All In With Me: A With Me In Seattle Universe Novella Read online

  Now that she’s living here in the city, I see her often, but she keeps me in the dark on most days when it comes to you. I know it’s because she’s hurt or confused about your relationship.

  Patton, before you, it was just the two of us for a very long time. After my parents’ divorce, mom convinced herself that she was an army of one and could do it all without any help from anyone. When I asked her to tell me the story of how you two met, I couldn’t believe it was mom telling it. She is not one who accepts help, least of all from a total stranger. She told me there was something different about you, and for once, she trusted her heart and not her cynical mind.

  The day she called to tell me that it was really over between you two crushed me in more ways than I’m ready to explain. Did you forget that you told me that you loved my mom and always will? Where is that guy who set me straight that night in the restaurant? She packed up her life and left so much behind. You need to fix this before the mistake you made becomes the biggest one of your life.

  If you ever loved my mom like you made me believe, then prove it by having at least one more conversation before she leaves for good. You owe her that much, and you may be the one person to convince her to stay.

  Good luck against Denver. I’ll be watching with my sorority sisters.

  Xo,

  Becca

  I wiped my face, fighting off the tears of regret. I balled up the letter and threw it across the room like a football. Damn! I miss that kid. She never shied away from her honesty and the love she has for her mother, and for me too.

  Will picked this time to walk back in and hand me my beer, questioning my change in mood. I practically downed the beer in one big gulp and then blurted it out, “Taylor is moving to Paris. I guess it's really over now, and I truly only have football left, well at least until the Super Bowl.”

  “Shit, I’m sorry man, but you know you have a hell of a lot more in your life than just football. I’m here, and you have an entire team waiting for you back in Seattle. You just have to get on a plane and come back with me.”

  “I’m sorry, but I think I need to be alone for a while. This is why I have this place so far out from civilization, because it’s perfect to escape and be alone.”

  “Yeah, I get that buddy. Just don’t off yourself when I walk out the door.”

  “Not even a sad letter from a great kid will give me enough reason to do that. I promise I will not hurt myself. I would never do that, so can we have less of the dramatics?”

  “Patton, only you can change your life and what you want your future to be. If it’s with Taylor, then you need to figure your shit out and mighty quick before she gets on that plane and leaves you forever. I’m telling you as a friend that there is not one thing in this world more important than love, and it’s pretty hard letting go once you’ve found it, felt it, and given every part of yourself over to it.”

  After I convinced my friend that I was not going to do anything stupid after receiving Becca’s letter, he finally left the house. Once again, I was alone. Even though I wasn’t in the mood to hear the advice he was giving, Will was right on the money with it. I have to figure out both my personal and professional life and what comes next.

  It’s been an incredible ride playing football and enjoying all the highs throughout the years, but it’s come at a price: Taylor Ashby, the one that got away because I couldn’t choose her when she should have been the only choice.

  “You fucking idiot!” I shouted into thin air with no one here to agree with me.

  I leaned my head back, closed my eyes, and gave in to the memories I buried a long time ago.

  With my ball cap low on my head, I sat in my favorite coffee shop in downtown Seattle as the rain poured down. I was out for a run when the sky began to open up. Luckily for me, I was smart enough to drive today, parking my car at the coffee shop while I ran over to the nearby park to get a much-needed run in. I made it just in time, avoiding the rain.

  I took my usual seat at the long bar in front of the window and did some people watching. It’s rare I can go anywhere and not be recognized, especially during football season. I was thankful for these times and relaxed until the storm moved on. The morning rush was over, but downtown was still teeming with people.

  I took a sip of my coffee and began to read the sports page when something caught my attention outside, across the street. She was petite in frame with her shoulder-length hair blowing all over her face. It appears it came loose from a ponytail. She was trying to balance a stack of books and her umbrella too as she made her way to the bus stop. Just as she arrived, a truck drove past, causing a huge wave of rainwater to soak her. Her umbrella flipped upward, and it went flying into the wind as she dropped half the books she was holding.

  Oh my, she’s drenched, I silently thought as I smiled and brought the coffee to my lips.

  Her head was cast down with her wet hair covering her beautiful face in defeat. The gentleman in me wanted to help, so I tossed my cup in the trash, made my way out of the shop, and ran across the street to the damsel in distress.

  I stepped over a huge puddle by the curb and approached her without looking like a crazy stalker. I bent down, picking up what looked like notebooks and soaked magazines.

  “Hi, may I offer some assistance to you?”

  Her eyes widened at my question, and then her pale cheeks turned pink. Instead of words, she shook her head no.

  “Are you sure?” I asked as I handed back the destroyed books.

  She shook her wet head again, and then I couldn’t help myself and said, “Although the rain is beginning to let up, you are soaked through, and you don’t want to get sick standing out here. Can I help?”

  Just as I offered again, two guys recognized and accosted me, totally ignoring the drenched woman beside me. I thought I was in the clear with my ball cap on, but no such luck.

