Cocky Striker: A Hero Club Novel Read online

  Ava is my clone down to the split in my lower lip. Thank God, I’d hate to see any of her father in her. “What did you and Nana do today?”

  “We went to da park and to da stowe.” She leans in and rest her chin in her little chubby hands. “Whewe’s Coco?” That’s what she calls Nicole.

  “She went to bed, but she told me to tell you hi. It’ll make Coco so happy you asked about her.” Her smile is a balm to my soul. “Where’s Uncle Jay?”

  “Hims and Papa are watching based ball.”

  Ava yawns widely, and her little eyes get heavy. “Go climb into bed and Mommy will read you Goodnight Moon.” She climbs down and runs to her bed, getting under the covers.

  I pull out the book and begin to read. She lays on her side facing me, and the smile she gives me chokes me up. I’m not sure how I created that beautiful creature, but I’m thankful for her every day. Ava makes me want to be a better person. “I love you, baby girl.”

  “I wuv you, Mommy.”

  I finish the story, and when I close the book, her eyes are closed and if I listen closely I would hear her soft snoring. Tears fill my eyes as I take a few minutes to watch her.

  While I’m away at school, this is our nightly ritual. If I was home, I’d be in bed with her right now. I know I’m pathetic living with my parents still, but I wanted to be done with school and able to buy us a home of our own, and I’ll be able to do that once I graduate and get a good job. Plus, my parents were insistent that they help—I think they like having a little one in the house again.

  Like I said before, they saw how hard I worked to finish high school, pregnant and ostracized by everyone. They wanted me to come to college for the past two years, live the college life, and be a normal twenty-year-old even though I’m anything but normal, or at least I don’t feel normal.

  While my classmates were getting ready to graduate high school, going to prom, and all the other fun high school stuff, I was taking care of a newborn and taking online college courses after finishing high school online almost a year ahead of schedule.

  Now, three years later, I’m a senior who will be graduating with my masters in nutritional sciences.

  I pick up my phone and send my mom a quick text.

  Laken: She’s asleep.

  A moment later Ava’s door opens, and my mom appears on the screen. “Did you have a good visit?”

  “I did.” I bite my lip to keep from crying. “I miss her already.”

  “Baby, you know you can come home every weekend if you want, but I also want you to go out and have some fun. Maybe meet a cute boy.”

  I can only roll my eyes because I don’t have time for guys and plus, I don’t trust my judgment. After everything with Ava’s sperm donor I’m gun shy and don’t see that changing.

  Of course when she mentions cute boys, the jerkface who stole my parking spot pops into my head, but I push him right back out. I need to just focus on my studies and building a good life for me and my daughter.

  “Ugh… I don’t need to meet a cute boy.”

  Mom holds up her hands in a surrendering gesture. “Okay, I get it. Have a good first day, and we’ll talk to you tomorrow. I love you, and we’re so proud of you.”

  I blow her a kiss, close my laptop, and crawl into bed where I cry because although it’s only been a little over a week, I miss my daughter terribly. I suck in a lungful of air and let it out slowly.

  I grab my phone off of my nightstand and pull up my photos. Smiling, I swipe through my photos. One of the last ones I took of us was in the bathroom at home. We both had our hair in ponytails on top of our heads.

  Our eyes are both covered in aviators. She had even wanted to dress like me so she was in a hot pink tank top and jean shorts—my tank top was black. We both made duck lips, and the picture was adorable.

  I don’t take these to plaster all over social media because I don’t have any of it. After everything came out I had to deactivate it all. I take the pictures because my daughter is my everything, and I want those memories.

  After exiting the app, I set my phone down and lay in the dark—grateful when sleep finally comes.

  Chapter Three

  Chance

  “Great game, Chance,” two females call out in unison and begin giggling when I turn their way.

  I give them my signature smile. “Why thank you, ladies. Come find me later and maybe I’ll buy you a drink.” They both nod eagerly, and I’m sure they’ll take me up on my offer. Hell, maybe I’ll take them home tonight.

