Second Chances (11 page)

              “Shhh.  She’ll hear you.”  Nick frowned.  “And no, she’s not my woman. At least not yet.”

              Paige swallowed and kept her wits about her.  In staring at her competition, whose skin was as smooth as peach and who’s cleavage sat at attention – she realized just how hard this woman was trying to get under her skin.  Paige smiled despite the anger that was coursing through her veins. Instead of giving her the response she could tell
Ronnie
was dying for, she slid her notepad in her smock and treated her like any other patron.

              “I’ll be right back with your drinks, ladies,” she said with a cool smile.  She wasn’t going to give in, and as she turned to walk with as much dignity as possible toward the kitchen, she could feel the daggers that Veronica was boring through her back.

              Nick watched her walk off with her head held high, and felt his chest constrict with emotion.  He heard the women snicker as she ducked around the corner, and made a split decision.  He wasn’t going to let them get the best of his woman.

              “Tyler, can you hang tight for a few minutes?” He asked, with his eyes still glued to the doorway, where Paige had disappeared.

              “Yeah, man.”  Tyler could see the wheels spinning in his friend’s head, and smirked.

              “Thanks.”  Nick rushed from his seat to find her.

Tyler chuckled, thinking his friend a true romantic, and knew whatever Nick had planned would make quite an impact.

Nick flew around the corner to find a very disheveled Paige, talking to herself as she angrily punched buttons on the register.

“They call me Ronnie.”  Paige mimicked as she placed their order. 

She was in such a state that she didn’t sense Nick until he was right next to her, laying a hand over hers as it frantically keyed in the rest of the order.

She looked up at him with despair, and asked, “Who orders a Caesar salad with no dressing?  There’s not even an option for that – that I know of.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, I have to get their order in.”

“No, you don’t.  They’re not going to stay and eat.  They’re only here to get under your skin.  They’ll probably walk out before their food arrives.”

His smooth voice was like a salve to her frayed spirit.  The light pressure of his hand on hers brought her back to the present.  She dragged in a breath, trying to release the anger she’d let resurface.

“You’re probably right.  How do you know?”  She cocked her head.

As she lifted her eyes toward his, he could see clarity in them.  Good – she wasn’t so distracted that she was at a loss.  Obviously, she’d been rattled.  Who wouldn’t be?  But, she wasn’t broken.  Nick’s heart lifted, knowing she’d be able to handle what came next.

He brought his hands to either side of her face and stepped in close.

“Don’t send the order to the kitchen.  Just place the order for the wine.”

She narrowed her eyes.  “How did you know they ordered wine?”

He sent her a lopsided grin that about knocked her over.

“I was listening to the whole thing. I pay attention when it comes to you.”  He stroked the side of her face with his thumb.

For the second time in ten minutes, Paige’s knees went weak.  It was then that she realized that drama that played out between she and Ronnie was just that – drama.  When she realized she was talking to ‘the other woman,' it wasn’t jealousy she felt - but disgrace.  As she looked up into Nick’s smoldering eyes, she felt more for him at that moment than she’d ever thought imaginable. Nothing between she and Davis came close to the fire that burned within her with just one touch from Nick.

Slowly, he dropped his hands to his side, and asked, “Do you trust me?”

Unable to speak, she nodded.  The adoration that shone through her eyes gave him the courage to push further.

“Get their wine, and take the glasses to the table.  Then just follow my lead, okay?”  Nick waited until she nodded once more before sending a quick wink and returning to his barstool.

As he approached Tyler, he noticed two things – his friend’s curious stare and the fact that the women, at the table behind them, had their heads together plotting.  If he timed this just right, he’d keep them from doing anything further to ruin Paige’s night, and he’d give his friend something to talk about for a while with his former teammates.  Just the thought of it gave him butterflies.

He slipped onto his barstool and waited for her to emerge with the two glasses, hoping everything went as planned.

“What gives?” Tyler smirked.

“Um, I’m either about to make a fool of myself, or I’ll be the guy on the white horse in time to save the fair maiden.”  Nick raised an eyebrow as he saw his favorite redhead walking in their direction, a glass in each hand.

He turned to Tyler and said, “Wish me luck.”

Tyler said nothing in return.  He had no idea when Nick agreed to meet him for dinner that he’d get such an entertaining evening.  He watched his buddy angle toward the table.

Just as Paige was carefully sliding two glasses of chardonnay toward the women with as professional demeanor as she could, she felt two arms come from behind her.

“Pardon me, ladies,” Nick said, with a hint of mischief in his eyes. 

In a flash, he spun Paige toward him and leaned her back before softly planting his lips on hers.  He expected to catch her by surprise. However, she was quick to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him with equal fervor.  As her tongue lightly entered his mouth, he softly groaned.  What he expected to be a short soft kiss ended up being powerful enough to knock them both for a loop, and the passion he unlocked within Paige took him for surprise.

