Chapter Six
Nathan
I made pasta with homemade alfredo sauce. It’s actually the only thing I know how to make. Although, I’m trying to expand my palette. Mainly by watching YouTube videos, but I just fail at it.
“Amara, dinner is ready.” I call out, pulling the garlic bread from the oven.
“Smells great.” She comes in wearing another pair of tight shorts and a tank top.
Does she even realize what she does to me?
“Thanks.” I try not to stare at her breasts. “Here.” I hand her a plate. “I hope you like it.”
“I’m certain I will.” She licks her lips and I turn away because it’s turning me on even more.
We eat with minimal conversation. She tells me about studying. I talk about working out. My life isn’t extremely exciting.
“But I have to go to an event tomorrow at the Cubs last game.”
“Oh.” She exclaims. “Kace’s game?”
I nod. “Are you going?”
“Of course. I’m rooting for him to be the top player.”
“That’s just one of the awards I’m going to be helping hand out.”
“How fun.” She beams and finishes up her food. “This was beyond delicious. I’ll clean it up.”
“No.” I stop her. “You go study. I can do all this.”
She smiles. “Thank you.”
After she leaves, I clean up and then sit down on the couch and watch old Adam West Batman reruns. Even though I love Marvel comics, Batman is an exception to me. There are some times the world can only be saved by Batman.
After several shows, I decide I’m going to head to bed. I stop by Amara’s door but only stare at it. She’s studying and I don’t want to disturb her. I go into my room, shut the door, and do my best to fall asleep.
I worked out for several hours this morning. Today was chest and arm day, which is why I hurt so badly. Currently, I’m lying on my back on my bed trying not to move. I may have overdone it. I groan loudly as my phone rings, and I have to answer it.
“Hello.” I don’t even open my eyes to see who it is.
“Nate, it’s Bas.”
“Hey, London, what’s up?” The guys’ nicknamed Bas ‘London’ on account of his English accent.
“Kian told me to call you. Are you still going to the Cubs award ceremony?”
I rub my forehead. “Yes. Why?”
“Can I ride with you?”
Now I open my eyes. “Aren’t you in England?”
“No, I… I changed my plans.”
“Oh. Sure you can ride with me.”
“Thanks. See you soon.”
I toss my phone on the other side of the bed. I roll over, groaning with each move until I’m up on my feet. I slip into a pair of jeans and a polo shirt. I find a pair of black boots, and it takes everything I have to tie them up. I didn’t think of myself as out of shape, but I feel like a rag doll right now.
I grab my keys and phone and head out to my car. I drive over to Bas’ apartment, which isn’t too far from my place. He’s standing outside pacing. I honk to get his attention. He looks a little sad when he opens the car door and slides in.
“What’s going on?”
“Not much,” he says. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Not a big deal. Why didn’t you go home?”
He shrugs. “I felt it best to stay here and focus on next season.”
“That’s my plan as well.” I pull out into traffic and drive toward the small ice rink. “If you want we could workout together? It’s easier with someone else.”
“Good idea.”
“What have you been doing?”
“Just relaxing at the house. You know.” He shrugs again and stares out the car window.
Bas is around the same age as me and he really is alone here. I know what it’s like. We’ve all taken him under our wing, especially Vance Pemberton. He’s from Northern Ireland and they knew each other growing up. But now Vance is married with twin baby girls, and I know it leaves Bas out as the third wheel. I know that feeling all too well. First with Teo and then with Alden. I guess it happens as people evolve in the relationships.
“Are you nervous about the upcoming offseason?” he asks as I park and we get out.
“I’d be lying if I wasn’t,” I reply. “Of course, who wouldn’t be? Last year they made no roster changes and look what happened. I’m certain this year will be completely different. Are you?”
He nods. “Yes. I’m on the chopping block for sure. I know I’ll be traded.”
“Being traded isn’t horrible.”
“But it’s not fun.” He adds.
“Well no, it’s not. I’ve been traded and many others, and we all made it through. I have faith that the Bears staff will do what’s best for everyone.” I try to sound encouraging, but I’m not sure it’s helping.
“Hey, guys.” We’re greeted by Kian and a couple of cameramen. “We’ve got a lot of photo ops here today, and I want to get as many as we can. We need to keep our Bears’ fans happy.” He smiles.
He explains what is happening today and what our job will be. It seems simple and we follow the note cards as the cameras begin to roll. It only took a few takes because Bas keeps stammering on his words. Almost slurring them.
Poor guy is nervous.
Once we finally make it through, Kian directs us to the cafeteria area where the awards will be given out. The coach greets us and tells us the kids don’t know we’re going to be there. I like being a surprise.
The coach goes out first, then the cameras gauge the crowd’s reaction. When he announces our names, the crowd goes wild as we walk out onto the small makeshift stage. I scan the crowd and find Amara smiling back at me.
She can stop traffic with her smile.
I focus back on what the coach is saying since I’m here to do my job. He goes through the roster and we clap with each name. He begins to announce the categories and winners. He hands them the trophy, then Bas and I shake their hands and take a picture with them. The final award is the big one. The MVP of the league.
