Love On The Rebound: A Basketball Romance Page 6

  April: Yes. Happy?

  TJ: Immensely.

  ◆◆◆

  TJ: I got your tickets. What name do you want to pick them up under? I was thinking of Princess Ariel. Work for you?

  April: Seen as how I’m picking them up with my father, I’d prefer if you just used “April Rose.” I don’t want to have to explain anything.

  TJ: Gotcha. What are you wearing right now?

  April: Use your imagination, sailor.

  TJ: I’ve been doing that all night and today. It’s so much better when you tell me.

  April: Random question. Are you into role-play?

  TJ: Role-play? What do you mean?

  April: I mean we pretend. Fantasy scenarios. For example, you can be gangster, and I’ll be your femme fatale. Or you can be Superman, and I can play Wonder Woman.

  TJ: This sounds intriguing. You’ve done this before?

  April: No, I’m asking for a friend.

  TJ: Why can you never give a straight answer?

  April: It’s so much more fun when the cat plays with the mouse, don’t you think?

  TJ: And I’m the mouse? I think I’d rather be Tarzan.

  April: Oh! That sounds like fun. And I can be the Amazon Queen!

  TJ: You wouldn’t want to be Jane?

  April: Who wants to be plain Jane? I’m a queen, and don’t you forget it!

  TJ: Got it.

  April: To be continued…

  TJ: I think I may have to wank off again.

  ◆◆◆

  April: Here’s a question for you. What’s your favorite pick-up line?

  TJ: Question: Can I have directions? Answer: To what? Reply: Your heart.

  April: LOL. You’re lucky you’re so tall, dark, and handsome. That was terrible.

  TJ: You think you can do better?

  April: I know I can.

  TJ: Then lay it one me.

  April: Does this rag smell like chloroform to you?

  TJ: What!?!

  April: I know, perfect, right?

  TJ: I can see how it would be effective.

  April: Here’s another one for you. Roses are red, violets are blue. I have a gun, get in the van.

  TJ: You’re killing me (and scaring me a little too).

  April: Good. All men should have a healthy fear and respect for women!

  TJ: Well, you got it from me, in spades.

  April: Excellent! Just one more thing though…

  TJ: What’s that?

  April: If you ever come over, I don’t want you poking around the basement.

  TJ: I say again, what?!?

  April: It’s for your own safety, trust me.

  TJ: Yes, ma’am!

  ◆◆◆

  April: Have you ever tried a wheat grass shot?

  TJ: Can’t say that I have.

  April: They’re supposed to be mega healthy. I’m not sure what possessed me, but I decided to try one.

  TJ: Perhaps I’m inspiring you to be even healthier? Are you eating protein bars as well?

  April: Don’t be too proud of yourself. Protein bars taste like chalk and the wheat grass shot was like drinking grass.

  TJ: But don’t you feel healthier?

  April: I feel like washing my mouth out with soap would be a step up.

  TJ: LOL!

  April: Still, I just wanted to thank you for getting my dad and I tickets to the game. He’s so excited, you wouldn’t believe it.

  TJ: I’m not sure how much I’m going to play, but I’ll try and have a good game for him…and you.

  April: Yeah! Try and score a touchdown for me!

  TJ: …

  April: Kidding! Looking forward to seeing you after the game.

  TJ: Me too.

  ◆◆◆

  In a blur, TJ races across the court and the crowd goes wild as he steals an inbound pass. In one fluid motion, he darts down the court like a thoroughbred. He then sells a fake pass to a wingman that the loan defender totally buys before going in for the score. The crowd again erupts as he somehow puts enough English on the ball for it to gently hit the glass before it falls through the hoop.

  I can’t believe how hot he is.

  Despite playing against giants, he’s easily holding his own and seems to be all over the court at once. Diving for loose balls, shutting down passing lanes, even grabbing rebounds from players that are nearly a foot taller than he is. He plays with such a fury and a passion; it’s hard not to imagine how those qualities might transfer to the bedroom.

