Just for Kicks by Tracy Solheim

Fourteen

* * *

“YOU’RE WEARING THAT?”

Clive’s question greeted Andi when she slipped into the backseat of Daniel’s car. Her friends were season ticket holders for Growlers’ games. Since Dex would be traveling to the stadium with the team, she’d hitched a ride to Sunday’s game with them.

“It’s not my first choice.” Andi ran her palm along the thigh of her buff-colored linen pants, willing them not to wrinkle. She’d spent an agonizing hour—not to mention half a month’s rent--in a high-end clothing store yesterday looking for clothes that would be worthy of a professional athlete’s wife. “But the WAGs dress to impress. You should have seen what they wore to the team picnic.”

She’d paired the pants with a sleeveless tank, the clingy fabric nearly the exact color of the team’s green uniforms. There was no way the other women could look down on her wardrobe choice today.

“But I think this is the first time I’ve seen pumps at a football game,” Clive said.

“I had to improvise at the last minute. That nasty cat mistook my flats for her litter box.”

Daniel laughed. “I’m pretty sure there was no mistaking about it. She’s jealous you’re making the moves on her man.”

She snorted. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not that she didn’t want to make the moves on Dex. But she’d sobered up since the other night. Besides, he had been the one making the moves. At least that’s how she’d interpreted it in her inebriated state. And then he’d turned off the heat just as quickly. Again. She was getting whiplash from his mixed signals.

“You boys keep forgetting it’s not that kind of marriage,” she reminded them.

This time Clive snorted. “Please. When you two are together you put off enough sexual energy to light up the entire city of Milwaukee.”

“Nobody said it couldn’t be that kind of marriage if you want it to be,” Daniel added.

Except somebody had said it. Dex. He’d said it repeatedly. And no amount of wanting on her part was going to change that. She turned to look out the window so her friends wouldn’t see how much his rejection stung.

“Besides,” Daniel continued. “With you two sharing a bed, it’s only a matter of time before you both explode.”

“We’re not sharing a bed. He sleeps on the floor.”

Daniel coughed out a laugh.

“Damn. He sounds like one of those guys who thinks sex will mess with his athletic ability,” Clive muttered. “Look, honey, don’t take his actions as a mark against you. From what I’ve seen from Dex this week, I get the impression he’s a genuine guy. A guy who cares about your well-being. He probably doesn’t want to complicate your relationship any more than it already is with sex. And I agree. If you’re going to come out of this fauxmance unscathed, you should just keep the status-quo. Let him stay on the floor.”

“Don’t listen to this party-pooper, Andi.” Daniel steered the car toward the stadium entrance. “He’s sleeping on the floor because he doesn’t trust himself around you. You just need to let him know you’re a big girl who can certainly keep her heart out of the game. There’s no reason you two can’t enjoy all the benefits of marriage these next six months.”

Andi stared at the fans making their way toward the stadium as she pondered both men’s words. Could it be that simple? She agreed with Clive that Dex was a stand-up guy. And she suspected he did care about her. Of course, he also cared about his mathletes. And Marlene. And his teammates. And, most importantly, the family he refuses to return to.

But what about this crazy desire constantly simmering between them? Could they survive the remainder of their fake marriage without acting on it? Was Daniel right? Should she take the lead?

“This is the VIP entrance.” Clive’s announcement interrupted her crazy thoughts. “At least you won’t be walking too far in those ridiculous shoes.”

Andi was inclined to agree, but she wouldn’t give her friend the satisfaction. It was bad enough she wobbled slightly when she stepped onto the sidewalk. Clive shook his head in exasperation. She squared her shoulders. “I’m not embarrassing myself in front of those women again.”

“Atta girl,” Daniel called from the driver’s seat. “And win or lose, your man is going to need to let off some steam after the game, so think about what I said.”

Clive shot his partner a disgusted look. “If it gets too intense with the WAGs, come find us in our seats.” He gestured to her shoes. “If you can walk that far.”

The guard at the entrance gave her a jovial smile when he saw her VIP pass. “Congratulations and welcome to the Growlers, Mrs. Fletcher.”

