Read Love at the 20-Yard Line Online
Authors: Shanna Hatfield
“Education. I try to keep up my certification. When I’m done playing football, I plan to teach and coach.” Brody gazed down at Haven, pleased by the look of approval on her face.
“That’s fantastic. I had no idea.” She hugged him tightly. “What else are you keeping a secret?”
“Let’s see…” He removed her glasses and set them on the counter. Unhurried, he kissed one eyelid followed by the other. “I’m pretty sure it’s not a secret now, but there’s this girl named Haven who caught my eye and I spent the entire day wanting to do this.”
Brody pressed his mouth to hers, teasing and tasting. Haven’s arms wrapped around his neck and he drew her close, deepening the kiss. A moan of pleasure escaped her and Brody thought he might lose all control.
Reluctantly pulling back, he gave her a devilish smile, trying to lighten the moment. “I’m not the only one with secrets, Miss Haggarty.”
“What am I hiding?” she asked, still languid from his kiss.
“The evidence of what happens when a hot shell casing goes down your shirt.” Brody playfully tugged at the neck of her T-shirt.
She stepped away from him and tucked her chin to the neck of her T-shirt. Slowly, she backed toward the living room. “That evidence will remain hidden. No one, and I mean no one, is going to see it.”
“Is that right?” Brody lunged toward her, making her giggle as he chased her around the coffee table and caught her waist between his hands.
Gently tossing her down on the couch, he held her hands in his. He pressed his body next to hers, pushing the throw pillows out of his way.
“I might take a peek for myself. It is evidence, after all.” Brody held both of her hands in one of his above her head. He used the forefinger of the other one to trace a line across her smooth jaw and trail down her neck to the top of her T-shirt.
Although she appeared alarmed and uneasy, she held perfectly still beneath him.
“Relax, Haven. I won’t do anything. At least not much.” Brody lowered his head and coaxed her lips into a heated response with his.
He dropped his hold on her hands and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her with more passion and yearning than he’d ever felt for anyone.
“Brody…” she whispered breathlessly, causing him to raise his head and look into her soulful eyes. What he saw reflected there both frightened and encouraged him. He’d never seen such a beguiling mixture of love, longing, and acceptance before.
Quickly picking her up, he switched places so she rested on top of him, staring down into his face. He traced her dimples then kissed her again. He’d never get the taste of her sweetness out of his mind if he lived to be a hundred.
She lifted her head and gazed at him with a soft smile. “For evidence,” she said, pulling down the neck of her shirt just enough that Brody could see a bright red spot that closely resembled the round end of a shell casing. It looked tender and sore. He noticed two similar spots marring her creamy skin.
Before he could think about what his actions might inspire, he pressed a kiss to each spot. Haven sucked in a gulp of air while his hands rubbed soothingly along her back.
He continued to press kisses against her soft skin, but stopped before he took things too far. Determined not to yield to his desires, he sighed and held her close.
Since Haven dressed so conservatively, he’d had to use his imagination to fill in a lot of the detail. Beneath her business suits and sweater sets lurked a temptingly curved body. He’d never dreamed she’d look so tempting in jeans and a T-shirt.
That tiny little peek at the ivory skin on her chest left him feeling as if he might die from wanting.
“I’m sorry, doll. Does it hurt?” he asked, trying to focus on the fact she’d been burned instead of the ache she created inside him.
“A little. Not like it did when it happened.” She spoke quietly as her head rested on his chest.
Brody’s heart pounded out such a loud, rapid beat, she worried it might explode. While she felt limp and languid against him, his muscles tensed and tightened beneath her. Eager for him to relax, she scooted off him and the couch.
“Roll over,” she said, pushing at his shoulder.
He stared at her, trying to figure out what she was doing. When he didn’t move, she pushed at him again.
“Roll over, Brody. Please?”
“Why?” He wanted to be clear on what she had planned before he agreed.
“Just do it. What do you think I’m going to do? Clonk you over the head and paint your nails bright pink?”
“No.” He chuckled as he rolled onto his stomach. When he turned his head, she slid a pillow beneath his cheek.
Her breath was warm on his neck when she whispered close to his ear. “Just relax, football man.”
If she thought brushing against him with her sweet breath blowing on his neck and her alluring scent teasing his senses would help him relax, he’d have to explain in detail how that wasn’t going to work.
“Look, Haven, I…” Brody couldn’t say another word as her hands began massaging the muscles of his back. She put strength behind her movements and he could feel her loosen a knot beneath his shoulder.
“That feels good,” he groaned. Her touch had to be some form of exquisite torture.
Only, it got worse.
She pushed his shirt up until his back was mostly exposed. He reached back and yanked the T-shirt over his head. Brody held on to his self-control with a tenuous grasp as her hands caressed his bare skin.
