Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co. Book 1) Page 3

  “What’s the rush?”

  I didn’t hear Zack come into the tunnel after me. I don’t turn around as I answer him. “I have to talk to Jack and do my employment paperwork.”

  “Do I get a hint about how I did today?” He’s trying to flirt with me now? This guy’s definitely a piece of work.

  “Didn’t the women in the stands tell you already, or were they more interested in the results of the breast exams you gave them?” Dammit. I didn’t want to say that, especially not in the hurt tone I know it came out in.

  “Ainsley.” He reaches out to grab my arm and stop me. I don’t turn, so he moves around me and lifts my face and caressing my cheek. “I have to be friendly to those women. They’re fans. Don’t be jealous.”

  “You didn’t have to be that friendly. And I’m not jealous. I’m disappointed.” I pull away and start walking again. “You’ve got lipstick all over your face, by the way. You might want to wash that off.”

  I hear a crash and turn to see his helmet on the ground by the wall. He’s standing there in the middle of the tunnel with his jersey still off and his muscles glistening with sweat. His jaw is locked as he looks at me with eyes blazing. “This isn’t over.”

  “It never even began,” I tell him as I turn and practically run down the hall.

  I find Jack’s office and go over what I noticed with him. He does a lot of nodding and tells me he saw most of it, but I also gave him a couple of new insights. He walks me over to Human Resources asking a few more questions about myself.

  “Did you go to college?”

  “Yes. I went to school in Chicago.”

  “What was your major?”

  “Computer programming.”

  “Really? I would have expected sports medicine or something that would lead you to coaching. You’re a natural at football, at least.”

  “I love football and other sports, but computers are my true love.”

  “Now that’s a shame. You need to find a nice guy to be your true love, my dear.”

  “There’s no one who’s interested me enough to replace my computers, I’m afraid.”

  “Even Zack?”

  “Zack?”

  “I saw the way he was looking at you during the party and the way you looked at him. The two of you couldn’t keep your eyes off each other. He’s a great man, despite the image he projects. I think the two of you would make a great couple.”

  “I don’t think Zack Taylor’s interested in being part of any couple, Jack. Besides, isn’t there a rule about staff and players dating?”

  “There is a rule for regular staff. But, you’re working for me directly, so I can make or break any rules I want. Like I said, Zack’s more than his image. If he asks you out, I think you should consider it.”

  “I’ll consider it,” I tell him honestly.

  Considering it is something I can do. Actually going out with him, is not. Not after what I’ve seen so far. I’m not very experienced, but even I know it’s not a good idea to get with a guy who can’t keep it in his pants. Or say no to a fan asking to kiss and grope him.

  I put all thoughts of Zack away in the back of my mind as I fill out my paperwork. I pay attention to the desktop computers they’re using in the offices and manage to slide a small listening device under the desk. It’s so small that no one would notice it. James Bond has nothing on us. Who needs Q when you’ve got Scott Griffin and me?

  After I do the paperwork, I head to the locker room to talk with the coaches. I hear a commotion and run down the hall. When I peek in the door, I see Kevin on the ground, twitching. The team doctors are surrounding him already, so I take the time to see what happened. His locker is open and everyone is moved away from it as sparks are still coming off it. I carefully step around the pool of water on the floor and try to take a closer look.

  Try is the operative word as I’m physically moved back. I fight against Zack, because I know it’s him, but he’s so much stronger and bigger than me. When he sets me down, I spin around to face him. “Don’t ever do that again. I’m not some toy you can just cart around.”

  “I just saved you and you’re yelling at me? Un-fucking-believable. I just can’t win with you.”

  “I didn’t need saving. I’m not an idiot. I am a computer nerd, which means I know something about electricity, too. I wanted to look at that.” I sigh before continuing. “But thank you for your concern. I appreciate it.”