“Thank you,” she replied, ignoring the squeezing in her stomach the sound of her new name always seemed to bring on. “Um, can you tell me how I get to the suite reserved for the families?”

“Sure thing.” He indicated an elevator on the other side of the concrete hallway. “Justin will take you upstairs and point you in the right direction.”

The elevator operator waved her on board. “Most of the other ladies have been here for a while. I hope they saved you some lunch.”

Andi’s stomach sank as the elevator climbed. The game started in thirty minutes. If anything, she thought she was early. Apparently not.

The doors to the suite were manned by a woman in a green Growlers jacket. “Hi there, Mrs. Fletcher,” she said cheerfully. “We were getting worried you wouldn’t make it.”

When she swung open the door to admit Andi, the women and children inside all seemed to turn and look at once. Andi scanned the room, open to the field below. A buffet was set up to her left, crammed with food and drink while a trio of waiters stood behind it ready to serve. Tables were scattered throughout the space where the women congregated, many with children in their laps. Nearly all of them were dressed in a Growler’s jersey.

So much for not embarrassing herself among the WAGs.

“Andi. You’re finally here,” Jade drawled. “I guess the only thing you’re not fashionably late for is class.” She made a show of studying Andi from head to toe. “Did you just come from a fancy brunch?”

If she could manage it in her stupid stiletto heels, she would march away from the WAGs in search of Clive and Daniel. But something seemed to be holding her in place. Or someone, rather. She looked down into the eyes of Harper Gibson, who had her one arm wrapped around Andi’s leg, her other arm holding her ever present troll doll. The little girl must have sensed Andi’s desire to flee because her eyes were pleading with her to stay.

Pushing out a cleansing breath, she patted the child on the head. “Hello Harper. Hello Poppy. I’m sorry I’m late.”

“You’re not late.” Merrit Gibson moved in beside them. “I shouldn’t have assumed Jade would give you the details on what goes on during home games.”

Jade managed a sheepish look. “My bad. Did I forget to fill you in?”

Some of the other WAGs tittered in the background. Merrit squeezed Andi’s elbow as she led her into the room. A young woman sporting a Growler’s jersey that had been bedazzled to within an inch of its life jumped in front of them.

“Oh my gosh, am I glad to see you.” Her long blonde hair bobbed as she talked. “I’m Shaina, Kane Palmer’s girlfriend.” She extended her hand and looked at Andi expectantly.

Andi must not have done a good job hiding her confusion because the other girl’s smile dimmed.

“The punter,” she amended.

Ahh. She quickly apologized as she shook Shaina’s hand. “You’ll have to excuse me. I don’t know all the player’s names yet.”

Shaina blew out a relieved breath. “We’re the only two WAGs from the kicking unit. Since Kane’s a rookie, I don’t really know anyone here, either.” She glanced around the room shyly. “I figured maybe we could stick together.”

Shaina looked like one of the many coeds Andi had endured for the past nearly seven years—eager to be appear more worldly than they actually were. Socially accepted and privileged enough that she could be carefree with her college years. Andi had nothing in common with those girls.

But there was a slight tremor to Shaina’s lip that belied her earnest expression. She was just as much out of her element as Andi was. And Andi couldn’t afford to turn down any offer of friendship among the WAGs.

She smiled at the younger woman. “I’d like that. Especially since you seem to know more about what’s going on than I do.”

Shaina’s shoulders relaxed. Harper carefully eyed the other woman’s jersey.

“Isn’t it lovely, Harper?” Andi said. “Did you do it yourself?”

A proud smile formed on the other woman’s lips. “I did. I’m a design major so I get a kick out of this kind of stuff.” She glanced around the room and lowered her voice. “I think it might be a bit over the top for some of the other ladies.”

“Nonsense,” Merrit interjected. “It’s lovely. Don’t let anyone dampen your spirit.”

Shaina beamed, her brown eyes sparkling. “Thank you, ma’am.”

Merrit laughed. “Please. You don’t have to ma’am me. It makes me feel old. Now that you two are settled, I’m going to check on Max.” She held out a hand to her daughter but the little girl stubbornly held her ground between Andi and Shaina.

Andi took the little girl’s hand. “We’ll keep an eye on her.”