Mindful of his need to calm down, he let his body and mind unwind. Haven didn’t say anything as she worked, kneading his muscles until they became pliant and lax.
Brody couldn’t remember the last time he felt so completely relaxed and serene. When she finished and sat back, he tried to lift his head to look at her, but couldn’t. His arms didn’t want to function either.
“Where’d you learn to do that?” he mumbled, feeling drugged. He absently considered the possibility of her hands casting some sort of spell over him.
“I’ve got a hard-working dad and three brothers, remember?” Haven was pleased to see Brody look entirely peaceful for the first time since she met him.
“That’s right,” he whispered, losing the battle to stay awake.
Haven could tell by Brody’s breathing he’d gone to sleep. She decided to let him rest for a while. It was barely eight and she didn’t typically go to bed until after ten.
Quietly retrieving the book she’d started reading the previous afternoon, she curled up in the chair by the couch. However, instead of getting lost in the story, her thoughts and gaze wandered to Brody.
She made a cup of tea, abandoning efforts at reading as she studied him. The urge to reach out and run her hand through his hair and along his face was overwhelming. She ran light fingers through his thick hair and grinned when a corner of his mouth tipped up in a smirk she well recognized.
It was wrong for one man to be so perfectly handsome. She admired the muscles exposed on his back and arms, anticipating seeing those on his chest when he rolled over. Even though she’d seen her brothers without their shirts, it was far, far different to see Brody shirtless.
Haven recalled Allie’s words about paying money to see him without his shirt on and stifled a giggle. She wondered if Allie would hand her a twenty-dollar bill to come over right now.
When it was almost ten, she decided she better wake Brody and take him home. He certainly couldn’t stay at her apartment all night. The neighbors would have a heyday if he walked out with her in the morning.
Haven knelt next to him and brushed her fingers along his forehead then finger-combed his hair away from his temple.
“Brody,” she whispered, hoping he’d stir. “Brody, time to go. I need to take you home now.”
He didn’t so much as flicker an eyelash at her. She leaned close and kissed his cheek then gently shook his arm.
“Please, Brody. I can’t let you stay here all night. You have to wake up, now.”
Still nothing.
Curious to discover if he was ticklish, she grazed her fingers down his side. Suddenly, he rolled over and grabbed her in his arms, blowing a wet, sloppy kiss on her neck.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, doll,” he said in a gravelly voice, sounding half-awake as he pulled her down beside him and tickled her sides.
“Not fair using brute force.” Haven squirmed to escape while containing her giggles. “That’s definitely cheating.”
“Who says?” Brody nuzzled her neck and kissed her cheek.
“Me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against his chest. Warm and solid, he smelled so good, her resolve to take him home started to rapidly unravel.
“Is that right? Even so, I think I’ve overstayed my welcome today. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” Brody set Haven on her feet and rose to his, realizing he didn’t have on his shirt. He vaguely remembered tossing it aside when magical fingers began massaging his back.
Haven grabbed something from the floor and hurried to the other side of the room. “Looking for this?” His T-shirt dangled from her finger.
“As a matter of fact, I am.” He held out his hand to her. “May I have that, please?”
“Mmm. No. I don’t think so.” Haven cocked her head and shot him a saucy smile. “I think I like you this way much better.”
“Haven,” he growled, taking two quick steps and grabbing both her and his shirt. From behind, he wrapped his arms around her and held her against his chest. He pressed his lips close to her ear. “If you don’t stop this nonsense, I won’t be the only one without a shirt.”
She stiffened and grew still in his arms. Upset, she pushed against him and took a step away, keeping her back turned while he put on his shirt.
“I’ll take you home,” she said quietly, picking up her purse and fumbling with her keys. When she dropped them on the floor, Brody bent down to pick them up at the same time she did. Their gazes locked. He noticed she looked confused and a little offended.
“Haven, I’m sorry. I was just teasing.” He stood and pulled her upright, enveloping her in a tender embrace. Her arms wrapped tightly around him and she breathed against his chest, making his temperature begin to climb again.
“I was teasing, too. I just didn’t… I didn’t think… I’m sorry, Brody.” As much as she enjoyed ogling Brody, she didn’t want to give him the wrong idea.
“No worries. I just don’t want you to be mad at me. It’s all in good fun, right?” He helped her slip on a jacket since the night air was cool.
“Right.” She moved away from him and opened the door.
Brody grabbed the duffle bag he’d left earlier and followed her outside.
If he had a brain in his head, he’d avoid being alone with Haven. She provided a temptation he found extremely hard to resist.
Then again, Brody hadn’t always been known to avoid trouble.
Chapter Ten
Haven looked up from her desk as her assistant, Jordan, carried in a vase of gorgeous pink and white tulips.
“It’s starting to look like a florist shop in here,” Jordan said, searching for a place to set the flowers.
