Griff Montgomery, Quarterback Read online

  She was crouched down, talking to and petting the dog, which licked her face. When she stopped giggling, she turned her gaze on Griff. While he considered flirting with her, he picked up on her lack of interest quickly. He figured it out when he spied her wedding ring. He pocketed the boarding information and guided the reluctant pooch out to the sidewalk.

  * * * *

  Lauren walked down Main Street in Monroe, past cute shops. Barb’s Boutique, Monroe Gift Shoppe, and the Love-to-Read bookstore, sporting a poster announcing a signing for one of her favorite authors, but Lauren didn’t see it.

  She’d been in a daze since she had lost Zander, staring out at the world with unseeing, green eyes. A week later, pain still flowed in her veins. Her feet ached from trekking to every lamppost and telephone pole in her neighborhood to tape up lost dog flyers. Exhaustion and depression weighed her down. The unbearable quiet at home drove her to take long walks. While out, she called Zander, but got no response.

  On her way to Sandy’s Salon to get a trim, a familiar bark drew her attention. Her head snapped up. There, coming down the sidewalk on the other side of the road, was a pug who looked an awful lot like Zander. He was on a leash held by a tall, good-looking man. Lauren’s heart rate doubled. She whispered to herself, “Zander.”

  “Hey!” she called out, but the man didn’t look her way. “Zander. Zander!” she hollered, her voice getting higher each time. The dog turned and barked. That was all Lauren needed.

  She raced into the street. A car making its way to the south end of town screeched on its brakes. The man holding the dog dropped the lead and leapt in front of her. He snatched her arm and yanked her out of the way. She fell to her knees on the pavement, but didn’t feel the pain because the pug was licking her face. She kept repeating his name as tears flowed.

  “You okay, lady?” the man asked, grasping her elbow and easing her to her feet.

  Lauren clutched his arm while her knees trembled. She narrowed her eyes. “You stole my dog,” she said, before bending over to pet the pooch.

  Lauren sensed his stare. She swung her head and caught him looking at her nicely rounded bottom. Their gazes met. She noticed the lusty light emanating from his chocolate brown eyes, and it made her shiver.

  She stood up and turned to him, flipping her hair over her shoulder, pursing her lips. Flashing green eyes threw a cold look his way as her shoulders straightened, attempting to reduce the view of her cleavage. She rested her hands on her hips as he stared at her, frozen.

  He snapped to attention. “What?”

  “You heard me. You stole my dog. This is Zander. And he’s mine.” She reached for the pug’s leash.

  As he raised it above her head, his eyes narrowed. “So, you’re the asshole who left this dog to starve and die? No way are you getting him back. I should call the cops.”

  “Who the hell are you, and what the hell are you talking about?”

  “I’m Griffin Montgomery. I found this dog, starving, guarding an empty house. Your house? Did you conveniently forget you had him? And now, you want him back? Go to hell.” He gritted his teeth. His eyes darkened, and his hands fisted at his side. He pulled Zander closer to him and moved his long legs forward.

  She tugged on his arm. “I’m Lauren Farraday. That’s my dog. Give him to me.” Her jaw tightened, her lips compressed into a thin line, and her arm outstretched.

  “On a cold day in Hell. If you were a man, I’d take you behind that store and beat the shit out of you, Miss Lauren Farra-I-don’t-give-a-shit-what-your-name-is.” He took a menacing step toward her.

  Fear coursed through her, forcing her to retreat, as she closed her fingers around the lead and opened her mouth. “Help! Police!”

  A policeman strolled over. Griff Montgomery made a face and shifted his weight. The officer tipped his cap at the quarterback and scowled at Lauren. “What seems to be the trouble here, Mr. Montgomery?”

  “Him? You’re asking him? I’m the one who screamed,” Lauren said, puffing her chest out, until she saw Griff staring.

  “Mr. Montgomery is the quarterback for The Connecticut Kings, miss.”

  “Oh? And that makes him God? He stole my dog!”

  The officer laughed. “I seriously doubt that, miss.”

  “Lauren Farraday, officer.”