As Merrit walked away, Jade clapped her hands at the center of the suite to get everyone’s attention.

“Ladies! Now that we are all here.” She leveled another disapproving glance in Andi’s direction. “It’s time to begin handing out assignments for next month’s charity gala for the children’s hospital.”

Shaina practically bounced on her toes. “Oh, a ball. That sounds so much cooler than a sorority formal, doesn’t it?”

Andi didn’t bother pointing out that she had as much experience with sorority formals as she did balls. Or galas. Or whatever the heck the event they were talking about was. She was too busy tamping down on the bitterness that Jade always seemed to conjure up within her. A wide-eyed Harper wiggled between the two women to get a better view.

“For those of you who don’t know.” Jade sent another pointed look in their direction. “This is Joan Zell, the Growler’s community relations director. She is coordinating the team’s efforts to raise funds through the ball. Since my parents have long been patrons with the hospital, I’ve volunteered to act as a liaison between the hospital and the team in organizing the ball.”

Jade paused here, presumably waiting for applause. Andi was infinitely grateful when there was none.

“And we thank you for your help, Jade,” Joan added with a smile. “We have lots of opportunities for the rest of you all to help out.”

“Ooo.” Shaina’s hand shot into the air. “I’d love to help with anything design related. I interned for the Oklahoma rodeo circuit this summer doing their print media.”

Her announcement was met with an awkward silence.

“Oh, honey.” Of course it would have to be Jade who spoke up. “I think we should assign the tasks to wives and girlfriends who are in Milwaukee full-time. It will just be easier that way.”

Several of the women in the room nodded in agreement.

Joan donned a pitying look. “That’s probably best, dear.”

She deflated beside Andi. Harper leveled a belligerent stare at Jade while slipping her small hand into Shaina’s.

“Oh . . . yeah. Of course,” Shaina stammered. “That makes sense.”

Except it didn’t make sense and they all knew it. Jade was just being a bully. And for some reason everyone in the suite was willing to let her get away with it. Everyone except Andi.

“I don’t think it’s best,” she said.

“Andi,” Shaina whispered. “It’s okay.”

“No. It’s not,” Andi repeated. She glanced around the room. Several of the ladies donned curious expressions. One of the wives she’d met at the picnic, the one with all the kids, Nicole, nodded at her to go on. “If we’re going to draw lines here, why shouldn’t we exclude all the girlfriends. After all, there’s no guarantee they’ll be around when the ball actually takes place.”

A buzz rose up within the suite. Jade’s eyes narrowed to slits. Suddenly, Andi had the power in this dynamic. And it was a pretty heady feeling.

“Andi’s right,” Nicole called out from across the suite. “I don’t think we should exclude anyone.”

“And the design work is done by computer anyway,” one of the other wives added. “She doesn’t have to be in town to do that. I worked on the programs last year and they were pretty basic. They could use some sprucing up for someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Joan looked a little flustered as she traded a glance with Merrit.

“We should use our talent the best way we can,” the coach’s wife said.

“It’s settled then,” Joan said with a bit more confidence. She nodded at Shaina. “You’re on the program committee. I’ll just leave the signup sheets here for the rest of you.” She spread several papers on one of the tables.

Jade jumped in. “Since we’re using our in-house talent so to speak, Andi perhaps you’d like to contribute some of those lovely bath soaps and lotions you make to the gift bags for our guests?”

The other women shifted their gazes between Jade to Andi as if they were watching a tennis match. And Jade was grinning as though she’d just served up an ace. But Andi saw right through her. She could certainly manage the time to create a few signature lotions and soaps for some guest bags. In fact, it would be better than serving on a committee because she could work at her own pace. Jade didn’t know it, but she’d just served up Andi the match.

“It would be my pleasure,” she replied.

This time, there was applause.

“That’s wonderful,” Joan said as she joined in on the applause. “We usually stuff them with Growlers swag, but I’m sure the ladies will love something just for them. We fill the bags the week before. You’ll have no problem getting us five hundred pieces by then, will you?”

