A Different Christmas (University Park #5) Read online

  “Tell Mr. Peters I won’t let him down.” Scott Peters was the owner of the team. Although I’d spoken to him a few times, he didn’t always make his way down to the locker room.

  He opened the door and his assistant, Joe Frankfurt, was standing there. “The press is ready for you.”

  “Alright.”

  “Thanks, Coach, for giving me a chance.” I reached for his hand and he shook it.

  “Prove we made the right decision.” His brows knitted together. Despite his words of confidence, I saw the slight worry etched in his weathered skin.

  “I will,” I said, my voice firm.

  “Get some rest and I’ll see you on the plane tomorrow morning.” He gave me one more pat on the shoulder before turning toward Frankfurt.

  I exited the office and headed straight for the shower. Things were so different now and I was in new territory. In college, I tended to be more laid back, but as the water beat down on my sore muscles, I recognized a heaviness settling across my shoulder blades. Not only was the team relying on me to step up and perform, but Lexi was also counting on me. I wasn’t off the hook yet and if I wanted her to marry me, I had to prove I was worthy of her trust and capable of making the right decisions.

  I gathered my things and zipped up my bag, ready to leave the stadium. My phone buzzed and I glanced at the screen: a text from my college friend, Shawn Jackson.

  Shawn: Congrats! Caught the last quarter. You played like a champ!

  A huge grin spread across my face.

  Me: Thanks, bro! I still can’t believe it. I keep waiting to wake up.

  Shawn: Believe it, dude. So, did Anthony Lewis tear his ACL?

  Me: Yep. He’s out for the rest of the season.

  Shawn: Too bad for him. Good for you.

  Me: I feel bad for the guy, but now it’s my time to shine.

  Shawn: You damn right! The Raven is back!

  I laughed. Back in college, they called me The Raven. The saying was they had to be able to touch me before they could tackle me. I was damn fast and hard to catch. That was what made me a good quarterback.

  Me: Too bad we already played your team.

  Shawn: Haha. There’s always next year.

  Me: What about the playoffs?

  Shawn: True. Game on.

  Me: You’ve got it!

  Shawn was the running back for Tampa and they were fifth in the conference, where we were tenth. We still had six games left and I’d do whatever I could to help my team get to the playoffs. It was times like this where I missed playing with my college teammates. We had come a long way, enduring some tough growing pains.

  Me: Hey, gotta go. The bus is about to leave.

  Shawn: Catch you later.

  I got on the bus and we headed to our hotel. We traveled up the expressway heading toward downtown Baltimore. The bright skyline reflected off the harbor, giving the city a lively feeling. Too bad there wouldn’t be any time for sightseeing or visiting local tourist attractions. We had an eight a.m. fight tomorrow and since it was a little after midnight, I was ready to call it a night.

  I settled into my room and caught a replay of the nightly news. The sports newscaster gave a play-by-play of tonight’s game, providing his commentary about my abilities. Even though he didn’t give me the accolades I deserved, it was nice to hear something positive about me for a change — negative had been the trend earlier this year. It was still surreal to me. After getting kicked out of college and off the team, I honestly thought my football days were over. But when the tides turned and the stars aligned, God could surprise the hell out of you.

  Just as I took off my shirt, someone knocked on the door. A couple guys were talking and laughing. I glanced through the peephole and saw my teammates, Terrance Jones and Jes Baxter.

  I opened the door. “Hey, guys, what’s up?”

  “Don’t tell me you’re going to bed.” Terrance pouted.

  “Yeah, man.” I yawned and stretched. “I’m tired.”

  “Whatever.” Jes shook his head, blowing off my pitiful excuse. “The night’s just getting started.” He pushed the door open and I took a step back. He reminded me so much of my friend and ex-roommate, Josh Marshall. We hadn’t talked much since I had signed with New Orleans and I sensed some hard feelings. Things hadn’t gone as well for him, even though he was a fifth round draft pick.

