

Truth.

“And I’m so glad she’ll be in managerial accounting with me. Andi is smart, but I have a feeling we’ll both appreciate your help.”

Andi doubted Jade originally intended to take the course at night. The professor teaching that section had a reputation for being tough. More likely, she’d seen an opportunity to further her agenda and was taking it.

Merrit looked slightly uncomfortable now, but she, too, had a lot at stake with the WAGs. Alienating the star quarterback’s girlfriend just wouldn’t do. She shot Andi a pained look. “It would be my pleasure.” Except they both knew it wouldn’t be a pleasure at all.

* * *

DEX SHOVEDSEVERAL manscaping tool kits into his gym bag. The kits, along with bottles of depilatory and wax products continued to appear at his locker since the interview earlier in the week. His teammates were having a lot of fun with Andi’s version of their meeting. He knew enough to take their shenanigans in stride. Once the season started this weekend, the Growlers would hopefully have something else to think about.

It was Thursday evening and the air was crisp coming off the lake as most of the players made their way out of the locker room. Van Horn was like the Pied Piper leading his offensive line and receiving corps to a steak dinner at the Pack House, his treat. The defense was headed for pizza with their families. Dex glanced over to Palmer standing at his locker with his phone pressed to his ear. As the two members of the kicking corps, he should offer to take the rookie out for dinner or a drink. The kid was likely nervous about his first regular season pro game.

He had just started over in Palmer’s direction when the punter let out a loud whoop.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“Better than okay.” Palmer slapped him on the back. “Shaina surprised me and she’s coming into town for the game this weekend.”

“Shaina?”

“My girl.” Palmer whooped again. “I wasn’t sure she could get out of a sorority retreat, but she managed to. I’ve got to get to the airport and pick her up. We’ve got some catching up to do.” With a wink and another whoop, he was gone.

“Sorority retreat,” one of the trainers muttered from across the locker room. “We probably should assign someone to check that girl’s ID at the game.”

The rest of the training staff laughed.

“We should probably check Palmer’s ID,” Dex added, bringing about another round of laughter.

With a shake of his head, he strode out toward the parking lot. How long it had been since he’d been that happy to see someone? A woman? He doubted he’d ever been as immature as Palmer. Well, except for that once . . .

“Headed home to the missus?” the Growlers media relations director called across the parking lot, interrupting Dex’s thoughts before they got dark. “Happy one-week anniversary.”

Say what?

Had it been only a week since his life had been turned upside down? Not that he’d seen his pretend wife in three days. When Andi wasn’t at work or in class, she was off studying somewhere. Either she was the hardest working woman in Milwaukee, or she was going to extremes to avoid him.

Smart lass.

He shouldn’t care. Her absence practically guaranteed him the privacy he craved. Despite their charade, his life would remain pretty much the same. He ought to be relieved. But he couldn’t help but wonder what she did all day. She was supposed to be playing the part of doting wife instead of a game of hide and seek.

Dex glanced at the hair removal products jammed into his workout bag. Perhaps there was a way to kill two birds with one stone. He’d just drive by the salon and drop all this shit off. It was a shame to waste them. While he was there, he could check on Andi and remind her that she needed to be at the game on Sunday.

The Shear Envy salon was in an upscale neighborhood just outside of downtown. Despite it being dinner time, the place was still crowded with men and women who’d scheduled their appointments after work. The only person who wasn’t there, however, was the pink-haired receptionist. In fact, the front desk was deserted. Dex drummed his fingers on the counter waiting for someone to notice him. Except no one did.

Taking matters into his own hands, he dumped the hair removal products on the counter and stalked into the salon in search of her. He felt the eyes of every client and stylist following him as he made his way back to where Andi’s friend—Clive, he thought he remembered his name being—was blow-drying a woman’s hair. The woman’s eyes grew wide when she caught a glimpse of Dex in the mirror, but Clive ignored him. Taking his time, the stylist fluffed and picked at the woman’s hair for several moments before whipping off her cape with a flourish.

“That color looks spectacular on you, as usual.” Clive gave his client’s shoulder a squeeze. “Why don’t you change out of the smock and I’ll meet you up front.”

The woman gave Dex a shy smile and disappeared. Ignoring Dex, Clive grabbed a broom and began sweeping around his chair. He grudgingly admitted he deserved the cold shoulder after the way he’d treated the man the other day, but his need to make sure Andi was okay stoked his frustration.

“Where’s my wife?” he demanded, realizing too late they had an audience and he sounded like the Neanderthal Andi accused him of being.

Clive mumbled something under his breath and put the broom away. He motioned for Dex to follow him to a small office in the back.

“If this is another publicity stunt to get people to buy into your marriage, I’m going to have to ask you to keep the theatrics out of my salon,” Clive said once they were away from prying ears. “As much as I’d love the publicity, Andi doesn’t need the drama.”

His accusation quashed some of Dex’s anger. He thought this was a publicity stunt? Of course, he did. Their marriage wasn’t real, he reminded himself.

He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. “I haven’t seen her since Monday,” he explained quietly. “We both have crazy schedules.”

“She has class tonight.” Clive didn’t come out and call him a mumpty, but his tone implied it.

“Aye. I know that. But the schedule she left me said the class didn’t start until seven. It’s just half past five.”

The other man scrutinized him carefully before answering. “She usually leaves here at five. The bus can be erratic during rush hour. She likes to get to campus early so she can prepare.”

“And eat dinner. She’d have time to eat then, right?”

Dex was making a bloody arse out of himself. Of course she ate dinner. Andi wasn’t in primary school. She could take care of herself. The woman had been doing it for years before they met. He waved a hand at Clive.

“Forget it. I’m sure she’s fine.”

Amusement flashed in the other man’s eyes. “She took a sandwich with her. And an apple which I assume was not for the teacher. But it is Andi, so you never know.”

Feeling like an even bigger fool, Dex nodded. “Thanks.” He turned to leave.

“Wait.” Clive pulled a sheet of paper from a pile on his desk and handed it to Dex. “Obviously, you need this more than I do.”

It was a copy of her schedule for the fall term, complete with professor names and the location of her classes.

“Thanks.” He took two steps before turning around again. “I owe you an apology.”

Clive crossed his arms over his chest. An arched eyebrow was his only reply.

“What I said the other day was totally inappropriate,” he continued. “I’m not that guy. It’s just that my world is messed up right now, but that’s no excuse for me to take it out on you. My apologies.”

The moment stretched and just when he thought Clive wouldn’t respond, he did.

“Apology accepted. I have thick skin. I can take it.” His eyes narrowed. “But, despite how much she pretends, Andi’s skin isn’t as thick. Not only that, she has a big heart. A heart that still has hope no matter how many times it’s been kicked around. Hear this loud and clear, Declan Fletcher, if you do anything to so much as nick that heart of hers, I will hurt you. You can count on that.”

He studied the man before him. Clive’s build was slight, his hands delicate. He’d be hard pressed to outlast Dex in a fight.

Clive snorted. “Dude. I’m a master with a pair of scissors.”

“Point taken,” Dex said with a laugh.

It wasn’t until he’d left the salon that the remainder of Clive’s threat sank in. Dex laughed out loud. Andi’s heart was safe with him. It was the rest of her body that was causing him all kinds of problems.