Andi wobbled on her heels. Five hundredpieces? Holy hell! She didn’t have the manufacturing capability to make that much product in four weeks. Not to mention the money to buy the supplies. What had she just gotten herself into?

Jade eyed her with a wily look. The rest of the room wore varying expressions of expectation. Harper slipped her hand into hers and gave it an encouraging squeeze. When she glanced down at the little girl’s trusting face, she felt a burst of energy surge through her. There was no way Andi was letting Jade win. She winked at Harper.

“Nope,” she responded. “No problem at all.”

* * *

DEX DRESSED QUICKLYafter the game. The team was subdued as they milled around the locker room chatting with reporters and each other. The Growlers had managed a win, but it was an ugly one. Trayvon went down with a knee injury that looked to be season ending. His replacement had allowed the other team’s linemen to sack Van Horn not once, but twice. Van Horn wasn’t too fond of having his face planted in the turf, and he didn’t mince words letting his teammates know it. The faster Dex could get out of the locker room, the better.

Grabbing his bag, he weaved through the sea of bodies between him and the door. A crowd of reporters was camped out in front of Palmer’s locker. Not surprising. Palmer shanked a punt in the fourth quarter giving their opponent the ball in the red zone. Fortunately, the defense held them to only three points on the drive. The Growlers held onto the lead and won the game. The media, however, was out for blood.

Dex muttered an expletive. As much as the kid annoyed him, Palmer didn’t deserve to be vilified after his first game. Rookies should be allowed a mistake here and there, especially when they don’t affect the outcome of the game. Palmer was beginning to look a little harried by the ridiculous questions being hurled at him. Dex glanced around for the special teams’ coach, Bill Kelly, to intervene, but, of course, the guy was nowhere to be found.

With another murmured curse—there was nothing he hated more than the nosey media—he stepped into the fray.

“Nice game, Palmer,” he said loud enough for his voice to carry throughout the locker room. “I missed two extra points my first game in the pros. Yet, I’m still here. You’ll do better next week and each week after that.”

“Good game, rookie,” Kessler called out.

Several other players followed suit.

“That’s your cue to hit the showers.” Dex nodded in the direction of the back of the locker room where the media were not permitted.

Palmer squared his shoulders as his cocky smile fell back into place. “See y’all next week.”

With no one left to torment, the reporters turned on Dex, blocking his path.

“Only two points today, Declan,” one of them called out. “You didn’t even post in the top five of the fantasy leagues. Do you think you have it in you this year to lead the league in scoring?”

It was stupid questions like that that made him dislike the media so much. It was the first game of the bloody season and some clown was already asking a ridiculous question like that one. He’d only scored two points because the offense only got in the end zone twice, he wanted to shout. But that would only piss off his teammates. Now that would fuel the headlines and the click-bait. The media loved animosity among players. Dex and his teammates, however, did not. They were careful to settle whatever irked them behind closed doors.

“It’s a long season,” he responded, inching his way toward the door.

“But this is your first season as a married man,” another reporter commented. “Do you think marriage will impact your game?”

What a bunch of bloody morons. His marriage had nothing to do with his kicking game. He wasn’t some lovesick swine mooning over his wife.

Except he had been dreaming of her repeatedly since they’d first met. And every time he touched her . . .

“Well, I guess that answers our question,” one of the female reporters interjected. “The look on his face says it all.”

What look on his face? There wasn’t any look, for fuck’s sake. He was clenching his teeth so hard he was surprised they hadn’t turned to sawdust. Trying to compose his features into a sublime expression, he managed to push out an answer.

“Half the men on this team are married and it doesn’t affect their game one bit.”

The woman had the nerve to smile seductively at him. “We’ll have to see, won’t we?”

“Can I get a word with you, Fletcher?” Coach Kelly called out from behind the reporters.

It was about bloody time the special teams’ coach made an appearance. Ignoring the rest of the questions being peppered at him, he followed the coach to the office area where media were barred from entering.

“What the hell was that about?” Coach Kelly asked.

“Fuck if I know. That’s the last time I jump in to save Palmer’s ass. From now on, that’s your job.”

The coach chuckled. “Palmer is going to have to learn to face the music after both good and bad games. But I appreciate what you did for him in there. He’s still young. Much younger than you when you started in this league. It’s a nice thing you’re doing, taking him under your wing.”

