Griff Montgomery, Quarterback Read online

  One day a week, she hit the road, meeting antique dealers at auction houses across the state. She’d pack up Spike, find a modest motel, and drop in on shops. Spike was so friendly that he broke the ice for her.

  Long phone conversations with Griff became a luxury. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to talk to him, but she got caught up in the insanity of opening a new business. She tried to focus on his words, but sometimes her eyes would begin to close. Other times, she’d return home too late to call. Her star athlete was an early riser.

  Mostly, she missed him at night. She’d throw off her clothes and slip into bed, alone. Pillow talk, snuggled up against Griff’s chest, was her favorite way to catch up on their day. She missed their lovemaking, but even more, she missed those cuddles and confidences shared when the lights went out. Then, she could tell him anything, from how much she loved him to the dumb things she had done at work, without embarrassment.

  After spending her day on her cell, chasing down deliveries and ordering fabric, the last thing she wanted was to be on the phone. Daily talks with Griff dropped off to every other day then three times a week. His absence became a small ache inside that never left. Talking alone wasn’t enough to lift the sadness from her heart.

  She sank half of the money her father had left her into the new business and rented a small, two-room office in town. She set up a desk and used the other room to store all the samples she needed. Spike had a bed there, too.

  Every morning, she bundled up the pug and drove into downtown Monroe. Days were filled with creative decisions and digging, searching for the right antique table or fireplace equipment. Nights were spent going over her books, sending out invoices, paying bills, and watching movies with Spike.

  She stopped sleeping in what had been Griff’s bed, because it simply made her miss him more, and returned to her own bedroom. When Griff started his training, seven weeks after the surgery, the phone calls ceased altogether. It took Lauren a few days to notice. She figured he was busy, and she was too swamped to worry.

  Sometimes, late at night, when she awoke from a bad dream or was restless, Lauren stood at her window, looking down on the street. It was now March. There was snow on the ground. Ice, lining even the tiniest branches of bare trees, glistened in the moonlight. It was cold and beautiful.

  She missed Griff. She remembered the feel of his strong arms around her. She longed to cuddle with him under the comforter on a chilly night. But then, those memories faded. With her days so full, it was as if her life with Griff had never happened.

  Was what she’d had with Griff Montgomery real, or had she made more of it than it was to get through those tough first six months of being divorced? Still, he was a man like none other. When she had time to pause, she’d ask herself if she’d ever have a permanent relationship. After a sigh, she admitted that she might not. Griff Montgomery was the gold standard. And there weren’t any more around like him.

  * * * *

  As soon as the doctor gave him the green light to work out, Griff’s dad got him started exercising.

  “Have to build you up. Get you used to moving around again,” Hank said, massaging his son’s calves. “Running first. Then weights.”

  “I need to get my arm moving.”

  “Yeah. I’ve got you set up to work out with the Adams’ Football Juniors squad.”

  Griff laughed. “Little kids?”

  “Some of ’em are pretty big. Junior high.”

  “Better than nothing.”

  The Football Juniors outfit was thrilled to have a famous quarterback working out with them. They arranged publicity. The story appeared in the local newspaper and was picked up by the Indianapolis Star. The Associated Press splashed his picture on the sports pages of newspapers across the country. Hank fielded tons of calls for interviews. And his son didn’t miss one. He needed to stay alive in the minds of his fans.

  In the pictures, Griff was flanked by some of the football juniors and a few cheerleaders. He wondered if Lauren had seen any, and if she was upset about the girls. He called three times, but the phone went to voicemail. He shrugged. She’ll just have to trust me.

  Griff was lonely. He had been to a bar once with his dad. Women crawled all over him. His will to resist slipped a bit. No sex was making him a horny and desperate man. But he’d made a commitment. Perhaps going out wasn’t a good idea. He flirted and joked with his admirers, but went home alone.