  “I don’t know, man. I don’t want to screw up. There’s a lot weighing on my shoulders.”

  “Sounds like you need some stress relief.” Terrance winked.

  Stress relief did sound good, but not the kind they were probably thinking of. “I do, but—”

  “Then, let’s go.” Jes threw my shirt at me and I caught it.

  “Go where?” Being a second string backup, I never hung out with the main guys on the team. It was an honor to have them knocking on my door and asking to take me out for the night. I didn’t want to disappointment them, but at the same time, I knew the line I had to walk.

  “You’ll see.” Terrance texted something on his phone, smiling the entire time. That look sent warning lights off in my head, just like when we were kids. We played football in elementary and middle school, but ended up going to different high schools after his parents divorced. Terrance played college football for a school in a different conference than PHU up north. Before I signed with New Orleans, it had been years since we’d seen each other, but he hadn’t changed one bit.

  “Alright,” I said, slipping my shirt over my head. “But I’m not staying long.”

  They laughed and something told me I should not leave my room, but I ignored the voice of reason, telling myself I could walk away if I had to. We took the elevator to the next floor and walked down the hall. Music echoed in the distance and it didn’t take long to figure out they were ready to party. They opened the door to a room filled with most of the veteran players on the team.

  “The Raven’s in the house!” several of the guys yelled and hollered.

  I laughed, rubbing the scruff on my chin.

  Just like old times.

  The thought was good at first, and then it hit me like a lineman I didn’t see coming: I didn’t want this to be like old times. Parties and alcohol typically ended on a bad note for me when I was college. I didn’t need to get kicked off this team, too.

  “Here, man, looks like you could use a cold one.” Isaiah Zapata, the tight end, handed me a bottle.

  “Thanks.” Not wanting to disappoint my teammates, I grasped it and took a big swing.

  “Woot! Woot!” they chanted, egging me to drink more. So, I did.

  “Ah.” I lowered the bottle and used the back of my hand to wipe my lips dry. A huge belch released, earning me another round of hoots. I might have chugged this beer, but I’d have to pace myself if I wanted to stay alert and on top of my game.

  “Way to go!” Terrance pumped a fist in the air. “Raven, on behalf of everyone,” he extended his arm across the room, “we’d like to officially welcome you to the team.” More whoops sounded.

  “Thank you.” I grinned, holding up my empty bottle, which was quickly replaced with a full one.

  Terrance continued. “You da bomb, man! You got in there and stopped Baltimore!”

  “Yeah!” Jes held his beer up to mine and we clinked necks.

  “That’s right,” someone else yelled.

  “And best of all, we won!” Terrance roared, his six-foot-five frame towering slightly above me.

  The room erupted in a thunderous applause and I took a bow. “Guys, I couldn’t have done it without you. Jes, you scored the last touchdown of the game, securing our win.”

  “True. But you’re the one who threw it sixty-three yards.”

  I hooked my arm around his neck. “We did it together.”

  “I’ll drink to that.” Jes tipped his beer to mine again before taking another swallow.

  “What about that dive?” The safety, Grayson Morgan, held up his arms in the air. “You leaped over the line like
it was a three-foot fence and rolled right into the end zone.”

  Everyone started laughing and I nodded, proud of my victory.

  “That was pretty insane. I was so damn excited to be playing and when no one was open, I said what the hell and went for it.”

  “And that’s exactly what we need.” Terrance pointed a finger at me. “Someone who’s not afraid to go for it. Someone who can analyze the situation and make a quick decision.”

  “And do it one-hundred percent accurately.” Devon James, who played center, added.

  “I try to be one-hundred percent accurate, but I’m human. I make mistakes, too. I do know, however, if we work together as a team, we can win the next game, and the next, and get to the playoffs!”

  “That’s what I’m talking about!” Tony Caruthers stepped up to me, ramming his huge chest into mine. We bumped torsos a few times, proving our manhood.

