Chapter Fifteen
Tasha
Once the football was snapped, I saw Stryder run to the side, avoiding massive players from the opposing team who were all trying to smash him. He called out something to the quarterback, his swift expert movements evident even from afar.
I couldn’t help admiring his well-built body, images from the past flashing in my mind. I literally shook my head to wield off the intimate memories and instead focus on the ongoing game.
I had come alone, unsure of what to expect. The past week I had been trying to get my mind off this man. But here I was again, running to see him despite everything. Even though I’d dated Brad twice, once in Green Meadows and then the other night, my heart wasn’t convinced. It had kept pining for Stryder even more.
Stupid heart, I thought with irritation. He didn’t even call to find out if my ankle had healed already. So why the hell am I here?!
At one point, Stryder paused while out on the field. He glanced up for a moment and even in the distance, our eyes met and something sparked inside of me. I just couldn’t make myself leave after that. Besides, we had agreed to meet for dinner after the game.
Stryder didn’t play quite as well as before, but he was still okay. Perhaps that was why the coach kept him on only for one half of the game. Nevertheless, he did fine. I suddenly began wondering what was going on with him, and if it had something to do with us.
Windfield Warriors almost lost, but luckily picked up during the second half. I cheered with the crowd when we were announced the winner. That was one game down for the championship.
When I went down the bleachers, my heart suddenly began pounding hard. It went even crazier as I neared the parking lot where I was going to meet with Stryder. Of course, he’d probably take a while longer since he had to go shower and change.
I saw Stryder’s sedan parked, so I went over there and leaned against the door, looking at the throng of people leaving the stadium. I hadn’t brought my own car today.
“Tasha Rodriguez?” someone said, making me turn around. A middle-aged man faced me with a grim expression on his face. He looked like an older version of Stryder, so I’m guessing this was his famous old man.
“Hello, sir,” I said politely. “Yes, I’m Tasha.”
“Then you’re the woman who’s destroying my son’s football career,” the man accused in a rather cool but harsh tone.
“Uh, I’m sorry? I didn’t—”
“I’ve heard a lot about you, a stuntwoman who’s been playing with my son,” he continued, emphasizing the word stuntwoman as if it was a dirty job. “You should stay away from him if you don’t want to ruin what he has built all his life.”
Big ouch. I was speechless for a while, fuming inside but trying to control my emotions. “I think you’re mistaken, Mr. Cooper,” I told him frankly. “I’ve only been supporting Stryder in whatever he wants to do, unlike you who only keeps pushing him toward football. In fact, you may not be aware that he’s actually got the talent of a world-class photographer. It’s a shame he has to throw all that away just because he wants to be the perfect son.”
His eyebrow twitched, his lips turned into a frown. He was about to say something when Stryder suddenly showed up, looking confused.
“I’m not really interested in forcing myself into your son’s life,” I went on, feeling insulted and raged. “He was the one who invited me here. But you know what? I do have better things to do.”
I began to walk away then, but Stryder grabbed my hand. “Wait, Tasha!”
I turned around and saw his dad place a hand on his shoulder. “Let her go,” the old man ordered.
Stryder hesitated, which made my heart seem to break another time. It was painful how he couldn’t seem to fight for what he wanted. He would always be trapped in his father’s lair and I surely didn’t want to be involved with someone like that.
I did not hear from him anymore the whole day. I wanted to cry, but I held back my tears. I wanted to call Brad to help me forget, but that would be so unfair to him.
I moped for an entire evening, repeatedly looking at my cellphone and willing it to ring despite my anger and pain. I couldn’t even understand why I was this worked up when we didn’t even have a real relationship going. I was wasting too much of my time on someone who didn’t deserve it.
The next day, I received a call from the crew of the commercial shoot for the energy drink. I couldn’t believe they were organizing an emergency shoot that evening. They wanted to add another sequence.
After what had happened the previous day, I really didn’t want to see Stryder again, but of course I had no choice. This will be my first job back as a stuntwoman after my minor accident in Green Meadows. I needed the cash.
You could just imagine the jitters eating at my gut as I went into the local high school football field with my friends Lia and Bella. The place was much smaller than where the pros play, but it will do for the TV ad. We were going to do a motorbike sequence here, which wasn’t allowed in the Windfield stadium.
My heart almost stopped when my eyes landed on the familiar handsome man that had been messing with my mind and heart.