  Hank stepped up Griff’s schedule. Running and working out then throwing with the football juniors in the afternoon. He kept himself safe from an affair by starting a backgammon tournament with his dad. They played every night after dinner, keeping Griff out of the bars. Determined, he swore to himself that he was going to reclaim his starting quarterback position and rekindle his romance with Lauren. By nine o’clock every night, he was exhausted and fell into bed, dreaming of her.

  Day after day, his drive pushed him. His father controlled how much the quarterback attempted, careful not to overdo it and injure his son. Hank’s life took on added significance now that he had become essential to Griff again.

  Every week, he got stronger. The football juniors rallied and provided him with a long string of eligible receivers. They stayed longer and longer to practice with the star of the Kings. The whole town got behind Griff. Story after story hit the papers, following his progress.

  A few speculated about his social life, but the quarterback knew enough to keep his mouth shut. He’d smile enigmatically and blush a bit, but never admit he wasn’t dating. Finally, one reporter guessed he had a girl back in Monroe. When that happened, Griff was busted. He burst out laughing, turned red as a beet, and admitted there was someone he was anxious to see.

  He hoped Lauren would see the article. He managed to connect with her on the phone from time to time, but she sounded preoccupied. It’s not you. She’s starting a business. She’s busy. As often as he told himself that, still, he doubted her commitment. The more distant she sounded, the more convinced he was that she was seeing someone else.

  Driven almost out of his mind by jealousy, he called Coach Bass and made arrangements for the team to provide a private trainer. He changed his plans, scheduling his return to Monroe earlier than he had anticipated. Hank didn’t agree and tried to stop his son.

  Griff pushed past his father, ripped his suitcase down from the closet shelf, and began packing.

  “What? You’re leaving now? When you’re just getting started?”

  “I’m not just getting started, Dad. I’ve made a lot of progress. I’m ready to go to a regular trainer.” He opened the top bureau drawer.

  “You’re doing so well here.”

  “I need to get back to Monroe.” Griff grabbed everything and threw it in the valise.

  Hank paced. “What about the football juniors?”

  “They’re a great group of kids, but I’m done. They’ll do fine without me.”

  “Come on, son. Hang here for a while. There are some great gals down at Bernie’s place,” Hank said, stopping his son’s arm.

  Griff shrugged off his father’s hand. “I don’t care about the great gals at Bernie’s. I have one of my own. At least, I did. I hope to hell I still do.”

  “You’re going back for her?” Hank’s eyebrows rose.

  Griff’s expression clouded. “Watch it, Dad. Watch what you say about her.”

  “A girl who won’t marry you? Just wants to shack up? Doesn’t seem like you’ve got much of a future with her.”

  “That’s my business. Stay out of it. I’m going home.” He threw the last drawer’s worth of clothes in the suitcase and closed it.

  Hank stepped back.

  Griff let out a breath when he saw the sad expression on his dad’s face. “I can’t live with you forever. You’ve got to get your own life, Dad.”

  “I know. It hasn’t been easy.”

  “Mom’s been gone for four years.” Griff folded his jeans.

  “Sometimes, it seems like yesterday. O
ther times, it seems like a century.” Hank dropped his gaze to the football in his hands.

  “I’m looking for the same thing you had with mom. And I’ve found it. It’s in Monroe.”

  “Lauren’s the one?”

  “I think so.”

  “How are you gonna convince her to tie the knot?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll figure it out when I get there.” He rested his hand on his father’s shoulder.

  “She’s sure pretty enough. Seems nice. Seems like she likes you a lot.”

  “She does. I’m ready to go back now. And I have you to thank. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me.” The two men stood facing each other, when son clasped father in a bear hug. “You’re the best, Dad.”

  Hank sniffled. “You are. Good luck. I hope you convince her.”

  “Me, too.”

  Griff loaded his luggage in the trunk. He waved to his father as he roared out of the driveway and hit the highway. It would be a long drive, but he had a lot to think about. His life was back. He hoped for the best year yet. When mental pictures of Lauren, naked, horny, and laying across the bed waiting for him took over his mind, he depressed the gas pedal. He blasted the radio and sang along with the theme song from Frozen.