  Did I mention his body? I hate to be so superficial, but TJ Cunningham has a great body. I already knew that, but this is the first time I can see it thanks to his basketball uniform. Muscular arms, muscular thighs, oh my. I kind of wish they were wearing the short shorts that basketball players used to wear in the 80’s. Unfortunately, that’s not the style now though. A girl can dream though, right?

  Even though it’s only an exhibition game, TJ got my dad and I prime seats right at center court just three rows up. It makes you really appreciate just how strong and fast these athletes are, and my TJ is among the strongest and fastest of them all.

  Did I just think of him as “My TJ?” I think I did. I watch as he drains a three-pointer and the only thing I can think of is how badly I want him. Watching TJ play, I’m almost worried that I’m going to get wet.

  “Wooohooo!” my dad yells as he claps his hands together. “The Pumas would be beyond stupid to not sign TJ. He’s playing great!”

  Sitting next to my father is somewhat holding my libido in check, but not by much. He’s such a fan, and he’s so obviously excited to be watching the game from such great seats. The Pumas are killing it, and TJ is a major reason why. The Pumas coach wanted to take him out of the game at one point, but the crowd cheered TJ’s name until he put him back in. I’m not the only member of the TJ Cunningham fan club, that’s for sure.

  “I just love how TJ plays, look at the fire in his eyes! That’s how you do it!”

  “I think you’re a bigger fan of him than I am,” I say to my dad.

  “Well, I’m definitely a fan of him as a basketball player. The jury is still out for me on him as your boyfriend.”

  On the court, through sheer hard work and determination, TJ forces a turnover. The entire crowd, including my father, roars their approval.

  “I’m not sure he’s in the boyfriend category yet, Dad.”

  “But could he be?”

  I watch TJ on the court. He is undoubtedly a handsome man. Muscular arms connected to broad shoulders that lead into a tapered waist. Beyond the physical attraction though is something else. He’s fierce yet kind, smart and funny. There’s another quality too that I detect that I haven’t quite figured out. It’s almost like a hint of sadness, a weariness. But that can’t be, right? Nonetheless, when you look at the complete package, we’re definitely talking boyfriend material.

  “He definitely could be,” I inform my father.

  “But does he treat my little girl well? Like you deserve to be treated?”

  “He does,” I inform my dad. My father nods his head approvingly.

  “Good. I trust your judgment little girl, but I hear stories about these pro athletes …”

  “TJ’s not like that….” I assure him.

  “…and I’d hate to have to take TJ behind the woodshed if you know what I mean.”

  Almost by instinct, I find myself giving my father a hug while I nuzzle my head into his cheek. He’s still my father, and I’m still his little girl. He’s very protective of me, and I know he’d do anything for me. I need a man like my father. It’s a hard thing to find though, as when they built him, I think they broke the mold.

  “You know, Dad, TJ is pretty big.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I doubt he’s ever faced an enraged father.”

  God, I love my dad.

  And with that, the buzzer sounds and the game ends. The Pumas’ win 123 – 96. TJ scored 18 points while dishing out 5 assists and collected 4 reb
ounds. You never know, but after a performance like that, I don’t see how the team can’t sign him.

  “TJ played great,” my dad remarks. “And as long as he treats my little girl well, I’ve got no problem with him. Always remember, you deserve the best.”

  “I know, Dad,” I reply.

  I do deserve the best, someone like my dad. If TJ is half the man my father is, I’ll be a lucky woman.

  Chapter Six

  TJ

  “Hey, TJ, coach wants to see you,” the Pumas’ assistant coach says to me as I put on my tie. “Great game, btw.”

  “Thanks, man, appreciate it,” I reply.

  I look around the Pumas’ locker room and imagine what it would be like to be a part of this team. Have a locker permanently assigned with an actual nameplate instead of one made from masking tape and a felt marker. To finally make it to the show and stick and become a legit NBA player would literally be a dream come true.

  I mean, when I think of all the great players who have come before me and worn an NBA uniform. Players like Bird, Chamberlain, Magic, Jordan. That I could count myself among that exclusive club, is mind-blowing.