“The winner is… Kace Royer.” Everyone surrounding him cheers loudly. Bas and I grin. We all love Kace. Hamilton, our captain, calls him our mascot. I watch as he comes bounding up and hugs his coach before taking his trophy.
“Hi, Nathan. Hi, Bas.” He waves at us. “Look I won.” He beams holding up his award.
“Awesome job, Buddy,” I say as he hugs me and then Bas.
After we pose for a photo, he races back to his table showing Alden, Baylor, and his family. Amara is kissing his cheeks and smiling. She’s going to make a wonderful mother someday.
Where did that come from?
“Thanks, guys.” The coach shakes our hands and Kian releases us into the crowd.
People begin to talk to us, ask for selfies, and praise us in general. Many of them tell me how great I did this season. I smile, nod, and thank them. I try to sound sincere because they are being nice. I know how fans are – they’re always loyal to us.
“Nathan.” Kace comes running toward me. “I’m glad you came.”
I chuckled. “Me too.” I don’t have the heart to tell him I’m here for work. But it even if I wasn’t I would have come anyway.
“Come on.” He grips my hand and tries to pull me toward his table.
As much as I don’t want to see Alden again, I know with all these people around he won’t cause a scene.
“Hi, everyone.” I awkward wave at them.
They all greet me. Elizabeth, Amara’s and Alden’s mother, kisses each of my cheeks.
“How are you?” she asks.
“I’m outstanding. And you?”
“Well. I’m glad you’re helping out my baby.”
“It’s my pleasure.” I tell her. I glance over at Amara who’s wooing over Kace’s achievement. She’s going to be a great mom.
Why am I still thinking this?
Alden says nothing to me, but Baylor is chatting me up. She’s very kind. I’ve always liked her.
“When are we going to finish your arm?” She pants at my bare forearm.
“Soon. Minus my brothers coming in, my summer’s free.”
“You have brothers?” Kace moves his way in between us.
“Yes. I have two brothers who are your age.”
“Can I play with them? Do they like hockey?” he asks excitedly.
“Sure, I bet they’d love to play with you. They love hockey.” I tell him as his eyes light up more.
“I can’t wait to have more friends.” He pumps his hands in the air.
Bas makes his way over to us and praises Kace again. Everyone seems to be getting along. At least we’re all being civil.
“We’re going to head out,” Alden says pulling Kace toward him. “Our MVP needs some food.”
“Are you guys coming?” Kace glances at Bas and me.
“Not me, Buddy. I need to go home.” I hope he doesn’t ask any more questions. I’m not the world’s best liar.
“Count me out too,” Bas says. “Some other time.”
“Okay.” He seems satisfied and turns back to Alden and Baylor.
We say our goodbyes to everyone and head out to my car. We make small talk as I drive back to Bas’ apartment.
“Workout tomorrow morning?
“Text me when you’re on the way,” he says getting out.
“Will do.”
When I get home I don’t expect Amara to be there, but she is – curled up on the couch.
“I figured you would be having dinner with your family.”
“I can’t take Alden’s glares anymore.”
“I understand.” I sit next to her on the couch. “You want something to eat.”
She shakes her head. “I’m going to study and go to bed early. Starlight has two early clients and asked me to come in with her.”
“Okay.”
I watch her walk away and quickly wonder if I’ve done something wrong for her to be sad.
When I wake up the next morning, Amara is already gone. I text Bas to see if he still wants to go to the gym.
Bas: Sure. Come get me.
I had a few texts from my brothers. They’re excited about arriving the day after tomorrow. I can say I am too. I haven’t seen them since Christmas. I text them as often as I can. It’s hard being a big brother this far away.
I pull up to Bas’ apartment and again, he’s waiting outside.
“Hey,” he says hopping into the car.
“Bro.” I scrunch my nose. “How much vodka did you drink last night?”
“Oh sorry.” He rifles through his gym bag and pulls out some peppermints. “I just had a few extra last night.”
“Okay.” I let it pass because there were a couple of times last season he would celebrate a lot.
We get to the gym and hit the treadmill first. We each knock out a few miles before hitting the weights. Since my arms still hurt, I worked my legs today. Bas follows suit and we seem to push each other more and more.
A few hours later, I’m a sweaty mess and dying of thirst. We head over to the juice bar, and we each grab a bottle of water before sitting down at one of the tables.
“Seeing anyone?” I ask.
“No. I’m trying to focus on staying in the PHL. I think a female would distract me. What’s going on with you and Amara? I saw how she was looking at you.”
I told him about our current situation and how I do want to date her.
“Why aren’t you?”
“I guess it’s because Alden hasn’t given his blessing.”
“Look,” Bas says with a firm voice. “He’s going to be pissed off either way. Why don’t you at least try with Amara? Maybe you two are meant to be only friends but you won’t know until you try.”
He has a point. We haven’t tried yet. “Thanks, Bas. I think I will.”
