Beautiful Player: Maxwell Brothers Romance Series, #10

BEAUTIFUL PLAYER

By Alexa Davis and Alycia Taylor

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.

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Chapter One

Dominic

Y o! Dom! Good practice today! Jeremy shouted across the room.

I turned to look at him and smiled. Yeah, we’re going to kick their asses in the next game! I shouted back.

Hell yeah! Tim roared.

Dude, I don’t know. The other team is good, man.

I glared at Sam, who somehow always seemed to turn a positive into a negative and shook my head. Sam, have a little faith, why don’t you? If you think we’re going to lose, then we’re probably going to lose. Try changing your attitude.

Listen to Dominic! the coach said as he walked into the locker room.

Coach Bane was a great man. Someone I had always admired. And the two of us had always gotten along great. He liked me, not just because I was a hard worker but also because I liked football nearly as much as he did. He’d confided in me once before how it had always been his dream to play professionally. An injury had seen it to it that it would never happen, so he’d turned his attention to coaching instead. He told me that there was no chance he could turn his back on football completely. I often wondered what kind of a player he would’ve been. He was a great coach, though. The best, I always said. But maybe I was a bit biased because he’d always been so nice to me. One person he didn’t like in the team was Sam. If Sam wasn’t such a good player, he would’ve been kicked out a long time ago.

"Great practice, everyone. And Sam, we will win. Change your attitude."

But coach, isn’t it better to be realistic?

Absolutely. And I’m being completely realistic when I say that we will win. Now, I’ll see you boys soon. Come with the right mindset, and play hard.

As the coach walked out, I walked up to Sam and raised my eyebrows at him. You see? Listen to the coach. He knows what’s best.

He groaned. You are such a suck up. Easy for you to say; the coach loves you.

The coach likes me because I don’t moan all the time like you do, I teased.

The insults flew left and right around the room, but they were all done in jest. We had a great team, and we all got along with one another. Even though Sam infuriated me to no end, I still liked him. They loved teasing me. They called me ‘the popular one’ just because I was friendly with everyone. I just didn’t see the point in secluding myself from people like some of the other guys did. Some of them only hung out with the guys on the team and refused to be friends with anyone if they weren’t sporty. I didn’t understand this way of thinking. Once we finished college, we’d be entering a world filled with people that were not sporty, and I wanted to treat college just as I would the rest of my life. Also, some of my best friends weren’t part of the team.

Take Silas, my brother, as an example. He was one of the people I was closest to in life, and he’d never thrown a ball around in his life. The only thing we had in common was our love for motorcycles and the fact that we looked quite a lot like one another. Other than that, we were vastly different. He was a country singer, a great one at that, and had no interest in playing football the way I did. But that didn’t like him any less.

Today’s practice was great. Most of the guys said they preferred the actual games to the practice, but I wasn’t so sure. Things weren’t as severe when we were in practice, and nobody seemed to take themselves too seriously. I sometimes felt so lucky that I got to spend so much of my time doing what I loved. I had always had an interest in football, and becoming a linebacker for such a popular college had been a dream come true. I’d had my eyes set on Kansas University since I was just a little boy, and I had done everything in my power to get me there. It hadn’t been as easy for me as it had for some of the other guys. I didn’t come from a wealthy family, so I had learned from a young age that in order to get something that I wanted, I had to work for it. Silas was the same. He never gave up on his dream of becoming a country singer, just as I never gave up my dream of becoming a football player.

My dreams extended further than just college, of course. My dream had always been to play in the NFL, and that was a goal I was pursuing daily. But, just in case, I had decided not to rest all my hopes in that dream because it wasn’t exactly easiest thing to get into. Just in case, I was still studying and creating a backup plan for myself if things didn’t go according to plan.

I made my way back to my room to get ready for my class. I had to dump my bag and pick up some of my files before heading out. I liked my room. I had decorated it with posters of football players, and other than the few motorcycle posters and the helmet that sat on the desk, it was obvious what I wanted to do with my life. It was a comfortable room, but I didn’t much time to relax as I gathered up what I needed. School had just recently gotten back in session, and I wanted to make sure that I did well. That meant no being to class late, and no forgetting my files. The boys could tease me as much as they wanted to but I had no intentions of doing badly.