  I walk away from him before he can respond and start looking at the locker and wiring. I make sure not to touch anything. Not because I’m afraid of getting shocked. I could disable it easily, but the police will need to see it. It’s a fairly simple rig with some stripped wires connected to a small car battery placed in the bottom of the locker. I take some pics with my purse camera to send to Reina.

  The pool of water looks undisturbed, which is odd. When I look over at Kevin, I can see that there’s no water dripping off his feet. That’s also strange. I can’t imagine he’d miss the puddle. Could he have done this to himself? I checked him out, though, and found no reason for him to want the team to fail. He has a good contract and is starting quarterback. I’m going to keep a closer eye on him. Maybe I shouldn’t have backed out of our date. I’ll figure something out.

  I know Zack was watching me as I looked over everything. I could feel his eyes on me. I hope I didn’t give too much away to him or anyone else. I had to look at the locker, though. Especially since there’s no way Kevin’s working alone if he is in on this. He was on the field and I think someone would have noticed something if there was this puddle and rigging before practice. I need to go over the files again. I think I’ll ask Tegan to look over them, too. She’s our research and documents expert. I’m hoping she’ll see something I missed. Until then, I’ll have to keep a close watch on everyone.

  I wait with everyone until the ambulance comes and then head out to my car. “Wait up, Ains.”

  “Will you please stop calling me that?” I don’t really mean it. I like that he’s nicknamed me. I like it a lot. That’s the problem.

  “If it really bothers you that much, I will.” I look up into his eyes and I see that he means it.

  “No. It’s fine. I’m just being bitchy.”

  He smiles at me. A full on smile that lights up his eyes and makes me want to beg him to have my children. I’ve never seen this smile from him, so he must save it for when he wants to undo someone. Probably women. That snaps me out of the fog I was in.

  “You should harness that smile. I’m not dropping to my knees for you.”

  “I wasn’t going to ask you to. And I didn’t realize I was smiling any differently. If I did, it’s because of you. You make me want to smile, even when you’re being ‘bitchy.’”

  “Does that line work for you, Zack?”

  He frowns and steps back. “That wasn’t a line. I was being sincere, but I guess it’s just a lost cause with you, huh? You just want to think of me as some idiot man-whore and not try to get to know the real me. Just like everyone else.”

  God, I am being a bitch. “I’m sorry, Zack. I’m just not used to anyone paying attention to me. And I never said you were an idiot. But from what I’ve witnessed, yes, I would say you’re a man-whore. I’ll be on the lookout for the ‘real’ you when you decide to let him show. I can only go by what I see and hear, you know.”

  He runs a hand through his still damp hair. “I do know. I thought I was doing okay today. I didn’t even think when I was with those women. I’m so used to behaving that way. I just do it on autopilot. I can’t change overnight, but I’ll try to do better and think before I act. I’m not gonna lie. It’s been a long time since I’ve thought about someone else when I act. I know you’ll call me out if I mess up, though.”

  “I will,” I tell him. I want him to win me over, but I won’t settle for less than I deserve. The next words I say are out before I have a chance to think. “Do you want to get lunch?”

  His eyes nearly pop out of his
head. “Really?”

  “Just lunch. As friends.”

  “I can do friends for now. And yes, I’d love to go to lunch with you.”

  “Great.” I almost suggest something, but then remember that I’m not supposed to be from here. “Is there someplace you like to go here in town?”

  “Umm, yeah. I have a few places I really like. They’re not fancy, though.”

  “I’m not fancy, Zack.”

  He looks at my clothes skeptically. Shit! I forgot I was in designer jeans, a cute top and way too expensive flats. I decide to give him a little nugget of truth since he’s been so open with me today.

  “My friend put together a wardrobe for me before I got here. Normally I’d be in a baggy t-shirt, old jeans, and Chucks with my hair in a messy bun and my glasses on. She thought I needed to look more glamorous if I was hanging with the team and the Rivers family.”

  That big smile is back and I’m melting in more than one place now. “I’d love to see you in one of my t-shirts along with your Chucks and glasses. The jeans would be optional.”