  School’s been back in session for a month, and so far I couldn’t ask for a better start to my senior year. I’m kicking ass in soccer—we’ve had only two games, but between the two I’ve scored five goals. I like all of my classes, and I swear the girls are hotter than ever before.

  Even though the girls are hot, I’d love to see that sassy little number from that day at the bookstore again. Fuck, she was tiny, and there was something about her. I won’t lie, I’ve kept an eye out for her, but haven’t seen her anywhere.

  Trey is by the bar and waves me over. “What’s up, bro?” He claps me on the back and hands me a beer.

  “Thanks.” I tip it back and take a healthy swallow. We carry our beers over to the rest of our team and frat brothers that are here tonight. Sluggers has been our go-to bar since my buddies and me all turned twenty-one over the course of the last six months. “Nothing, just fucking stoked about our win today.”

  Today we played USC and won 3-2. I scored two of those goals and one with a minute left on the clock. We’re playing better than ever and just gelling as a team.

  “Hell yeah. It’s been a good season so far. It’s too bad our dads couldn’t stay longer.”

  My dad and Trent, Trey’s dad, came down together to watch us play today. They’ve always been on the sideline or coaching us through the years. My mom is sick, so she stayed home with Bree and Pixy watching over her.

  “Yeah, but you know my dad. He rushed back to take care of Mom.”

  Growing up I had a front row seat to all that was Chance and Aubrey Bateman. They had their little pet names for each other and were always affectionate in front of me and my sister. They’d whisper to each other, and then my mom would giggle like a schoolgirl.

  Even after twenty-two years together they still look at each other with googily eyes. I’ll never complain, though, because most of my friends’ parents are divorced.

  With our beers in hand, we make our way over to the rest of our group. I’m ready to cut loose and get laid.

  The music is pumping through the bar, there are women everywhere, and I’m feeling good. The two girls from earlier came to hang out with me for a bit then disappeared with their friends.

  I glance around the bar, looking at some of the beautiful women who are here tonight. I stop at a table by the door. It’s her, the girl from the bookstore. I hand Trey my beer. “I’ll be right back.” I walk around the bar and take her in as I approach.

  At first glance she looks young, but I think that’s just her petite stature. Her eyes are so fucking mesmerizing; the blue is so light. Those lips look fucking kissable, and I want to drag my finger down the little split she has in her lower lip.

  She looks up as I approach. At first she’s smiling, but she quickly realizes it’s me because it disappears.

  “Hey, bookstore girl.” I give her a smile.

  She turns toward me and crosses her arms over her chest. “Hello, parking spot thief.”

  “What’s your name?” I don’t want to refer to her as bookstore girl. “I’m Chance.”

  I surprise her by holding out my hand. I cock my brow as she rolls her eyes and blows out an annoyed breath, dismissing my offered hand. Taking the hint and a blow to the ego, I relax my hand as she finally slips her delicate fingers around mine; it takes all of my power to ignore the warmth that spreads up my arm.

  “I’m L-laken Morris.” She tries to pull her hand from mine, b
ut I hold tight.

  Is she feeling what I am right now? This is fucking strange. “Let me buy you a drink. It can be my apology for taking your parking spot.”

  Laken—fuck, that’s a pretty name—shakes her head. “You don’t need to buy me a drink. You’re forgiven.”

  I’m a little disappointed, but I don’t want to come off as some pushy asshole. “Okay, fine, but I’m right over there”—I signal to where Trey and some of the other guys are standing—“if you change your mind.”

  On my way back to the bar, I look over my shoulder and find her watching me. It gives me a little thrill to know there’s some interest.

  “Who was that?” Trey asks as he hands me my beer bottle.

  I look toward her table and see she’s gone now. “She was no one. Just a girl I met right before classes started.”

  ***

  I decide to eat lunch at Chipotle instead of trying to make it back to my apartment and then back to campus in time for my next class. The food isn’t terrible; the cafeteria is noisy, and honestly, I’m loving the peace and quiet of my own place.