  “Holy shit! Patton James, what a game last week. We were there,” said the overzealous fan.

  My eyes never left the sodden and silent woman before me. A smile crept on my face as I realized she probably didn’t know who I was, and that made me happier than words can say. Sure, I love what I do, but once in a while, it would be nice to meet someone who doesn’t want to be with me just because I am a famous football player. I finally end the guy's chatter and reach for her hand. She looked alarmed at first, but then I shot her a wink, and she seemed to understand what was happening and placed her hand in mine. I gave it a gentle squeeze and showed her with my eyes that she could trust me.

  “Hey, thanks for the kind words, man, but we have to be going. I appreciate the support,” I said, and then I tugged her along with me in quick strides until I pulled out the key fob to start my car. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you out of the Seattle rain.”

  She blinked a few times, and before she could say no, I took her things, opened the door, and guided her inside my car. I put the car in drive and wove my way out into the late morning traffic.

  “Sorry about that back there. Sometimes I get cornered by fans. Most of the time they are awesome, but he did interrupt us,” I said and flashed her a big smile as I got out of town and headed back to my house, which is located on First Hill.

  I parked the car out in front and quickly walked around to open her door. I reached in with my hand, and she shyly smiled, finally accepting my help.

  My doorman greeted me and took my keys to park the car. “Will you be needing anything else, Mr. James?”

  “I’m good, Sam,” I said as I looped my arm in hers and guided her inside and to the elevator, which brought us to the 32nd floor, the floor that belonged all to me.

  The shiny steel doors opened to my foyer, and we stepped out. Her eyes went wide as she took in the opulent space.

  “Come, let me take your trench coat. Please feel free to kick off your shoes too.”

  “Why are you doing this?” She finally spoke, and it was the sweetest sound to my ears. Her voice was soft.

  “D
oing what? Being nice to a stranger in need of help?”

  “Yeah, something like that,” she replied, making me smile even broader than when I watched her in the rain. I couldn’t explain it but for some reason the minute I saw her, I was instantly drawn to her. I know my size can be intimidating, especially to someone who looks as delicate as a flower.

  I kept my voice low as I took a step closer and said, “How does this sound? Why don’t you tell me your name? And I’ll tell you why I’m being nice.”

  Her lips turned up and then her cheeks turned pink again, which made me wonder where else on her body was pink.

  She said, “Taylor Ashby, and thank you for your, um, assistance.”

  “It’s my pleasure. I’m Patton James, and if you haven’t figured it out already, I play football for the Seattle Seahawks.”

  She smiled and removed her wet coat. “I figured it out. Must be pretty cool to be so admired,” she said, smiling the entire time.

  I hung up her coat and then thought, did she just shade me? My hand found the small of her back and escorted her inside my home.

  “I have to say, I’ve never met anyone remotely famous before, let alone a popular athlete who has fans worshipping at his feet.” I eyed her again as she continued to shoot me weird comments, but I didn’t think she was being rude, more like curious. She went on asking questions as she continued to look all around my home. “How big is this place? Do you live here alone?”

  “I do, and this apartment is just under 7,000 square feet. Anything else you want to know?” I answered curtly, not trying to be arrogant. One thing about being in the public eye is having to get used to the constant questions.

  She must have seen the change in my expression and placed her head down before talking again. “I’ve offended you. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

  I got out of my head and then said, “No, I’m sorry. I guess you almost sounded like a reporter looking for juicy details on my private life, and everyone who knows me knows I never give interviews if I can help it.”

  “Well, no worries. I’m not a reporter.”

  “Good, have a seat,” I said and then offered her a drink. “Are you cold? You have to be after standing out in the rain. A shot of bourbon will do the trick.”

  “No, I don’t usually drink, and it’s not even noon yet. How about tea? If it’s not too much trouble.”

  “No trouble at all. Make yourself at home, and I’ll be right back.”

  My head began to spin, not understanding how I got here. I never do this, not ever, and here I am entertaining this woman as if she has a right to be here in my home. Not knowing where my housekeeper, Kate, was at the moment, I walked into the kitchen, turned on the electric tea kettle, and prepared the tray. Not sure what Taylor would like, I reached for the tea box and chose several selections.

  I was only gone a few minutes, but it felt longer, knowing she was waiting for me outside these doors. By the time I returned, she was still in the same spot, but now she was shivering. I placed the tray down in front of her and quickly got her a throw from the closet.

  “If I may?” I said as she smiled, watching me open the cashmere throw and placing it around her shoulders. “Better?” I asked.

  “Much, thank you,” she said and then chose the English Breakfast as her tea of choice. She took a sip and then noticed the other items I placed on the tray. “Cookies, my favorite. Did you bake these?” she asked as she picked one up and took a small bite of the treat. She hummed in pleasure as she continued to eat and finish off the cookie. I smiled at her simple way of enjoying the small things. She was too beautiful to describe.