  Even beyond that, and perhaps, much more importantly, it would allow me to put down some roots for myself and Rose. Playing in Europe had been fun, but I’d been a bit of a basketball gypsy. Rose was getting older now, and I really felt she needed some stability so that she could start to grow. I couldn’t think of a better place to do that than my hometown of Portland. It’s not too big, not too small, and I have family here. It would be perfect for her. When it comes right down to it, that’s what it’s all about, to be able to provide a good life for my daughter. Everything else, including my own wants, are secondary.

  I make my way through the crowded locker room as many of my teammates give me encouraging back slaps.

  “Great game, man,” says one.

  “You were on fire tonight,” says someone else.

  I find myself soaking up every minute of support and encouragement as I’m all too aware of how unique and fleeting it is. Playing on a team, a real team, is special. Great teams become like families, and I sense this Pumas’ team has a chance to become that. Most athletes have to leave team life behind in high school while a fortunate few get to continue on into college. To be among the few that get to continue playing a game they love into their early adult years is a blessing beyond belief. It’s not going to last forever, but I’m going to make sure it lasts for as long as I can.

  I knock on my coach’s door to announce my presence.

  “You wanted to see me, Coach?”

  “I did, indeed, Son, come in.”

  Coach O’Brien is sitting behind his desk reviewing game footage. I can see that he’s viewing some of my highlights. That has to be a good sign, right? I move to sit down in a chair, but Coach O’Brien waves me off.

  “There’s no need to sit down. I’m very busy, and this isn’t going to be a long conversation.”

  Straight and to the point, that’s Coach O’Brien’s style. He’s not big on the fuzzy wuzzies. Instead, he stands up and shakes my hand.

  “I just wanted to congratulate you on a hell of a game. Also, you’ve made the team.”

  I find myself momentarily stunned. Did Coach just say what I think he said? I’m so overcome with emotion that for a second I feel like I’m going to faint. I give Coach O’Brien’s hand an extra hard squeeze in order to snap myself out of it. This causes him to take it back abruptly.

  “Well, you’ve got quite a grip, but I guess that shouldn’t surprise me.”

  “Thank you, Coach. You’ve made the right decision. I won’t let you down,” I manage to say. I’m so happy I almost feel like I’m going to cry. However, as I know my coach wouldn’t approve, so I manage to fight those urges. Crying would not impress an old-school coach like Coach O’Brien.

  “Now, I want you to keep this to yourself until we make it official. We need to have contracts drawn up, and you need to sign them. We should be able to do that in a few days, and then we’ll do an official press release. Still, I thought you’d like to know.”

  “You were right, Sir. I’m looking forward to playing for you.”

  I still think I’m showing too much emotion for him. Coach O’Brien just kind of nods his head in acknowledgment.

  “That’s good to hear. Now, get out of here. I’ve got work to do,” he manages to say before he sits back down at his desk. He then becomes so focused on watching the game film that it’s like he’s not even aware that I’m still there. I decide that it’s better to leave than to stay there with my mouth agape. I leave quietly and leave my coach to his work.

  ◆◆◆

  Feeling like a million bucks, I make my way to the family suite where I’ll be meeting April and her father. For a second, a sliver of self-doubt enters my brain. I really want to make a good impression on Papa Rose, but what if I don’t? However, I’m feeling so great that my brain instantly vaporizes that little self-doubt demon. I mean, not only do I feel like a million bucks, I look like a million bucks in my suit and, when I sign that contract, I’ll be worth a million bucks. What father could resist that, right?

  The demon, though weakened, suddenly reappears and whispers in my mind, “It could happen.” My brain responds by giving it another kick. Be gone, demon! You’re not going to ruin this night!

  I take a moment to straighten my tie and look in a nearby mirror. Yup, I look good. Showtime!

  Entering the family suite, I immediately spot April through the crowd talking with Ben and a man I don’t recognize. As the unidentified man is older, I can only presume it’s April’s father. I make my way to them as various people in the crowd give me backslaps and offer their congratulations on the game.