I spent the next few hours with my head down, taking notes and listening intently to the lecturer. When I got out, I was exhausted. It had been a long day.

Coming out for some beers? Tim asked as we walked out.

I shook my head. Nah, I don’t think so. I could use some sleep, to be honest.

Sleep when you’re dead! Harry said as he walked up to us.

Harry was a lot of fun to be around, someone that had more energy than I had ever seen in anyone before. He was constantly upbeat and always laughing. And, as usual, he was always up for a good time. I couldn’t even use the excuse that I had spent the day playing football and attending classes because he was on the team too. He should be just as tired as I was. Harry wasn’t the most attractive guy in the world. He was short, a little plump, and had an unfortunate amount of dark freckles running all over his face and down his back. His father had looked the same when he was his age and had grown up to be a very good looking older man. So, Harry had hope that one day the same would happen to him. For now, he was relying on his personality to get him through life, and it was working. Everybody loved to be around him. Including me, most of the time.

You’re not going to let me stay behind, are you? I asked. I knew how persuasive Harry could be when he wanted to be. Especially when it came to going out and having a good time.

He laughed. You know me well. So, does that mean you’re coming? Because I had a whole list of reasons ready if you’re willing to hear them.

I’ll come for a few beers. Only because I’m too tired to argue with you right now, I said. Save the list for another time. Trust me; there will be another time.

Then my job here is done. See you there! He said and practically bounced off down the corridor.

I shook my head and turned to Tim. Where does he get that energy from? I’ve never met anyone like him. He just never gets tired. Can you imagine what he must’ve been like as a child? Poor parents.

Tim chuckled. I chatted with his parents at the last game actually. They said they call him the Energizer Bunny at home. They said they thought he would outgrow it but he just never did.

We made our way to our favorite watering hole, which was just down the road from the college campus. The place was filled with all the guys from college, and as we made our way to our group of friends, people shouted after me. I called back, waving at all of them. Tim looked at me and rolled his eyes.

You’re annoyingly popular; you know that?

I’m not popular. They’re just friends. Anyway, we all know one another in this place. You’re just as popular too. Everyone knows you.

You don’t hear them calling my name, do you? he said.

Yeah, but that’s because you don’t talk to those guys. You don’t really make an effort with them, and you can’t deny that.

He laughed. That’s true. I just don’t have the time, man.

Please, you just don’t like anyone that doesn’t play football. Unless that person happens to be a very attractive girl.

Guilty! Okay, I’m going to get us a seat. I think I spot some free ones over in the corner. Will you get the beers? he asked.

Sure, I said as I made my way up to the bar. I ordered two beers and then waited for the barman to bring them. He placed two beers in front of me, and I gave him some money and told him to keep the change. I was just about to leave when a girl came up to me. I recognized her as one of the cheerleaders. She was small, with a dark brown bob and bright green eyes. She spoke with so much enthusiasm that her hair actually moved up and down as she talked. I thought she would be a great match for Harry. I could imagine the two of them running around campus like bunnies, hopping from one place to the next. The thought amused me. Of course, she wasn’t interested in Harry, and the fact that I had smiled at her only made her think I was hitting on her. I tried to turn my smile into a frown, but it was too late.

So, want to come and sit with me? she said. I’m here with some friends, but I don’t think they’ll mind. We can maybe take a walk outside and find a place there. She definitely wasn’t a shy person. She had no problem with getting straight to the point.

I shook my head and pointed to the extra beer. Sorry, I have to give this beer to Tim. He’s kept me a seat.

So what? Drop off the beer and come with me. I’m sure Tom won’t mind.

Tim.

What?

You said Tom. His name is Tim.

She shrugged. Oh, whatever. Tim. Tom. Same thing. Fine, Tim then. Don’t worry about him. I’m sure he won’t mind if you spend some time with me. I’m sure you guys spend a lot of time together anyway. I always see you out on the field together.

I would definitely not tell Tim that this girl thought his name was Tom. It would give him a complex. He’d just been turned down by a girl he had been after for a while, and the last thing he needed was to hear something like this.