I’m sitting here waiting for Amara to come home. I made a three course dinner I found on YouTube that didn’t seem to be too hard for me. I’m in a pair of dress pants and a button up shirt. I light the last of the candles and wait.
It doesn’t take long for her to walk through the door. “What’s all this?”
I hand her a single rose. “I would like to take you on a date.”
Her smile slowly grows. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not dressed. Can you give me fifteen?”
“Yes. Of course.”
She rushes off to change, and I finish plating up our food. I make sure everything is arranged perfectly as she walks back in.
My jaw drops. She’s in a short purple dress. A very form fitting one that shows every curve and a lot of cleavage.
“Is this okay?” she asks, spinning around.
“Very much so,” I say without thinking.
She giggles as she walks over to the table, and I pull out her chair. “You really do look nice.” I repeat.
“You do as well. What are we having tonight?”
I explain the menu as I pour her a glass of wine.
“What made you go through all this?”
I sit down and pick up my fork. “Because Bas said something which made a lot of sense. Therefore, I decided tonight was going to be date night.”
“May I ask what he said to change your mind? Or at least push it this direction?”
“I have been waiting for Alden’s blessing, but I don’t think he’ll ever give it. So, we should proceed without it and maybe figure out if we’re meant to be friends or something more.”
She stops mid-bite and thinks for a moment. “He does have a point, doesn’t he?”
“Exactly.” I nod. “So… here we are.”
“So… here we are.” She repeats and bites down on her lip before going back to her food. “Tell me about your day.”
“Not much to tell. I worked out with Bas and then created this.” I wave my hand over the table. “What about you?”
She goes on about her day at the shop and the clients that came in. “Oh and Starlight invited me to go out with her to The Vault.”
“Really?”
“Yes. She thinks it’ll be fun, and I’ve never really been to a nightclub. Isn’t that where you’ve gone?”
I nod. “I’ve been there a few times with the guys.”
“Is it fun?”
I’m not sure how to say what The Vault is like. It’s mainly scantily dressed females humping every guy they can. And the guys are balls of Alpha fueled hormones who are grinding up against anything that stands still.
“It’s okay.”
“I’m excited to go. Do you want to come with?”
“No. You should have a girls’ night.” I know she doesn’t have many friends. It’ll be fun for her. Although a small surge of jealousy washes over me. What if she meets someone else?
“Are you okay?” She touches my hand.
“I’m great.” I lie. “How’s the food?”
The topic quickly moves to the food. It’s something we both talk about with ease. Amara talks of things she likes to cook and create. She seemed to do all the cooking when she lived with Alden.
I pull the brownies from the cooling rack. “Don’t get too impressed by this. It’s from a box.” I chuckle as I scoop vanilla ice cream to place on top.
“It’s perfect. Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome.” I set the plate down in front of her.
She moans on her first bite, and I stare at her as she licks her lips. She’s stunning. I turn back to my dessert and try to think of anything but her delicious lips on any part of my body. I’m not the type of guy to masturbate every day, but it’s getting close since she’s moved in. I think of her all the time – and I have done unspeakable things to her.
“Nathan?”
“Yes,” I say louder than necessary.
“I asked if you had anything else planned.” Her cheek slightly turns red.
“Oh, um, not really. Do you want to do something?”
“What about dancing?”
“Where would you like to go? I’m not the world’s best dancer.” I warn her.
“How about we stay here?” She gets up from the table and picks up her phone from the coffee table. She taps on the screen and a slow country song comes through my Bluetooth speakers.
“Nathan, may I have this dance?” She holds out her hand to me.
“Yes.” I wipe my mouth and stand up. With her heels on, she comes up to my chin. I like taller women.
Amara puts her arms around my neck, and I slide mine around her waist. After she lays her head on my chest, her soft, flowery scented perfume fills me.
“May I ask you a question?”
“Sure.” I choke out. I’m trying hard not to become… hard.
“When are you going to kiss me?”
We both stop swaying and she pulls back slightly.
“Usually at the end of a date, there’s a kiss.” Her eyes nervously bounce all around my face.
“Um… you’re right.” I step back slightly. I cup her face and pray my hands aren’t sweaty as I lean in.
Our lips touch. Her lips are soft and delicate. She pulls back and smiles. I lean back in, capture her lips with mine and pull her body close to me. She digs her nails into my hair, then she opens her mouth and our tongues tangle together. It all seems to be moving fast and I stop our kiss.
“Are you okay?” she asks, trying to catch her breath.
“Yes, but I don’t want to push anything.”
“What do you mean?” She frowns. “You don’t want me––”
“That’s not true at all.” I can feel myself almost tenting in my pants. “I just want to take things slow.”
“How slow do you want to go?” She throws her hands in the air. “I like you and you like me.”
“And that doesn’t mean we have to fall into bed together after the first kiss.” I counter.
She rolls her eyes and turns away. “I’m going to bed. Thanks for the date.”
After she slams the door, I wonder what the hell just happened.