  The room turned into a body-slamming, fist-pumping, hollering man cave party. I hoped some of the guys were staying in the rooms next to us. Otherwise, security would be here any minute. The music turned louder and everyone had a beer in their hands. A few of the guys were taking shots and I made sure to stay away from them. Colorful lights flashed from the JVC speaker, turning the room into a mini-night club. The only thing missing was some females, which was okay by me, though it didn’t take long for that to change.

  A group of women wearing fitted shirts with well-endowed breasts and skin-tight pants walked into the room. Several of them flocked to the guys with the exception of two who zeroed in on me. Terrance hooked an arm around each of them and whispered something in their ear. A sickening feeling formed in the pit of my stomach. I took another swig of my beer, trying to push it down, but it was no use. Guilt and worry flooded my veins, and I hadn’t even said a word to them.

  “Raven, I’d like for you to meet Stacy and Isabel.”

  Instead of giving them a quick once over, I kept my eyes above their neckline. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Have you heard of The Raven?” Terrance asked, scanning them from head to toe, as if he had x-ray vision.

  “Most definitely,” Stacy said with a mischievous grin. “I love PHU.”

  Great.

  Isabel ran her tongue across her big red lips. “I was sad to see you go, but I’m glad you’re here.” She stepped closer to me and ran a finger down the center of my chest. I laughed nervously. “I’d love to find out what The Raven’s trap is all about.”

  Oh, hell no.

  “I’m sorry, but there’s only one woman caught in my trap and that’s my fiancée.”

  Isabel’s lips turned downward and disappointment laced her features. The old Raven wouldn’t have disappointed this woman, but those days were over. And for the best.

  Terrance’s eyes widened and he shot me an apologetic expression. “So, that’s a done deal?”

  Even though Lexi had initially accepted my marriage proposal back in college, I was still working to earn her final acceptance after I left her when my entire world came crashing down. I wasn’t about to screw up this time.

  “Yeah, it is.” I turned toward the women. “Sorry, ladies, but the door to my trap is officially closed.”

  “Too bad.” Stacy shrugged, but kept her eyes planted firmly on me. For a second, she reminded me of Macy, a girl I hooked up with in college on too many occasions. A cold shudder struck my bones and I knew what I needed to do. I definitely wasn’t getting caught up with any hoes or groupies. I loved Lexi too much to hurt her again. Although some things were different when it came to pro football, the partying, woman, and liquor were the same.

  “Yeah, too bad for you.” I smiled, finished off my beer, set it on the coffee table, and gave a big wave. “Thanks everyone. I appreciate the warm welcome, but I need to check on my very pregnant fiancée before she goes to bed. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”

  A few of the guys bumped fists with me and others rolled their eyes. I wanted their respect, but if they couldn’t accept my decision to walk a straight line, that was their problem. I wasn’t going to hurt Lexi anymore. I had come too far to throw this opportunity or her away.

  Chapter 2

  Lexi

  I waited anxiously for Raven. Since the team arrived by bus at the practice field, I was able to avoid driving to the airport. Several of the players left their cars parked at the facility, but Raven preferred to keep our SUV at home. I think he was proud of the vehicle he was able to buy us after doing the honorable thing and returning his Challenger to the dealership. Every day Raven was making better choices and decisions, and I couldn’t have been prouder.

  The bus pulled in to the facility and the media rushed the lawn, waiting for the players to exit. This was the typical scenario whenever the players returned home from an early game. Since their flight was delayed, the media was taking advantage of it. It was fun to be around the excitement and this time was even sweeter since Raven got to play. It took a while before the players started exiting the bus, but they were ready for them, with their microphones and smart phones in hand.

  I stepped out of the SUV and waited outside for Raven. The temperature was a nice sixty-five degrees and the sun was shining bright. The climate wasn’t too different from Texas, other than the humidity, which made it nearly unbearable in the summer. But I dealt with it. This was where Raven’s job was and I promised him I’d go wherever he signed to play. As long as I could be with him, it didn’t matter to me.