  “Not today, but that’s not to say I don’t know my way around my kitchen. These are chocolate chip and made by my housekeeper, Kate. She keeps me fed while I’m home for games. Until the season is over, I don’t get to indulge in anything I like to do, such as cooking.”

  “Well, these are delicious. Thank you again for your kindness.”

  “You seemed surprised again by that. Why?”

  “In a way, I am. It’s not like this happens to me every day. I’m usually invisible until I want to make myself visible.”

  “Interesting way to be. Can you elaborate more?” I asked, genuinely wanting to know her answer. Before she could, I shifted gears and wanted her to change. “Come, you’re still wet, and I don’t want you to get sick.”

  I offered her my hand, and she accepted it without hesitation. I walked her through my apartment so casually that I even surprised myself with how I was behaving. Once up the stairs and in my bedroom, I let go of her hand and walked over to the huge wardrobe to retrieve clothes for her. She was so small, and the pants and t-shirt I chose would probably be three sizes too big on her, but it was better than what she was wearing right now. I handed her the items, and she graciously accepted them.

  “My bathroom is through there. You’ll find everything you need to freshen up.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  And then I left her to it as I wanted to slap myself upside of my head for my awkwardness. I walked back down to the first level and saw Kate come in from shopping. I helped her with a few bags and brought them into the kitchen. She thanked me for my help, and then I told her I had someone here and not to disturb us until I called for her. The look of understanding was in her eyes, and then I left to wait for Taylor to return.

  “Feel better?” I asked as Taylor walked down the stairs with her hair now dried and up in a messy pile toppled on her head. Damn, she looks good in my clothes, I thought silently to myself, trying to tamper down my need and want to touch her.

  “I do. Thank you for the clothes. Can I use your dryer? These shouldn’t take long if you set it to a high temperature. Where is it and I can throw these in?”

  “That won’t be necessary. I’ll take care of it,” I replied and then pulled out my phone. “Kate, will you come into the living room? Yes, thank you.”

  I could tell by the way Taylor was looking at me that she was second-guessing her decision to come home with me, but then once she saw Kate, she visibly relaxed. I don’t require Kate to wear a uniform, but she always looked impeccably dressed in a long black dress, usually accompanied by an apron.

  “Kate, this is my guest, Taylor Ashby.” Introducing her to Kate felt like the most natural thing to do.

  “Hello, Ms. Ashby, a pleasure to meet you. May I be of assistance to you?”

  Taylor wasn’t sure how to respond, so I did it for her. “Kate, will you launder these clothes?”

  “Of course, right away. Do you need anything else?”

  “Not right now, we’re fine,” I said, watching Kate leave us. “Now, where were we?”

  “To be honest, I’m not really sure,” Taylor practically laughed out loud.

  “How about you relax and tell me more about yourself. What do you do for a living? We’ve already established you’re not a reporter, so my next guess would be a writer.”

  “And how would you draw that conclusion?”

  “The notebooks. They have to be for something, and we are nowhere near a college, so I’m guessing you’re not a student.”

  “No, definitely not. I am a writer, independent. I freelance for various magazines, mainly focusing on health and beauty features in the lifestyle sections.”

  “I like that. The only writers I ever meet are sports ones. So what else interests you?”

  “This week it’s skincare products, what works and what doesn’t. I usually do a top five recommended list.”

  “And the other notebooks? What’s in those?”

  “Notes on fashion, cooking, and probably my personal to-do list, which always comes last, because I am always working.”

  “I can relate. I’m always on the road and travel more than I’m home.”

  “Yeah, but it must be an exciting life, right? People recognize you right out on the street. I’m surprised they didn’t want your autograph.”

  “He probably did
, but I didn’t give him the chance to ask. You see, I’ve been a football player for a long time, and it’s always been first and foremost in my life. But I’m realizing by this stage in my life, I should have a lot more than just football.”

  “Having more is not always what it’s cracked up to be.”

  “Sounds like you speak from experience.”

  “Sorry,” she said, shifting on the couch as she tucked her feet under her.

  “Don’t be. Sorry if I pushed.”

  “No, it’s fine. I don’t meet too many men that ask a lot of questions, and I guess that has left me somewhat guarded, if that’s the right word to use.”

  “I understand more than you know. Usually, it’s the opposite for me, given what I do for a living. I don’t trust a lot of people, because it’s very hard to determine whether they’re looking for something from me that will benefit them in some way or if they want to get to know me for me.”

  “If that’s true, then why am I here? You don’t even know me, and yet you’ve invited a stranger into your home.”

  “I guess when I looked into your eyes, I saw something I haven’t before, and I liked it.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Something real, for a change.”

  “How so?”

  “I guess when I saw you hurrying to the bus stop carrying all those notebooks, and then before I could take in how beautiful you are, a small tsunami wave nearly knocked you over. I mean, you don’t see that every day, and maybe it was the way you didn’t react and just accepted that you got soaked. I think you might have shrugged your shoulders too. What can I say? It was adorable.”

  I watched her closely for any reaction to my bold honesty, and then she smiled and said, “This may be complicated.”