  The restaurant is right on campus, so I step inside and get in line. I know what I want, so while I wait to order I glance around the restaurant. It’s been two weeks since the night at Sluggers, and I’ve been seeing Laken everywhere.

  I’ve seen her at the library, running around the track in little booty shorts and a sports bra that my dick has certainly appreciated. She’s got soft curves that my hands ache to touch.

  Twice I’ve woken up hard as a rock and have had to jerk off—all while conjuring up some amazing fantasies about Laken. She looks to be reading on a Kindle; my mom and sister both have one glued to their hands.

  When it’s my turn to order, I order my usual chicken burrito and grab a bottle of water out of the little cooler. Once I pay, I grab my food and weave my way through the tables until I sit right across from Laken.

  “This seat’s… Oh, it’s you.”

  I place my hand over my heart. “I’m gonna try to not take any offence to that.”

  Her cheeks turn an adorable shade of deep pink. “Ugh … sorry, that wasn’t very nice. How are you, Chance?”

  I love the way my name sounds coming from her lips. “I’m good, Laken.” We both eat in silence for a few minutes, but then I want to know more about her. “So what’s your major?”

  “Nutritional science.” She shrugs. “Not super exciting, I know, but my dad’s a type 1 diabetic. By being a nutritionist, I can make sure he stays healthy and eats the right stuff. My long term plan is to work at a hospital doing dietary education or in some capacity like that.” Laken shakes her head. “Sorry, I tend to babble.”

  Fuck me, she’s cute. “You didn’t babble. I can tell you’re passionate about it. My major is not nearly as noble. I’m a business major with a minor in marketing. I hope to work for a sports team or sporting gear company in some capacity.” It’s my turn to shrug. “I’ll start applying for internships after this semester, and hopefully it’ll lead to an amazing job.”

  Laken looks at her phone. “Shoot, I have to get to class.” She stands and reaches for her trash.

  I stop her. “I’ll get it.”

  “Okay, thanks. It was nice having lunch with you, Chance.” She takes off before I can reply.

  I throw away our garbage and head outside.

  After my classes are over, I run home to change for soccer practice. I throw my shin guards and cleats into my duffle bag along with a bottle of water and towel. As I step out, Trey is pulling up in front of my apartment.

  “Thanks for the ride,” I say as I climb into his blue Ford Edge.

  “No problem, man. I stopped by earlier to see if you wanted to grab lunch before your classes, but you weren’t home.”

  “I had lunch at Chipotle today. I ran into that girl I was telling you about.”

  Trey pulls into the parking lot near the field we practice on. “The petite brunette?”

  I nod as I climb out. We grab our bags from the backseat. “Since I saw her at Slugger’s, I’ve seen her everywhere. There’s just something about her.”

  He looks at me with wide-eyes. “Oh my God, I never thought I’d see the day that Chance Bateman would be smitten.” Trey laughs as I shove him away from me.

  “Shut the fuck up—I’m not smitten, and who the fuck says smitten? My problem is I haven’t gotten laid or even a fucking blow job since school started.” He drops it.

  After practice, I opt to walk back to my apartment instead of catching a ride with Trey. I’m fucking exhausted, but instead of going home and napping, I need to study for a little bit.

  I stick my earbuds in and start listening to Tool as I make my way across campus. There are women everywhere in tiny shirts and even smaller shorts—I love living in SoCal.

  I throw out some chin lifts and smiles. Margot, a girl I fucked a couple of times last year, comes strutting toward me with her ample cleavage on display. She’s proud of the fact that her daddy paid for her new tits.

  As she approaches, I pull my earbuds from my ears. “What’s up, darlin’?” I say as she wraps her arms around me. “Looking beautiful as always.”

  “Hey, Chance. I’ve hardly seen you this year. I’ve missed you.” She drags her finger down my chest, and my dick perks up. “Come to my place tonight? My roommates are going out, so I’ll be all by my lonesome.”

  This is just what I need, no strings—just sex, good sex. “I’ll be over at eight.”