  “Miss Farraday. Griff, what is this about?”

  Shit! He’s on a first name basis with the police. I’m doomed.

  Griff related his side of the story.

  “Zander is micro-chipped, officer. Can you read those?”

  “I’m afraid you’ll both have to come down to the station, so we can investigate her claim. Sorry, Griff. We’ll get this straightened out. I’m sure there’s nothing to her story, and if she neglected this dog, we’ll call Animal Care and Control. We’ll look her up. See if there have been other complaints.” The cop gave Lauren a stern look as he returned to his car. “Follow me,” he instructed.

  “We’ll see, Mr. Football Player, just whose dog this is,” she sniffed.

  “Come along, come along. Leave Mr. Montgomery alone. He hasn’t broken the law, lady, and maybe you have.”

  Lauren stuffed her outrage down and slipped behind the wheel of her car. When Griff loaded Zander into his vehicle, the pug barked. The sound tugged at her heart as she drove the short distance to police headquarters. I have to get him back. He’s my life now.

  * * * *

  Walking from the parking lot to the courthouse, Lauren looked up at the sky. Do I still have an umbrella in the trunk? She chewed her lip. This silk suit will be ruined.

  She had come to fight for custody of Zander against Griff Montgomery. Griff claimed to have saved his life. Told the police she had neglected the dog. But that was all wrong.

  Bob was to blame. In his rush to move to L.A., he had forgotten about Zander, an animal he had never liked anyway. Tears gathered in her eyes as she considered the possibility of losing the case. Zander and a half-empty house were all she had. She sighed, a deep shuddering breath, as she approached the building.

  When she turned the corner, she almost ran into Griff Montgomery. The six foot, four inch, football player stood on the steps, looking devastatingly handsome in a perfectly tailored, navy blue suit and white shirt.

  Cameras clicked and reporters swarmed around the charismatic quarterback. Her heart sank as she watched him smile with confidence. Even his stance shouted, ’winner‘. He’s famous. I’m nobody. I don’t stand a chance.

  A loud boom interrupted her thoughts. The clouds moved in swift, angry bunches then the heavens opened up. She ran inside in time to avoid being drenched. Her shoulders drooped. She blinked rapidly as her gaze connected with Griff’s. His eyes narrowed when she brushed away a runaway tear before she turned her back and escaped into the ladies’ room. I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let him see me cry.

  She rinsed her face and cracked open the door. Griff was nowhere to be seen. She crept out and took a seat in the back of the courtroom. Griff was in the first row with Zander on his lap. Lauren ached to pet her pug, but sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap.

  She looked around for another woman sitting alone. Don had hired a lawyer for Lauren, as she didn’t have the funds. They had conferred on the phone, but had never met in person.

  When Lauren’s name was called, she stood up.

  A woman sitting across the aisle from her also rose. She whispered in Lauren’s ear, “I’m Marcy Chase. Nice to finally meet you.”

  Don, bless you.

  Marcy squeezed Lauren’s hand. “Don’t worry. We’ll win.”

  “But he’s so popular,” Lauren said, as Marcy opened the gate. She motioned her client to be quiet as they took their seats behind the table.

  Lauren peeked over at Griff, sitting at the other one. He had a lawyer, too, who shot a nasty look her way. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. She studied the quarterback. The planes of his face suggested high cheekbones and a chiseled jaw. His lips looked firm, but
full enough to promise a sensuous kiss. His piercing brown eyes connected with hers. They were cold and confident. She shivered.

  Marcy squeezed her hand again then motioned for her to stand as the bailiff announced the arrival of the judge.

  After everyone sat, the official spoke. “I’ve read the papers from both sides. Why don’t you each tell me your version of the story, in fifty words or less? Mr. Montgomery, would you like to go first?”

  “Objection.” Marcy rose to her feet. “Doesn’t the plaintiff usually have the right to go first?”

  “If you want to stand on ceremony. Go ahead, Ms. Farraday.” The judge made a face as he waved his hand at her.