  He was moving forward at lightning speed. On to a new life and to reclaim his crown as King of the gridiron, nosing Tony Hastings back to the bench where he belonged.

  * * * *

  Lauren questioned her support group and her friend, Marnie, but no one had the answer. Was she still committed to Griff? Considering she hadn’t heard from him in a couple of weeks, she figured maybe not. So when Marty, the new manager at Carson’s Department Store, asked her to dinner, she agreed. Marty was nice enough. Attractive, but not handsome like Griff. Still, she was lonely.

  Marnie wasn’t so sure. “You’re going out with that guy from Carson’s?”

  “It’s been a long time. I’m tired of waiting for phone calls that never come. I want a man who’s here.” Lauren talked as she prepared dinner for Spike.

  “I thought you didn’t want a man at all?”

  “I did. I do.”

  “But that guy?”

  “What’s wrong with Marty?”

  “Nothing. Unless you have Griff Montgomery in love with you.” Marnie’s voice dropped an octave.

  “Do I?”

  “I bet you do.”

  “I can date Marty and not worry about him getting serious.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because I’d never get serious about Marty. He’s nice. Pleasant company.”

  “Would you sleep with him?”

  “No way!”

  “Then, why go out with him?”

  “Why not? It’s just dinner. We’ve gotta eat.”

  “No sex?”

  “Marnie, come on.”

  “I mean, you’ve had quite a dry spell.”

  Lauren could feel herself blush. “This is a little personal.”

  “Only a little?” Marnie laughed. “Don’t you miss him in bed?”

  “God, do I.”

  “I thought so.”

  “This is an innocent date. I’m tired of being alone all the time.”

  “Go ahead. But I think you’re making a big mistake. What if Griff finds out?”

  “In Indiana? I doubt he’ll know. Besides, we’re just going out for a burger. To the Savage Beast.”

  “Good luck. I hear the baby crying. Gotta go.”

  Lauren picked up the noise in the background. It stabbed her heart. Will I ever have that in my house? Probably not.

  She changed Spike’s water and hit the shower. Though it was June, the evening temperature dipped below sixty. Her turquoise cashmere sweater and snug jeans lay on the bed. She slipped cute earrings in the shape of grapes on and decided to wear Griff’s charm bracelet. I’m not wearing it because I feel guilty. I’m only grabbing a burger with a colleague. It’s not really even a date.

  She got in the car and hit the gas. When she arrived, Marty was already at a table. He rose from his chair and pulled out hers. Well mannered.

  He took a sip from his beer. “You look amazing.” His gaze lingered on her chest, while a touch of color stole into his cheeks.

  “Thank you. What are you drinking?”

  “Dark beer.”

  Carla arrived and took their order. Ordering the blue cheese burger reminded her of Griff. The pleasant clinking of the bracelet made her think of her quarterback more. Perhaps both were a mistake. She shifted in her chair, crossing and uncrossing her legs.

  “You don’t need to be nervous with me. I’m not going to jump you or anything,” Marty said, chuckling. “At least not on the first date.”

  Her eyes widened. “Jump me? Not on any date.”

  “I didn’t mean anything. It was a joke. A tasteless one, I guess.”

  She watched him blush and take a gulp of beer. What am I doing here? Marnie was right. “I think I should tell you, Marty, I’m not looking for a real relationship.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah. I’ve been going out with someone, and he moved away temporarily, and, well, it’s complicated.”

  “Dating almost always is. Then, why are you here with me?”

  “I like you. Thought it would be just grabbing a burger together. Nothing formal or serious.”

  “Of course, it isn’t serious. I hardly know you.”

  “Right. So. Hey. Why don’t I just shut up now?”

  Carla arrived with the burgers. Lauren picked hers up and took a big bite, relieved not to be talking. You’re assuming he likes you. Duh. Why would he be here if he didn’t? Still. He’s not that into you.