  I roll my eyes and swat him on the arm. “Just tell me where to go, Casanova.”

  Before he can answer, someone calls his name. We both turn as a man runs up to us. “I’m glad I caught you. I wanted to talk with you.”

  “I’m busy, Dex.”

  “I came all this way, and you’re going off with some chick who got herself on the sidelines?”

  “You didn’t tell me you were coming, and my friend Ainsley works for the team. But yes, I’m going to lunch with her. Next time, tell me you’re coming.”

  Zack turns back to me and says the name of a local diner chain I like. I tell him I’ll find it and then pull out before he can say another word. I need to get away from him for a few minutes. Being in his orbit and having all his attention on me is more than a little unnerving. I was honestly a little happy to see that guy, who I now recognize as his agent, because it gave me a chance to cool down.

  Chapter 4

  Zack

  Ainsley is one cool chick. I was already attracted to her, but I’ve come to really like her as a person. We’ve had lunch together every day after practice these past two weeks. We’ve talked about our families and friends and everything else we could think of. She’s also helped me with my play, which has been great since it looks like Kevin will be out for at least another week. I had to step up my game in order to help make up for our starting quarterback not being able to play. Everyone’s rallying, though, so I think we’ll be fine this weekend. We’re having lunch near the airport today since our flight for this weekend’s pre-season away game leaves in a few hours.

  “So, Ains, you’ve told me all about your family and friends. I want to know about you today. Tell me all your secrets.”

  “I’m not going to tell you all my secrets, but you may be able to pry one or two out of me,” she tells me with a smile.

  I rub my hands together and give her a devilish smile back. “Let’s start with your first boyfriend. Who was the boy that won your heart?”

  She loses her smile and looks down at her plate. “Ask me something else, please.”

  I reach out and tilt her chin back up to look at me. “Do I need to find some bastard and kick his ass for hurting my good friend all those years ago?”

  I’m trying to lighten her mood, but it doesn’t work. She just closes her eyes and shakes her head. A tear leaks out of one eye, making me jump up from my side of the booth to join her on her side. I scoot her in so I can sit next to her.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you had such a bad experience.”

  She laughs a bitter laugh. “I’ve had no experience.”

  “Huh?”

  “I’ve never had a first boyfriend. Or any boyfriend. Guys have never really thought of me in a romantic way.” She tries to push me out of the booth so she can escape, but I pull her to me and hold her tight, rubbing her back.

  “My gender is definitely stupid at times. I would’ve been all over you as a teen.”

  She pulls back a little to look at me. “You would’ve wanted to date the girl who could beat you at almost any sport and didn’t know how to put on make-up or do her hair? Or the college student who was a huge computer nerd?”

  “Yeah. I’m pretty sure I would have. Because you’d have seen me. Not the football star, but me. At least I think you would’ve.”

  “I see you now,” she tells me. “At first, yeah, I saw the football god. But, every day, I see a new part of you. You’re peeling back your layers for me.”

  “I am. It’s the scariest fucking thing I’ve ever done in my life, but I’m doing it.”

  “Thank you.”

  “No, thank you. For making me brave.” I take a deep breath and decide to just lay it all out for her. “You said you’ve never had a boyfriend. Well, I’ve never had a real girlfriend. I’ve had girls who want to be seen and fucked by Zack Taylor, but never anyone who just wanted Zack, the guy. I’m just a commodity to most people and so one day I decided to become the happy go lucky, fuck anything that moves kind of guy who didn’t care what anyone thought.”

  “But you do care what everyone thinks. At least when you’re playing. I see it. You absorb everything we all say to you and do your best to change or fix whatever you need to.”

  “You see that?”

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t want to be that guy anymore. The one who sleeps around and pretends not to care. I’m trying not to be. I haven’t touched a woman since we met, Ains. It’s only you for me. I want to be your equal.”