  His reaction made Lauren more nervous. No way am I winning. She went up to the witness stand and was sworn in. As she told her part, she noticed Griff Montgomery’s glare soften. He looked at her with curious eyes. His presence filled the room and made her stammer. “My instructions to Bob were clear. But he often didn’t follow what I said. One reason why we’re not together. But that’s another story.”

  “So, you thought your dog was in daycare?”

  “Yes. You can ask the people at Canine Condo. I called them as soon as I got home.”

  “And what did you do when you found out the animal wasn’t there?”

  “I cried.”

  “And then what?” the judge persisted.

  “I put up signs all over the neighborhood.” She opened her purse and pulled out a wrinkled piece of construction paper. How feeble is this? I sound ridiculous.

  “I see. Thank you, Ms. Farraday. You may step down.”

  Lauren’s legs wobbled. She grasped the railing around the box and took a deep breath. One peek at Griff’s mocking expression made her mad. He thinks I’m faking for the judge. She marshaled her strength, straightened up, and marched to her seat with a confidence she didn’t feel. He raised his eyebrows. Dognapping bastard.

  “Now, Mr. Montgomery. If that’s all right with you, counsel?” The judge shot a derisive look at Marcy, who nodded.

  Griff strode to the witness stand. His confident swagger annoyed Lauren. Thinks he’s hot shit. So does the judge and every guy in this courtroom. She frowned as she listened to his tale. It opened her mind to the truth.

  As he went on, taking much more time than she had, she realized that the real villain was Bob, not Griff. Although she despised him for refusing to give up the pup, she was glad he had taken Zander in and fed him. The pug might have died if the footballer hadn’t found him. She had to be grateful for that. If she had found a helpless dog with no food or water, she would have assumed the same thing about the owner that he had about her.

  Shame filled her. His account of the facts would have put her in a terrible light, making her appear to be an animal abuser, if she had not already explained. She wondered if her version had been wiped out by the athlete’s side. The judge frowned when he looked at her, and her hope to get Zander back grew dim.

  The justice asked no questions and dismissed Griff when he’d finished his recounting. The magistrate shuffled through papers on his desk, stopping to read, and then turning to another. The courtroom was silent.

  “Okay. Seems obvious to me. While the microchip and vet documents verify Ms. Farraday’s claim to this dog, her actions cast doubt on her ability to provide for his welfare. On the other hand, Mr. Montgomery’s papers and veterinarian documents substantiate his ability to keep the dog in good health.”

  “I object. The health of the dog was established by the care given by Ms. Farraday first. Mr. Montgomery only had the dog for two weeks. His overall health could not have deteriorated that fast.”

  “Overruled.”

  Marcy sat down, and Lauren’s confidence sank.

  “As I was saying…this is an easy case. I’m putting the dog in joint custody for six months. At that time, Mr. Montgomery will report back to the court, with vet testimony, as to the care of this animal. If the dog receives quality care from Ms. Farraday during her time with him, then the court will return Zander to her. If he does not, then Mr. Montgomery will retain sole custody. At that time, I would entertain the possibility of visitation for Ms. Farraday.”

  “I object!” Both lawyers jumped to their feet at the same time.

  “What? Why?” As they started to squabble, the judge banged his gavel. “I’ve given my ruling. Objections are overruled. You two work out the schedule. Share the dog. Court is adjourned.”

  Lauren let out the breath she was holding. At least I didn’t lose him. But share him with that…monster?

  Griff’s face was stormy. He strode over to her with Zander under his arm. “I’m keeping him.”

  Lauren pushed to her feet and steeled herself. “You heard the judge. He’s mine. You can share him for six months then find yourself a new pet.”

  “That’s what you think.”

  “What’s the matter? Did you expect to win? Did you think that because you’re some hot shit athlete, the judge would just give you Zander and ignore the fact that he belongs to me? Well, you were wrong.”

  “I thought the judge would give him to someone who cared for him. Not an animal abuser.”

  “Weren’t you listening? Bob is the one at fault here. Not me.”

  “You married that asshole. So, it’s your fault.”

  “Really?” She cocked an eyebrow at him. “That’s faulty logic. All brawn and no brains. You’re an idiot.”