  They ate in silence for a while. Lauren looked up when she sensed his gaze on her. His light brown eyes paled when compared to Griff’s dark ones. The quarterback’s eyes got so dark when he was making love to her that they looked like two black olives. She shifted again and put her burger down.

  “These chairs could be more comfortable.”

  I could be more comfortable.

  “So, are you still involved with this other guy?”

  Lauren paled as her gaze was drawn to the open door. Her mouth fell open.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Griff steered his speed machine onto the Merritt Parkway. June was the season of the Earth coming back to life, blooming, robust with color and renewal. He flexed his arm muscle and made a fist then opened his hand a few times. It was good, loose, comfortable, and no pain.

  Bright colored flowers trimmed neat houses or growing wild in backyards smiled at him. The green of the lawns, the bright blue of the sky, and the blossoms cheered him. Power coursed through his veins. He was back. Back to being the best. He knew he could do it. Thirty-three, injured, and not over the hill.

  Football had always been his first love. Now, it was crowded out of the top spot by a beautiful brunette. He could hardly wait to see Lauren. At a gas station, he dialed her number, trying to keep the excitement out of his voice. He planned to tell her he had a surprise for her. The phone rang and rang then went to voicemail. After a few frustrating tries, Griff gave up. He called Buddy instead.

  “Hey, Buddy. I’m back!”

  “Griff? Is it really you?”

  “Yeah. I’m on the Wilbur Cross now.”

  “You’re in Monroe?”

  “Maybe forty minutes away.”

  “You son-of-a-bitch. Damn. Wanna grab a burger?”

  “Sure. Meet me at The Savage Beast.”

  “You got it.”

  Griff steered back onto the highway. He turned up the radio and smiled. The car handled the curves like a racecar. He kept his speed under seventy to avoid a ticket, though it was hard. He was anxious to see his girl. It had been too long.

  Since he had some time to spare, Griff pulled up to his house and dropped off his suitcases. He washed up, slapped on Lauren’s favorite aftershave, changed clothes, and got back in the vehicle. Boy, I’ll sure be glad to stop driving.
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  He pulled up to The Savage Beast and found a spot right in front. When he got out of the car, he stretched his long limbs. Buddy was coming down the sidewalk at the same time. They embraced for a moment then Buddy held the door open for his friend.

  “So, your arm back to normal?”

  “Damn right.” Griff’s gaze roved over the bar, as was his habit. He saw Lauren and did a double take. No. Couldn’t be. His feet froze while he stared. He wasn’t there long before she raised her eyes to meet his. She paled, and her mouth opened slightly.

  “What the fuck?” he muttered under his breath.

  Buddy stopped and turned. His eyes followed Griff’s. “Uh oh.” Buddy backed up and wrapped his fingers around the quarterback’s biceps. “Don’t do it.”

  “Do what?”

  “Whatever you were going to do. Come on. Let’s go to Bruno’s.” Buddy yanked him back toward the door, but Griff shrugged the hand off his arm.

  “Why would I want to do that? I’m here now,” he said, advancing toward Lauren’s table. He stopped, looming over her. “Lauren. How nice to see you.” His tone could freeze meat.

  “Griff! How wonderful…” her words trailed off, her gaze bounced from Griff to Marty and back again. “This is Marty. Marty, Griff.”

  “Say, aren’t you the quarterback for the Kings?” Marty extended his hand.

  Griff took a breath, trying to control his temper. Do I shake, or toss this guy out the window? He took the proffered hand, briefly, and then lowered his voice. “Lauren, could I speak with you outside?”

  He didn’t wait for a reply. He closed his fingers around her upper arm and lifted her out of the chair to her feet. “Sure, sure. If you wanna talk. Fine.” She nodded.

  Griff kept his tight grip on her until they were outside. “What the hell? Who is that? Better be another brother or your cousin.”

  “He’s not. He’s a guy I work with. We’re just grabbing a burger.”

  “Oh?” Griff arched an eyebrow. “Looks a lot like a date. What the fuck, Lauren? I thought you were waiting for me? I thought we were committed?”