  “And here’s the man of the hour, my little brother TJ! Hell of a game, Bro!” Ben says this while wrapping one of his arms around my shoulders while giving them a squeeze. He’s so proud, it’s almost like he’s showing me off.

  “Gee, thanks Big Bro,” I reply as I disentangle myself from him. My eyes immediately fall on April, and I can see hers light up for a moment as well. However, in the presence of her dad, it’s almost like she’s restraining herself. I completely understand. Greeting etiquette is completely different in the presence of a father. I decide to take the bull by the horns and introduce myself.

  “Am I right to presume that this handsome gentleman is your father, April? It’s good to meet you, sir.” I offer my hand to him.

  “You presume correctly,” the now no longer unidentified man replies as he takes my hand and gives it a thorough shake. “Matt Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you, TJ.”

  “My father is actually quite the fan,” points out April.

  “That’s no secret,” replies Mr. Rose as he eyes me up and down. He definitely looks pleased to see me, and he is definitely giving off a fan girl vibe. Whatever worries I had about not impressing him were obviously wholly unfounded. Take that, demon.

  “I’ve been watching ball since, well, since before you were born TJ. I even saw some of your games when you played for the Vikings. Imagine that! I was cheering you on even then, and now here you are.”

  “Here I am,” I reply. This guy is definitely treating me as a fan right now as opposed to a father. It’s actually kind of cute.

  “I thought the Pumas made a mistake when they cut you, but maybe you just weren’t ready. I think you’re ready now,” says Mr. Rose encouragingly.

  “I definitely agree with that,” says Ben as he looks at me with proud eyes. Geez, did I play that well? Even my brother is fangirling on me. “The Pumas are going to sign him any day now, I’m sure of it.”

  All I can do is shrug. I want to tell them the good news, but it has to be a secret for now.

  “There are so many factors in constructing a team with the salary cap. All I can do is play as hard as I can. What happens, happens.”

  Mr. Rose nods his head approvingly.

  “Exactly. Have you eve
r heard of Gordie Howe?”

  “The hockey player?” I reply. “Of course.”

  Mr. Rose rolls his eyes for a second.

  “The hockey player? He was ‘Mr. Hockey,’ and don’t you forget it, son,” commands Mr. Rose sternly. Ben and I look at each other. Whoops, that was a misstep on my part.

  “Anyway, one of his sayings, and I’m paraphrasing here, is that you can always have peace of mind if you know that you gave 100% effort, win or lose.”

  “Well, I completely agree with that. That’s why he was a legend,” I say in an attempt to recover.

  “Exactly,” agrees Mr. Rose. Whew, judging from Mr. Rose’s face I’ve managed to recover from that unforced error. With that mistake corrected I decide to turn my attention to the one person I want to talk to more than anyone.

  “What did you think of the game, April?”

  April looks so good standing there, it’s almost like the entire room stops moving when I look at her. I find my body almost aching with the desire to hold her in my arms again. However, once again, we’re on Dad protocol, so what can I do? Thankfully, April takes matters into her own hands.

  “I thought you played wonderfully,” she says as he comes forward to hug me. Suddenly, I’m aware of how wonderful she smells and how firm her body is. I momentarily panic as the last thing I want to do right now is to get an erection. Dammit, the way this woman affects me is unbelievable.

  “Thanks,” I say as I observe Mr. Rose’s reactions with one eye. I no longer see a fan standing there, but a man who is aware that another man wants to bone his daughter. He’s in full dad mode now. Well, it had to happen, might as well happen now. Mr. Rose purposely and loudly clears his throat as I let April go.

  “Yes, you played very well TJ, but don’t think I have blinding stars in my eyes when it comes to my daughter. You treat her well, you hear?”

  April blushes as she admonishes her father.

  “Dad,” says April in a drawn out, I’m not your little girl anymore kind of voice. Mr. Rose, because he is in dad mode, ignores her.

  “You treat my daughter well, and you’ll have no problem with me. Mistreat her…and I swear, I’ll hunt you down like a dog and murder you.”

  “Dad!” April admonishes in a firm, loud voice. Both Ben and I are taken aback at how quickly that escalated.