  Griff stepped toward her, his fist raised, until his attorney pulled him away.

  “Come on. Let’s go outside and discuss the schedule.”

  * * * *

  “I’ll take him during the week. You can have him on weekends,” Griff said.

  “Wait a minute. That’s not fair.”

  “Fair enough for someone as irresponsible as you.”

  “The judge said joint custody. I get equal time.”

  Griff’s lawyer shot him a warning look.

  “What’s your idea?” Griff shifted his weight. She’s gonna be a pain in the ass.

  “Every other week.”

  “Nope. Not gonna work for me.”

  “Why not?” She looked up, her mouth pouty, distracting him.

  “Saturday nights are my late nights. Sometimes, I don’t get home until two or three…or not at all.” He sensed heat rising in his face as Lauren stood quietly, blushing. “Of course, if that’s your late night, too…”

  “It isn’t, no. I’m home. Every Saturday night,” she blurted out.

  “No social life? Hmm. I can see why.”

  “What does that mean?” She fisted her hands and planted them on her hips.

  “Nothing.”

  “Nothing? Try again.”

  “All right, every other week, but we make the exchange on the weekend.”

  “Don’t want you to miss your night out whoring,” she sneered.

  “If you were a man…” Griff clenched his fingers at his sides, his temper barely controlled.

  “If I were a man, what? You’d punch me?”

  “Damn right.”

  “Bully.”

  Griff laughed. His gaze swept over Lauren’s curvy body. “I take it back. It’s a shame you’re home on Saturday night. Could be making some man happy.”

  “Oh?” Her tone was warmer.

  “Some man who’s a glutton for punishment and likes to screw bitches.”

  Her hand came up and slapped him so fast even Griff couldn’t react quickly enough.

  “Holy shit. Did you just assault him in the courthouse?” his lawyer asked.

  Lauren’s attorney gasped, grabbed her by the wrist, and escorted her out and down the front steps. “What are you doing?”

  “He…he…he called me a bitch.”

  “You can’t hit people.”

  “I didn’t hurt him. He’s twice my size.”

  Griff rubbed his cheek, glaring at her, as he descended the stairs.

  “Look, if you two can’t agree to a schedule, we will,” his lawyer
said, looking at Marcy.

  “Okay. I drop him off with you on Sunday afternoon. You give him back to me on Saturday morning,” Lauren said. “I’m sorry I hit you.”

  “Fine,” Griff agreed, through gritted teeth.

  “Can I say goodbye to Zander?”

  He lowered the dog to the sidewalk. Lauren knelt down. When he wagged his tail and licked her, she buried her face in his fur. Griff saw her shoulders move. Oh, no. Shit. Don’t. Don’t cry. Please don’t cry. I can’t take it. Within seconds, Lauren was clutching the pug to her chest, sobbing. People leaving the courthouse stopped to stare. One or two came over to Griff for his autograph.

  He scribbled something quickly then took her firmly by the arms and raised her to her feet. “Don’t cry. Okay? I can’t stand it.” Griff’s heart melted as he watched her cling to the canine. Memories of comforting his niece and nephew during their bouts of tears after a bad day tore at his guts. Tempted to let her have the dog, he remembered the lonely nights made better by Spike’s presence.

  She fished a tissue out of her purse and dabbed her eyes and nose. “I don’t care.”

  “Come on, lady. Please.”

  “My name is Lauren.”

  “Okay, Lauren. No tears. All right?”

  She sniffled twice, blew her nose, and then nodded. “I’m okay. He’s been mine for three years.”

  “He’s a great little guy.”

  “Warm on a cold night. Cuddles with me when I watch television. Always by my side.”

  “Me, too.”

  She looked up at him with full eyes. “You love him, too, don’t you?”

  “I wouldn’t say love…maybe ‘like a lot.’ I’m used to him. That’s all.”

  “You wouldn’t fight so hard to keep him if you didn’t love him.”

  Though she spoke softly, out of earshot of the crowd forming, her words stripped him bare. She saw through his façade, saw how much the little pooch meant to him. He looked at the ground and shuffled his feet.