“He’s really cute,” Lia murmured, nudging me. “You should give him another chance.”
I gave her a wary look. “I don’t know, Lia. I think he’s had enough chances.”
“Well, let’s just see what happens,” Bella said. “Who knows? He might have prepared a grand gesture for you. If not, then screw him! There’s more fish in the sea!”
We all laughed, although my heart wasn’t really into it. I was falling hard for Stryder, despite my anger at him.
There were open tents that had been set up near the field, thus making us all visible to each other. I tried not to glance at him as I was being made up by the makeup artist and hairdresser. Soon enough, I was all ready to go in my red biker’s outfit.
I climbed onto one of the bikes, my adrenaline rushing--- partly from anticipation of the stunt and partly from Stryder’s presence. He was standing to one side, watching me intently. I could sense that he wanted to talk, but I didn’t want to give him any opportunity. Besides, we were ready to begin.
“Hold it!” the director suddenly shouted. He motioned for the football players to go into the center where we stuntwomen were already positioned on motorcycles. “Join the females, gentlemen. Let’s do tandem rides this time.”
I took in a sharp breath, my heart beating wildly.
The assistant actually paired us up. I felt my heart skip a beat when Stryder sauntered toward me. I stood up to give him room.
“Tasha…” he began in a whisper, his eyes penetrating into mine. “I’m hoping we can talk later…”
I looked away without a word. He climbed onto the bike and placed his hands on the handles. I took my seat behind him, getting a whiff of his musky perfume. I wanted to lay my head on his back, to feel his closeness and hear his heartbeat.
He revved the engine. The director told us to get ready, so I had no choice but to wrap my arms around his waist. I could feel the tension growing between us as we waited for the go signal.
“Go!” we heard the director yell.
Stryder took off in a split second, speeding up along the edges of the field. I held tightly, feeling my hair extensions whipping behind me in the wind.
“Cut! Cut!” the director said into the megaphone. “Go back to the starting point!”
Stryder slowed down. “Are you okay?” he asked me.
“I’m fine,” I answered curtly as we moved back to the beginning position.
“You guys are too stiff and serious,” the director told us. “Loosen up and have fun! This is a joy ride!”
“Yeah!” Alex shouted, punching the air and making the others laugh.
“That’s the spirit,” the director said. “Okay, again. Take two.”
This was going to be very challenging. How could I possibly pretend to be having fun when I was stuck with the man who kept on twisting my heart in pain?!
The second take was better. I wasn’t much of an actress, though, but hopefully I pulled it off.
We had about five more takes after that. Toward the end, I was actually beginning to lighten up and get into the mood, especially when the director decided to play an upbeat song in the background. It helped a lot in establishing the mood she wanted for the scene.
When it was finally over, I quickly headed back to the tent to have the hair extensions taken off. I could feel his eyes on me. He’d attempted to follow me, but he was stopped by an assistant. He had to do another sequence along with the other football players. This time, we weren’t needed to stand in anymore for the cheerleaders who were going to do the actual scene.
From the corner of my eye, I could see Eve flirting openly with Stryder. He wasn’t responding, though, but was instead throwing glances in my direction. My whole being ached to be with him. Perhaps I really should just give him a chance to explain himself.
“Looks like someone else just can’t get over you,” Lia suddenly whispered, motioning to the bleachers.
My eyes followed hers and I saw Brad heading down, a bouquet of roses in his hand. Oh, crap.
The gesture was certainly heartwarming, but I didn’t appreciate being made a spectacle on the set, especially since I was just an extra.
When Brad handed over the flowers, the girls made a noise, unfortunately making some of the crew members look at us. I dragged Brad far away from the set, but not before seeing Stryder staring at us.
“You shouldn’t have come here unannounced,” I hissed, pulling him toward the exit door.
“But I wanted to surprise you,” he said with a sheepish smile. “Sorry if I caused a distraction.”
“It’s fine,” I said. “I really appreciate the surprise and the roses, but next time let’s just meet outside of my job, okay?”
“Okay,” he agreed with a shrug. Then suddenly he gave me a suspicious look, his eyes narrowing. “Did you talk to Stryder?”
“No, why?” I replied, annoyed that he wanted to know.
“Nothing, I just assumed you don’t want me around because of him…” he started.
“So you purposely came to check on us, to spy on me?” I asked with disbelief, my infuriation building fast. “What did you want to prove with that gesture?”