  I spotted Raven exiting the bus and a familiar rush hit me, making the top of my stomach flutter. Despite carrying two babies, he still gave me that feeling every time I saw him. He spoke with a few reporters before heading in my direction. Once he broke free, he sprinted toward me. I wobbled as fast as I could into his arms.

  “Oh, baby, I missed you.” He kissed me repeatedly, barely allowing me to kiss his lips. Feeling his lips on mine erased all negative thoughts and fears, instilling the assurance I desperately needed.

  “I missed you, too.” I giggled as he nuzzled my neck.

  His hands dropped to my stomach and he rubbed my belly. “How are my boy and precious baby girl doing?”

  A series of thumps and flutters moved across my abdomen. My eyes watered as emotions filled me. Raven always made it a point to talk to our twins and they loved hearing his voice. It was confirmation I had did the right thing by agreeing to take him back after he practically crushed my heart. But that was in the past, and I was working hard to forget about that and allow him to prove to me he was worthy of my love. “They always move when they hear you.”

  “Of course they do.” He pressed a kissed to the top of my stomach. “They know their Daddy’s voice.”

  I laughed when more knocks came. “You’re going to make a great father.”

  “I hope so.” His voice cracked. Not only could I hear his torment, I could feel it. Raven didn’t know who his father was and it still haunted him to this day. I hoped and prayed when our children were born he didn’t regress. Raven had kept his end of the bargain and continued his weekly counseling sessions via phone with Dr. Galen. From what I could tell, it was helping him keep those demons under control, but for how long? I honestly didn’t know, and that made it hard at times.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yeah.” His voice was solemn, and I sensed something was wrong.

  “Is everything okay?” I hit the button for the back hatch.

  He tossed in his bags and shut the door. “I have to be back in two hours.”

  All the flutters left at once. “Seriously? Coach always lets you go home when you get back from a game.”

  “I know, but this is a short week.” He took the keys from my hand, walked me to the passenger side, and opened the door. “With Thanksgiving on Thursday, we’re losing a day of practice. The game is Sunday.”

  “Oh. I see.” He shut my door and then sprinted to the driver’s side. “So, you’re practicing today?”

  “No, just watching some vid
eos of our opponent and talking strategy.” He started the SUV and paused with his hand on the gearshift. “Lexi, this is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.”

  “I know. I’m just being selfish.” I adjusted my seatbelt. I knew what Raven had to do, but I was still disappointed we weren’t going to spend the day together.

  He cast a quick glance in my direction. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” I forced a smile. “This is your job. Besides, Coach is counting on you, and so is the team.” I rubbed his arm.

  “You don’t sound like you’re okay with this.”

  I didn’t want to make him feel bad or place any unnecessary pressure on him, but keeping my feelings bottled inside was nearly impossible. I didn’t know if it had anything to do with being pregnant, but I couldn’t hold it in. “I thought we were going to spend the day together, that’s all.”

  “We can go grab some lunch. I don’t have to be back until two.” He picked up my hand and kissed the top of it. His mouth dragged across my skin, causing a chill to run up my spine. “Unless you’d rather go back to the house.” His eyebrows arched as he made a path up my arm.

  I giggled, feeling the tension in my body increase. “Sounds enticing, but I have to admit, food does sound better than sex right now.”

  He laughed hard. “Nothing’s more important than food for a pregnant woman.”

  I lifted my hands in apology. “Sorry. I’m hungry.”

  “It’s okay, baby.” He pulled out of the parking lot. “Let me guess, you want a po’ boy sandwich.”

  My mouth salivated at the thought. Cajun food was one of my favorites and here in New Orleans, I had my choice of the very best. “You know it.”

  Raven drove us to one of our favorite restaurants. I ordered my usual: a shrimp po’ boy with extra pickles. For whatever reason, my love for pickles and vinegar had increased exponentially. I was glad the morning, day, and night sickness had subsided and I was able to enjoy eating. I did my best to eat healthy so I didn’t gain too much weight. Carrying two babies had already tipped the scales.