“I’m not taking that man-child under my wing,” Dex argued. “That’s what I’m telling you. And I’m done talking to those morons.”

He turned on his heel and headed toward the exit leading to the family area of the stadium. The coach chuckled behind him.

“Your sudden marriage is going to be the hot topic for most of the season. Especially with your wife front and center among the other wives.”

His words stopped Dex in his tracks. “What does that mean?” he demanded, although he was slightly afraid of the answer.

The coach gestured with his cellphone. “My wife texted me earlier that your young bride put the rest of the WAGs in their place.”

Bloody hell.Andi wasn’t supposed to get tight with the WAGs, much less put anyone in their place. What has she done? What had he done? This charade of a marriage was becoming more complicated by the minute.

“My wife and some of the more senior WAGs were very impressed,” Coach Kelly continued. “Be nice to that one, Declan. She’s a keeper.”

Dex’s stomach churned as he made his way to the area of the stadium where the player’s families waited after the games. Having never had anyone waiting for him before, he usually avoided the chaotic scene. Something flickered in his chest at the sight of kids racing along the concrete hallways, most wearing their father’s jersey. Kessler frolicked among them, tossing out footballs, like a big kid himself. Van Horn’s pretentious girlfriend stood preening, her politically connected father in tow, waiting for the quarterback to emerge from his press briefing. As usual, the only face he couldn’t seem to locate was his wife’s.

“I owe you one.” Palmer stepped into his path, a pretty blonde wearing a tricked-out version of his jersey smiling beside him. “Thanks for saving my ass back there.”

“You’re going to have to learn to not let it show when they get to you,” Dex advised. “They’re like sharks when they sense any vulnerability.”

Palmer grinned. “Got it, bro. Shaina, this is the guy I’ve been telling you about. Dex, this is my girl, Shaina.”

“I’m so glad to finally meet you,” Shaina gushed. “Kane talks about you all the time. You wouldn’t believe how excited he was to have you to help ease him into the pros.”

Oh, for the love of Christ.It was not Dex’s job to molly coddle the rookie.

Palmer’s cheeks held a tinge of pink. “Don’t give him anymore fuel for his ego, Shaina.”

Shaina’s eyes danced. “Well, wait until you see what I do to your jersey for next week!”

“You’re not wearing his jersey!” Palmer exclaimed.

“I’m not wearing a jersey like that on the field,” Dex said at the same time.

“No, sillies.” Shaina laughed. “For your wife. Andi looked amazing today, but I think she’d feel more relaxed wearing a jersey like everyone else.”

Dex’s belly was twisting itself in knots again, but this time for a different reason. He searched the area for Andi, but he still couldn’t find her. Had she felt dressed inappropriately again? And what was it with women and their bloody clothes? Hopefully, the other women hadn’t made her feel out of place. As much as he didn’t want her to become too entrenched in the WAGs so when she wasn’t around next year, few would notice, he didn’t want them to hurt her.

“Have you seen Andi?” he asked Shaina.

“She was with the owner’s wife a minute ago, but I lost them. I have to find her before we leave for the airport.”

Palmer slapped him on the shoulder. “Our girls have bonded. The only thing that would make them closer was if they were in the same sorority.”

Dex stifled a groan. He didn’t want Andi bonding with Palmer’s girlfriend or with Mrs. Ciaciura. This was getting way out of hand.

“There she is!” Shaina squealed before dashing off into the throng.

The crowd parted and, sure enough, there was his pink-haired wife, laughing at something Mrs. Ciaciura said. Shaina was right, Andi did look amazing, if not a tad overdressed. He was relieved to see her clothing choice wasn’t bothering her like it had at the picnic.

He and Palmer made their way in her direction. Shaina was already there, pulling Andi into a tight hug.

“Study buddies Saturday night while the boys are at the hotel,” Shaina said. “I’ll bring the mock-ups for the program designs and we’ll work on your branding assignment.”

“I’ll bring the wine,” Andi replied.

Dex pinned her with a look. It hadn’t escaped his attention that she’d been soused the other night. Her lips twitched when her eyes met his.