I’m not worried about him. But I’ve got some catching up to do with the guys. On the field the only thing we really talk about is football. But thank you. I appreciate it. Well, maybe I’ll see you around sometime, I said. I wanted to be nice, but I also wanted her to know that I wasn’t interested.

You have a girlfriend then? she asked.

Oh, uh . . . no. I don’t. I just . . .

You don’t think I’m pretty. That’s it, isn’t it? she said.

You’re beautiful, I said honestly. But I’m just not looking for anyone right now. And I really do have to go and catch up with the boys.

She shrugged. Okay then.

I put a hand on her arm. I’m not joking. You’re very pretty. This has nothing to do with that. I promise you.

I walked back towards the guys feeling ashamed and embarrassed. I hadn’t meant to hurt her feelings, but I really didn’t want to out and spend the night with her. She seemed nice, but I didn’t want to lead her on. Sam asked me what had happened when I got to him and I told him. He laughed and shook his head at me. He gave me a look of sheer disappointment.

Oh, Dominic, when will you ever change? I have never met a superstar linebacker like you, someone who is so popular, be so interested in his studies that he refuses to get with a girl. It’s madness. Absolute madness. It’s almost like a waste of good looks and talent.

I laughed and shrugged it off. Yeah, well. Like I’ve always said, I know what I want in life, and I’m not going to let some girl get me sidetracked.

Did you hear that, Tim? Sam said.

Tim nodded and groaned. Yep. Although, I’m not really that surprised, to be honest. That was a pure Dominic move through and through.

I’m not sure if I think you’re stupid or admirable, Sam replied.

Let’s go with admirable, I said, and he laughed.

Chapter Two

Candice

Iwas used to being noticed. Not because of who I was, but because of my parents. Although, some people told me it was also because of my looks but I battled to believe this. Nevertheless, as I walked across the quad at college, I saw heads turning my way.

"You’re a pretty girl; why do you think they look at you?" Angie had told me once when I’d complained about it. Angie was an old friend of my family. The two of us had always gotten along but we’d lost touch over the last year when she found a boyfriend and moved to another city. It was a pity, because I didn’t have many friends to begin with.

I had laughed. Angie, it has nothing to do with my looks. It’s only because I was in the newspaper and magazines. And don’t tell me you didn’t see it. They ran like three pages about my family in that one. Why they insisted on putting me in it, I will never know.

Angie had nodded, but I could see that she didn’t understand. I knew that she was just thinking I should be grateful for my lot in life. And I was, for the most part.

I loved my parents, but coming from such a high profiled political family had its downfalls. And it wasn’t just about everyone looking at me, but also about the pressure I felt because of it. I had never wanted to go to this school. I knew how it looked. I knew that they all thought I didn’t belong. But I’d long ago learned how to tune out the stares and the whispers. It could be worse, I always told myself; I could be the child of a famous actor and actress. Although, my father was so outspoken that it sometimes felt like living with a celebrity. I often found myself hanging with the people at school that had no interest in politics, just so that I didn’t feel like they were constantly watching me. If my father did anything, it always made me feel like I was the one that had done it.

I made my way across the field and spotted Derek in the distance. It bothered me that my heart didn’t skip a beat when I saw him the way I knew it should. I kept telling myself that it was because I didn’t believe in love, and that lust only lingered in the beginning. But I wasn’t sure anymore. I’d seen far too many people in love for me to truly turn my head from it. I wasn’t even sure why I felt this way. He was a nice guy. He was certainly very good looking. A tall, athletic baseball player. Who wouldn’t want a boyfriend like him? I knew that some of the girls were jealous of me because of it, and I knew I should be more grateful for what I had. Maybe it had nothing to do with poor Derek at all. Maybe it had everything to do with me. Maybe I just wasn’t ready for a serious relationship.

Derek was exactly where he said he was going to be. He had promised to wait for me by the big oak tree in front of the school grounds so that I didn’t have to go in alone. The first day of anything was never a good feeling, and at least I had him by my side. I’d been to the school before, to see him, but it was different coming here as a student myself. I felt so much more exposed. So much more vulnerable.