  She looks shocked. Since we only see each other during the day, I’m guessing she thought I was up to my old ways at night. I didn’t call her or anything because I was trying not to push. I thought I’d been showing how into her I am. I guess I’m not doing it right.

  “I-I didn’t know. I mean we’re friends, but we only see each other for lunch.”

  “I was trying not to push. I guess I should’ve called you at night or something.”

  “I would’ve liked that, but I appreciate you showing me respect by trying not to push and not being with other women. I’ve seen you be not so friendly with the fans, too. Are you doing okay? I mean…with…you know…not having …umm…sex?”

  I can’t help but laugh a little. “My hand’s getting a good workout, but I’m okay. And like I said, I’m trying to do a better job of being a guy you want to be with. Can I call you tonight?”

  “Yes, please.” And then she does something I’m not expecting. She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me to her. She brushes her lips across mine and hugs me close. “You’re already the guy I want, Zack.”

  I want to kiss her again, but my phone alarm goes off telling me it’s time for us to drive to the airport. I pay the check and we get in our separate cars. We both park in long term parking and head to the private terminal for our flight. We’re the last ones to arrive and conversation stops as everyone sees us walk up together, especially because I’m carrying her bag. I don’t know why, but having them know we’re kind of together freaks me out. A lot. I want us to be private. Just her and I, no one else to interfere.

  I purposely drop her bag and walk ahead of her to everyone. “Look who I found in the parking lot. She couldn’t carry her bag, which means she over packed.”

  It’s a lie. Her bag weighs practically nothing. I don’t turn to look at her because I know what I’ll see. I’ve just lost all the progress I made in one fell swoop. I feel guilty, but at the same time relieved. I’ll explain it to her later.

  “Thanks. What would I possibly have done without the great Zack Taylor to save me from my carry on?”

  I suck in a breath at her words. She has to know what her talking about me like that would do to me. I told her about my fears and she just threw them in my face. Fuck being a good guy. I’m getting laid tonight.

  We get on the plane and I sit in back with the guys while Ainsley sits wi
th Lindsey Rivers, a little bit away from everyone else. They have their heads together and seem to be talking about something serious. They glance at the staff every once in a while, but never back at me. I don’t have time to dwell on them, though.

  With Donaldson out of this game and maybe the next one, it’s up to me to rally the troops. The backup quarterback has done really well in practice and I’ve just got to hope he carries it over into this game. I decide to invite him out with me tonight. We probably both need to get laid.

  We have to split into separate elevators when we get to the hotel and thankfully, Ainsley’s not on mine. My stomach drops when I get off the elevator and see she’s not only on my floor, but she’s next door to me. Her words from earlier are still ringing in my ears, so I choose to be a bastard. “I hope you brought earplugs. I’m planning on making someone scream tonight.”

  “Leopard. Spots,” she tells me with a glare as she opens her door.

  “Bitch.”

  “Man-whore.”

  She walks inside and slams the door behind her. Oh yeah, it’s on. I’m going to bring someone back here no matter what. I trusted her and she fucked me over. Now, she gets to hear what she helped bring back to life.

  * * *

  Ainsley

  I can’t believe I kissed him. I kissed that lying bastard and now he’s out looking for someone to bring back to his room and fuck. Unlucky in love doesn’t even come close to describing me. At least now I can focus on the investigation and not be distracted by over six feet of pure hot male.

  A few hours later, I have all my evidence spread out over my bed and I’ve actually got a couple people I think I should take a second look at. I’m on the phone with Tegan, going over what she found when my stomach growls. “Was that your stomach, Ainsley?”

  “Umm, yeah.”

  “Go eat. We can talk some more tomorrow. I think you’re on the right track with Donaldson and a staff member.”

  “Thanks, Tegan.”

  I hang up and call room service. I put everything away and watch some reality TV while I wait. A little while later, I hear loud laughter and then the door in Zack’s room slams shut. Time for the real show, I guess. There’s a knock at the door and my hunger overcomes common sense—and all of my training—as I just blindly open the door.