Haven jumped up and cleared a spot on the corner of her desk for the vase. It was the third bouquet she’d received that week.
Monday, Allie sent her a bouquet in a smiley-face mug along with a note apologizing for acting like an idiot after the game.
A gift basket from a pleased client arrived Tuesday afternoon. After picking out the chocolates she liked, she put the rest in the break room for the staff to share.
Another client sent her a bouquet of daisies and carnations Thursday in thanks for a successful launch of an online campaign Haven developed for them.
The huge bouquet of tulips Jordan set on her desk was one of the loveliest she’d ever seen. Searching for a card, Haven had no idea who would have sent the flowers.
Finding the florist envelope, she read the short note then sank into her chair and stared at the bouquet.
“Everything okay, Haven?” Jordan asked, noticing her boss looked a little pale.
“Yes, fine. Thank you, Jordan. If you wouldn’t mind taking that vase with the daisies to the reception area, they might look nice on the side table by the couch.
“Sure.” Jordan took the flowers from the top of Haven’s filing cabinet and left, even though she wasn’t convinced the woman was fine.
Haven read the card in her hand again and smiled.
To the sweetest girl I know.
Happy Birthday, doll.
Have a great day.
Love,
Brody
She’d been disappointed to discover Brody would be out of town at a game that weekend. It was her birthday and she’d hoped to be able to see him. Instead, he’d left yesterday to go to a game across the country.
Not wanting him to think it would bother her if he missed her special day, she didn’t mention her birthday was fast approaching.
Someone must have told him, though, because he’d just sent her the loveliest tulips she’d ever seen.
“Aren’t you the popular one this week?” Mr. Young walked in with a tastefully wrapped gift box in his hand.
“So it would seem.” Haven smiled at her boss.
“These tulips are magnificent.” Critically studying them, he turned to Haven. “Can we take some photos of them while they’re fresh?”
“I guess so.” The flowers were exceptionally lovely. No wonder Mr. Young wanted to take photos of them. She had no doubt they’d be used in some promotional piece or ad campaign.
“Great. Just take them to Adam and tell him I said to be careful with them,” Mr. Young said, setting the box on her desk. “Happy birthday, Haven. You should leave early tonight. Celebrate! You’re only young once, you know.”
“Thank you, sir.” Uncertain if she should open his gift while he waited or save it for later, he made the decision for her when he smiled and left her office.
When she removed the lid from the box, she was surprised to see a bowl she’d admired at an art show one of their clients hosted. Carefully lifting it, she held it up and marveled at the way light reflected through the glass.
As she set it back in the box, a slip of paper caught her attention. She pulled it out and laughed when she read, “Go home early! Or else!” She planned to be out of the office before four.
Quickly picking up the tulips, she carried them back to their small studio where Adam attempted to take photos of a client’s cleaning products.
“Ah, sweet relief.” Adam took the tulips from her and set them on a pedestal in front of a light gray backdrop. “These are far and above much more photogenic than that mess.”
Haven smiled and looked at the array of cleaning products, agreeing with Adam. There was nothing appealing about any of them.
“What account are these for?” Adam asked, setting up his camera and lights.
“None at the moment.” Haven observed as Adam adjusted a light. “I received them and Mr. Young suggested we take some stock photos, since they are so perfect.”
“Good idea.” Adam snapped a test photo and made a few adjustments to the lighting. “I needed a break anyway.”
Haven stood quietly while he worked. In a few minutes time, he handed the flowers back to her.
“Whoever sent those has excellent taste. Much better than someone who thinks I can make mops and bottles of cleaner look exciting.”
“Lots of luck, Adam. Thanks.” Haven felt sorry for her coworker. Sometimes Adam got to shoot fun, cool stuff. Other times, he had to deal with a multitude of boring subjects.
After returning to her office, Haven sent a text message to Brody, thanking him for the flowers.
She slipped her phone in the pocket of her skirt and returned her attention to some online research she compiled for a client. She’d barely touched the mouse of her computer when her phone rang.
“Haven Haggarty,” she said, politely, not bothering to look at the caller ID.
“Hi, doll. Happy birthday!” Brody sounded a million miles away, although the two thousand miles between them might as well have been that many. “Hope you’re having a great day so far.”
“Brody!” Haven was surprised to hear his voice. “The tulips are gorgeous. Thank you so, so much.”
“You’re welcome. I didn’t want you to think I forgot about you.” Brody was glad Hale mentioned something about Haven’s birthday when they were at the farm Sunday. “Any other birthday surprises?”
“Mr. Young bought me a bowl I liked from an art show we attended. Other than that, the day is still young.” Thrilled that Brody called, she hoped she wasn’t keeping him from something he needed to do. “I thought you’d be tied up all day.”
“They gave us a few moments of peace for good behavior. I have to go in a sec, but I wanted to wish you a happy birthday. Have a really good one, Haven.”