He smiled when he saw me, picked me up, and swung me around. A girl walked by and giggled, while another looked on in jealousy. I smiled back, pretending to like the affection. But I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. The last thing I wanted to do on my first day at the school was to stick out like a sore thumb. I wanted to hide in the shadows and figure out where my place was. It was already harder for me knowing that people knew who I was. Now I was the girl with the famous father who was showing off with her handsome boyfriend on her first day of school.

First day. Welcome to the most amazing college in town, he said. How are you feeling? he asked.

I smiled. Nodded. Good. I’m fine. Fake smile. Fake words. I didn’t want him to know how worried I really was. I didn’t like people knowing my fears. Not even my boyfriend. I knew that I walked around with a wall around me, but I couldn’t help myself. It was just who I was. I had always been very wary of the people around me. The political world had shown me that you couldn’t trust everyone around you, even those that you call your friends. My parents had been hurt by people close to them, and I had always promised myself that I would never let that happen to me. I would always be one step ahead of everyone.

Good, you’ll do great. I’ll take you to the dean first, and from there you can go to your classes. If you want, I can skip my first class to show you around. I really don’t mind at all. Nothing like skipping class just so that I can show off my pretty girlfriend to people.

I shook my head in horror. No! I said a little too loudly. He looked at me strangely. No, I said again. My voice had softened. I’m fine. Thanks, Derek. That’s sweet of you. But I’ll be fine.

I’ve told so many people about you coming here, he said.

I groaned. Oh no. Why? I told you that I wanted to stay low on the radar for a while until I get used to the place.

He laughed. Oh, come on, how can you blame me? My hot girlfriend is going to be at school with me? I had to tell someone. And not just any girl. The famous daughter.

I smiled. I’m not famous. My dad isn’t even famous.

He is to some people. He is to me. People should pay more attention to politics. This stuff is important. Anyway, I’m just giving you a compliment.

I know. Thank you. But you shouldn’t have.

And now you can come and watch me play baseball.

I’ve come to watch you before, I said.

I know. But it’s different now. You’re a part of the school. You can watch all my games. Even my training. There is a specific spot in the stands where you will get the best view of the field. I’ll show it to you the next time that we’re out there. You won’t regret it.

I had no idea why he thought that would be a good idea. I didn’t even really like baseball, although I didn’t tell him that. Also, he wasn’t even that good at it. He was okay, but he wasn’t the star or anything. I don’t think he realized it, though. I had a feeling he thought the team would fall apart without him. There was something sweet and annoying about his confidence. I couldn’t decide which I thought it was. He talked all the way until we got to the office, talking about why he thought it was a good thing that I was at the school. Everything he said was basically an echo of what I had heard from my own father. Sometimes I wondered if he even had a thought of his own. Everything he said matched my father’s words.

Okay, he said, looking down at me. This is it, then. Good luck on your first day. I’ll see you soon. You’ll be fine. I love you.

I smiled up at him. He was being so nice to me, so why then was I so annoyed with him? Why did I wish that he wasn’t there? I knew why. I wasn’t in love with him. I knew it the moment I heard him tell me that he loved me. This time I didn’t say it back. I hoped he thought it was just because I was too nervous. I waved at him and walked into the office.

I spent the next half an hour with the dean as he ran through my schedule and gushed about how happy he was to have me in the college. I felt annoyed again, and once again I forced myself to smile. I knew that not everyone got a meeting with the dean and I didn’t know why I had to be so different. I hated it when people treated my family like they were royalty. There was nothing special about us. My father would be upset if he knew that I was having these thoughts. We’d already had the discussion before.

So what? Just because other people are trying to get in, doesn’t mean you can’t. Also, I worked hard to get to where I am. I’m not well known for no reason, Candice. I’m well known because of what I do and what I have done to get to where I am. If I can get my daughter into the finest college in the country, then there is nothing wrong with that. Why shouldn’t I be allowed to do that? Aren’t you happy that you are going there?

I wasn’t, not really. But I didn’t want to fight anymore. So I told him that I was just being difficult and that I really was grateful for everything. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to notice that I didn’t really mean it.

I thanked the dean and made my way to my first class. He had given me a small map explaining to me where I had to go. I found it easily and quickly made my way to the back of