“Hey, no, that wasn’t just my reason,” Brad said defensively. “I wanted to make you smile, of course. I just felt like doing something nice for you, Tasha. You know how much I still love you.”
I gave him a warning look, crossing my arms across my chest.
“Okay, I also wanted to show him that we’re good, you and me,” he admitted. “So he’ll back off.”
I didn’t speak for a while, weighing his words and actions in my mind. Then sighing, I said, “We talked about this already, Brad. I’m not ready to jump back into a relationship with you. I can only offer you my friendship for now.”
“You’re just confused because of that no-good guy,” Brad insisted. “I know you still love me, Tash. You and I belong together.”
He grabbed my arm and started pulling hard. “Let’s just get out of here, okay…”
I planted my feet hard on the ground and yanked my arm away. “No, Brad,” I said firmly and much louder this time. “I don’t need to go with you now.”
Suddenly his eyes filled with rage and a whole lot of other emotions I couldn’t understand. Without any warning, he seized my shoulders and leaned forward to kiss me on the lips. I pushed him away with all my might, but he pressed harder, trapping me inside a forced embrace. I struggled, pounding on his chest and shoulders with my fists.
“Hey!” a booming voice shouted, making Brad release me. To my shock, it was Stryder. He’d come after us. “Get your hands off her!”
“Back off, asshole,” Brad said. “She’s not yours. You never wanted her, anyway.”
“And is she yours?” Stryder retorted, storming forward. Brad went on a defensive position, ready to throw a punch if the other man came nearer. “Tasha is nobody’s property. So leave her alone.”
I faced Brad then. “Please leave, Brad. Let’s not blow this out of proportion. I don’t want any trouble.”
“There won’t be any if you go with me,” he said sharply through gritted teeth.
When he made a move to pull me by force, Stryder lunged at him, tackling him to the ground. I screamed as they both punched each other on the face, scrambling and rolling in front of me on the floor.
“Stop it!” I screamed. I was afraid to get in between them, though.
The other football players probably heard the commotion. Four came running to us. They immediately pulled the two men away from each other until both began to calm down.
Brad wiped off the little blood on his lip before turning around and walking away. I heaved a sigh of relief. At least it was over for now.
The football players dispersed and went back to the shoot. Lia and Bella who had also come running asked if I was okay.
“Yes, I’m good, thanks,” I assured them. “I think I better go now.”
We said our goodbyes, but Stryder hung back. When the others were gone, he walked with me outside in silence.
Eventually he spoke. “I’m sorry, Tasha,” he whispered.
I wasn’t sure how to answer because I didn’t know what he was saying sorry for. There were several things he needed to apologize for.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he continued. “I know I shouldn’t have hit him. It wasn’t my business.”
“It’s okay,” I told him quickly. “I understand. You were looking out for me, just as you would for any of the other stuntwomen or cheerleaders.”
“Tasha,” he said, taking my hand in his and making me halt. His touch seemed to cause electric sparks to shoot across my limbs. He turned me around so we were facing each other. “You’re different, alright? You’re… You’re special to me…”
It was apparent how difficult it was for him to let that out, to be totally honest with his feelings.
“I was affected because I’ve always cared about you,” he said gently, taking both of my hands in his and squeezing them warmly. “I’m so sorry too about my dad. I wanted to stand up for you, but that would have made things worse. So I opted to just talk to him in private and not get you involved any further.”
“I see…” I said slowly, taking it all in. “And what did he say?”
“Well, it’s not easy to sway him, you know,” he explained. “He’s really stubborn and too focused on football. But he did seem to listen. For now, I’m just taking it one step at a time. Hopefully he’ll come to his senses sooner than later.”
“That’s good,” I said, nodding. “He’s your father, after all. You’ll just have to deal with him the best way you can.”
As I gazed back at him, I could feel myself falling under his spell again. Gently, I pulled my hands away. “You need to go back,” I told him. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
“I really want to make it up to you, Tasha,” he said in a slightly pleading voice. “I know I’ve been a total jerk and you deserve so much better. But I’ve done a lot of thinking and I just… I need to talk to you…”
“Sounds serious,” I remarked jokingly.
“Yeah, very,” he said, smiling faintly.
I found myself smiling back. “I better go home and rest for now. You can drive by if you feel like it later after your shoot.”
“Yeah, I definitely will,” he said, his eyes lighting up with hope. “Thank you.”