Voices in the background made it hard to hear then Brody mumbled something about being off the phone in a minute.
“It sounds like you need to go, Brody. Thank you again for the flowers and the call. I really appreciate both.” For a guy who made it clear he was keeping things casual with no strings attached, he seemed to be just as tied to her as she was to him.
“You’re welcome. Maybe I can take you out for dinner or something when I get back.”
“That sounds great.” Haven wanted to thank Brody in person. If he were in town, she’d have no problem leaving the office early. “Have a great game. I hope you win. Jump high and catch everything that comes at you.”
“I’ll do my best,” Brody said then yelled at someone in the background to leave him alone. “Bye, Haven. Miss you.”
“I miss you, too. Bye, Brody.” Haven stared at the phone in her hand for a minute before stuffing it back inside her pocket.
Unable to concentrate on doing detailed research or any work involving her full attention, she decided to clean out some files while her thoughts lingered on Brody. Feelings she’d never before experienced surfaced whenever she thought about Brody. She had no idea how the sound of his voice could make her simultaneously elated and unsettled.
Allie showed up to take her to lunch before she could further explore the effect Brody had on her system.
After lunch, Allie gave her a hug and slipped a card in her hand as they parted ways in the parking lot. When she returned to her office, Haven opened the card and laughed at the silly greeting, excited to receive a gift card to her favorite store.
In the early afternoon, she worked on some creative design ideas but lost her focus every time one of her coworkers stopped by to wish her a happy birthday. Finally giving up on getting any work done, she gathered her things, picked up the vase of tulips, and locked her office at a little past three.
“Have a great weekend, Haven,” Mr. Young said as he saw her leaving.
“I will, thanks!” she called as she hurried out the door.
On the way home, she treated herself to a pedicure. At her apartment, she carried the tulips inside and set them on her coffee table, admiring how they brightened the whole room.
Leisurely staring at them a while, she finally got up and changed into jeans and a soft blouse. She drove out to the farm where her family would gather for dinner to celebrate her special day.
When she walked inside her parent’s home, Mason and Jed slammed into her legs, almost knocking her over backward.
“Aunt Haven! Happy birthday!” they said in unison, dragging her toward the family room where cheerfully wrapped packages sat on a side table, waiting to be opened.
“You’ve got tons of presents,” Mason said, pointing to the festive-looking gifts.
“And Mom said we can’t open them. They’re all for you,” Jed said, nodding his head for emphasis.
“Is that right? Well, that’s pretty cool, isn’t it?” Haven ruffled the hair on one dark head and then the other.
“Where’s Brody? We brought our football so he can throw it to us. Will he jump over the fence again?” Mason danced around, tugging on her hand.
“Brody’s gone to a game far away right now. Maybe you guys can come see him when his team plays at home in a few weeks.” Haven walked with the little boys to the kitchen where her mom and Tammy finished dinner preparations.
“Happy birthday, sweetie!” Rachel enthusiastically hugged her daughter. “Did you have a good day?”
“I did, Mom. It’s been really nice so far.” Haven snitched a strawberry from a bowl of fruit salad.
“I heard you tell the boys Brody’s out of town. Did he remember your birthday?” Rachel asked.
“Actually, he sent me the most gorgeous tulips.” Haven took her phone out of her pocket and showed her a photo. Adam sent her one of the images from the photo shoot. It made the flowers look even more beautiful.
“Oh, my gosh!” Tammy grabbed the phone and stared at the flowers. “Those aren’t just ‘hey, I’m dating you’ flowers, those are ‘I’m in love with you, baby’ flowers.”
“You’re insane.” Haven rolled her eyes as she stuffed the phone back in her pocket. “Brody and I both know he’ll be gone at the end of the season. It’s not like either one of us expects this to be a long-term relationship. Allie informed me I need to get out and have more fun, and she’s right. Brody wanted to be friends who date, so there it is.”
Tammy gave Rachel a look that said neither of them were buying Haven’s story, but they didn’t say anything.
After dinner with her family, including Allie, Rick, a few other cousins, aunts and uncles, they all convened to the large family room where Haven opened her gifts.
The boys helped remove the paper and ribbons, leaving a path of shredded destruction in their wake while Haven opened the gifts and offered words of thanks.
“You’ve got one more gift,” Hale said, handing her his laptop computer. Footage from a football game played and Haven suddenly realized it was Brody’s game from that evening. With the time difference, he had finished playing an hour or so earlier.
“Look, there’s Brody!” Haven held the computer so Mason and Jed could watch over her shoulder. He leaped high in the air and made a perfect catch before turning to run with the ball. After the whistle blew, Brody tossed the ball to a ref, looked into a nearby camera, and held up his hand. The words, “Hi, Doll!” marched across his wide palm, for the entire world to see.