  Margot’s face lights up. She leans in to kiss my mouth, but I turn my head. That’s one thing I don’t do, kiss on the mouth. It’s too intimate and gives way to false promises. I don’t do relationships and never have. Of course, I won’t say that when I was younger I didn’t kiss lots of girls because I did, but the older I got I just quit doing it.

  Oh they try to convince me to change my mind, but my mom says I’ve always been stubborn. You’d think having two parents who are still wildly in love would make me gung-ho to have that too, but I don’t want it.

  I like the freedom of variety. I focus on Margot who is pouting. I brush her hair behind her ear, and the pout turns into a smile. “I’ll be waiting … naked.”

  “I look forward to it, babe.” I run my hand down her arm and then squeeze her hand. “You might want to take a nap before I get there. You know … to rest up.” I give her my signature smirk before walking away.

  It’s turning into a good fucking day.

  Chapter Four

  Laken

  Ava’s soft breathing tickles my neck. I close my eyes and pull her more tightly to my chest. I’ve been missing her terribly since school started. Yes, maybe we FaceTime every night, but it isn’t the same.

  I bury my nose in her hair and inhale her baby shampoo scented locks. I know I shouldn’t let her crawl into bed with me, but she’s a good cuddler. Sometimes I believe she deserves a better mother than me. I was sixteen when I got pregnant and had her, and I was so lost during that time.

  No matter what I’ll never regret it though because I wouldn’t have Ava, and she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She pushes me to do and be my absolute best.

  Little pale blue eyes that are identical to mine pop open. “Mommy,” she whisper-shouts. “You’we hewe. I missed you so, so much.”

  She was still up when I got home last night, but it makes me happy to hear those words from her. “I missed you too. What should we do today?”

  “Swim?” I knew that was what she’d want to do, so I brought my suit. Ava’s my little water baby, and thankfully my parents have a pool.

  “Should we see if Uncle Jay wants to swim too?” My brother is almost nineteen and the best uncle a girl could ask for. Ava has him wrapped around her finger.

  Ava nods eagerly.

  “Let’s get up, and I’ll make some breakfast.” After we both use the bathroom and brush our teeth, we head into the kitchen. With me home last ni
ght my parents took an impromptu overnight trip up the coast to a little B&B they like to visit.

  Of course guilt always plagues me that they’ve had to put their lives on hold while helping with Ava so I can finish school. I’ll make their sacrifices worth it by graduating at the top of my class.

  My parents get home as Ava jumps to me in the pool. We’ve been at this for a while. Jay hung out with us for a bit, but then his girlfriend came over, and they took off.

  “Nana! I swimming wiff Mommy.” She smiles proudly.

  “I see that, love bug. Are you guys having fun?” Mom looks at me when she asks.

  I nod. “Yeah. I’m glad I came home.” Lifting Ava out of the pool, Mom wraps a towel around her. We watch her disappear inside to visit her papa. “How was your night?”

  “It was great. We ate at that little crab shack your father loves, and then we hung out in our room.” Mom wiggles her eyebrows, and I shake my head.

  Thankfully she doesn’t go into detail because, gross. I mean, it’s not gross, but it is because it’s my mom and dad. “I’m glad you got to get away for a bit. I know it’s not easy…”

  She covers my mouth with her hand. “I don’t want to have to say it again, but we wanted this. We wanted you to go away to college and have that experience. We’re able to give you that, and honestly it’s the least we can do after being so blind to what was happening…”

  It’s my turn to cover her mouth. “Don’t. I got really good at hiding everything from you.”

  I take my hand away. “I know, sweetheart, but we should’ve noticed something wasn’t right. That man preyed on you, and we didn’t see it until it was too late.”

  Dad comes out, interrupting us with Ava on his back. “Ladies, we’d like to go out for pizza.”

  My daughter thrusts her little fist in the air. “Pissa! Les go, Mommy.”

  I grab her from my dad. “We need to shower first.” I smile at my parents. “We’ll be ready in twenty.”