“There’s nothing in the rule book that says you boys should have all the fun the night before a game,” she said.

“You had me at wine.” Mrs. Ciaciura wrapped an arm around Shaina and Andi.

Dex nearly choked. When exactly had he lost control of this situation?

“Although studying doesn’t sound that interesting to me,” Mrs. Ciaciura added. “Perhaps it’s best if I catch up with you two at the game. And you’re both invited to watch from our box next week.”

Shaina could hardly contain her excitement. “That would be so cool. I can make you a jersey just like this one, too.”

The older woman’s eyes widened before she donned an affectionate grin. “You know, I think I’d quite like one of those.”

Shaina beamed.

“You gentlemen take care of these two,” Mrs. Ciaciura. “Both of them have added a much-needed spark to the Growler family.”

He swallowed a groan of defeat while Andi wore a smug smile as she arched an eyebrow at him. Mrs. Ciaciura let out a surprised gasp when Shaina abruptly hugged her.

“Thank you for including me in the Growler family.” Shaina wrapped her arms around Andi next. “Thank you for sticking up for me. You are totally amazing.”

He glanced at his wife with a questioning gaze. Andi just shook her head before Shaina’s arms were suddenly around his neck.

“It was so great to meet you,” she whispered. “Thanks for taking care of Kane.”

Palmer chuckled as he pulled his girlfriend away. “I’ve got to get this pretty girl to the airport before she misses her flight. The girls can plan a double-date for Friday night.”

Before Dex could roar a protest—because he was never ever going on a fucking double date with Palmer and his underage sorority girlfriend—Andi was beside him, linking her arm through his.

“Definitely.” She gave his arm a firm squeeze. “We’ll talk this week.”

Palmer’s girlfriend bounced again like a rabbit on steroids before the punter led her to the exit.

“What in the hell—”

She silenced him with a soft kiss. “Careful. We’re in public,” she murmured against his lips.

He was grateful for the reminder because the moment her lips touched his everyone else faded away. It was that way every bloody time.

“Let’s go home,” he heard himself say when she pulled away.

Her eyes widened and her breath hitched momentarily before she nodded. He threaded his fingers through hers and headed for the car park.

“Oh, if it isn’t the couple de jour.”

Unfortunately, Van Horn and the increasingly annoying woman who was supposedly not his girlfriend stood in their way.

“Aren’t they cute, babe?” Jade wrapped herself around Van Horn like a boa constrictor. “So lovely dovey.”

“Adorable,” Van Horn drawled.

Dex had the sudden urge to punch his friend in the mouth. Andi gave his hand a squeeze.

“We were just leaving,” he practically growled.

“Oh, not before you’ve met, Daddy.” Jade waved her father over. “I know he wants to offer up his congratulations on your . . . marriage.”

Andi’s grip became a lot harder. She’d likely been navigating hostile territory all day and she was worn out. He didn’t blame her. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze back and readied himself for a quick exit. He didn’t need to suck up to Jade Whatshername’s district attorney daddy. Politics was Van Horn’s game. He needed to get Andi out of there.

“Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, I presume?” The man stuck his hand in Dex’s direction.

Dex didn’t want to extract his fingers from Andi’s to shake the other man’s hand, but the manners his ma had drummed into him when he was young forced him to.

“Congratulations.” The DA pumped Dex’s hand before eyeing Andi openly.

Something ugly churned in Dex’s belly. He quickly snatched her hand back and drew her in closer to his body. No man should look at another man’s wife that way. “Thank you, but we were just leaving.”

Van Horn narrowed his eyes at him. Well, his friend could just sod off if he thought Dex was being rude.

“So soon? I was hoping we could all grab dinner,” the other man said. “I’d enjoy chatting with your lovely new wife. And hearing about how you two met.”

When hell freezes over.

“We’ve got plans,” Dex responded tersely. “Newlyweds, you know.”

He shot a heated look—one that wasn’t entirely an act—at Andi before tugging her hand. She didn’t hesitate in following him. Jade’s father chuckled in the background. Van Horn gaped at them as a few whistles and cat calls followed them out of the stadium and into the night.