To Veronica’s horror, as he leaned her back for their sudden public display of affection, Paige knocked the glass of wine into her lap.  She shrieked and reached for a napkin to blot her new pants dry, as Tonya sat shell shocked watching the whole thing unfold in front of them.

Nick pulled Paige up and softly withdrew from her lips.  Dazed, she still stood with her back to the women unaware of the commotion behind her.

“I’ve waited a long time for that.”  He temporarily took his focus off Paige to address the other women at the table.  “Now if you ladies, and I use that term loosely, will excuse us.  We have to go somewhere more private.”

“You’re getting my dry cleaning bill!” Veronica stood, still trying to salvage her pants.

Paige saw the bright red stain on her cream sweater and jeans and bit her lip to keep from laughing.  Both Veronica and her friend were bustling to get their purses and jackets together.

“I think Paige has paid for enough when it comes to you and Davis.  Your boyfriend can handle your dry cleaning.” Nick sent them a smirk, before softly tugging Paige’s hands.  “Come on.”

“Where are we going?”  She stared at him in awe.

As he led her the front door, he quickly said out of earshot to Tyler, “We’ll be right back.”

After they made their grand exit, Nick promptly pulled her around the corner of the building in time to spy on Veronica and Tonya, as they stormed toward their car.

Paige almost couldn’t contain her joy, as the two shrieked their way to the car, grumbling about Ronnie’s pants and how Nick had ruined everything. As they tumbled into their BMW and tore off into the night, Nick pulled Paige in for another taste of what he’d experienced inside. 

As his full lips danced with hers, she felt like everything around them stood still.  The sounds of nearby highway and commuter traffic faded away, as if they were the only two people on the face of the earth. If it weren’t for the fact that there was a stiff chill in the air, and she had on a short tight jersey, she could have stayed there all night. 

“I never knew,” she said, her teeth chattering.

“Knew what ...”   He kissed her neck, which felt cool to the touch.  “You’re cold.  Let’s get you back inside.”

“I never knew kissing could be that nice.”  She reached for his face and pulled him down once more.

Nick softly reached to either side of her head, filling his hands with her hair.  As he inhaled her sweet scent, he leaned in once more.

“Nick,” she said, pulling back.  “I can’t believe you just did that.”

“What?  Kiss you?”

“No!  Well, yes, but I can’t believe that you handled those two.  I don’t know how to thank you for what you did in there.  That reminds me - I need to get back to work.”

“I couldn’t let them get away with trying to hurt you.”

“Thank you.”  Her face shone brightly under the moonlit sky.

“Hey, I was serious about going somewhere more private.  I’d like to take you out on a date.”  Nick took her by the hand and walked her to the front door.

“I’d love to.”  Her stomach flipped. She felt like she could take on the world -  that is until they stepped inside, and she saw her station filling up.  “Ugh.”

“Sorry.”  He sheepishly smiled and then nodded to Tyler, who was still patiently waiting for him.

Paige spun around to face him and lifted to her toes to softly kiss his cheek.  “It was well worth it.  Thank you for all you did tonight.  I felt like I’d walked into an angry hornet’s nest – and you saved me from disaster.”

He bowed down in jest, saying, “Anytime.  And this should cover the wine.”  He pulled a couple of twenty dollar bills from his wallet.  “Keep the change.”

It might have been a little overkill, but it got the payoff he was looking for.  Paige sent him a dazzling smile, which had him wishing they were alone again.

She lifted her hand and waved. “See you later, okay?” 

“Definitely.”

Paige started to leave, but paused and bit her lip.  He looked to her mouth and so desperately wanted to kiss her again.

On a whim, Paige did something next that she could have kicked herself for, but it was out of her mouth before she could stop herself.

“Hey, I’ve got a family dinner coming up at my parents’ tomorrow night.  Want to come?  My mom makes a mean lasagna.”

“That would be nice.”  He nodded softly.

Paige nodded and walked backwards toward her station keeping her eyes on the prize.

“See you at seven - and bring Katie.”

As she rushed off to greet her tables, a myriad of emotions washed over her.  She cocked her head, surprised that she wasn’t more shook up over facing her ex’s mistress.  The fact that she let Ronnie walk away unscathed meant she’d definitely moved on.  She raised her hand and lightly touched her lips, smiling at the memory of Nick’s heated kiss. 

Part of her thanked Ronnie.  If it weren’t for her, she wouldn’t have had the guts to move forward – and after experiencing one kiss from Nick, she knew Davis was a thing of the past.

Nick walked back to Tyler as if he were the tallest man in the room.  He felt more confident than he had in years.  With his ex-wife, he knew his status had initially drawn her toward him.  In retrospect, he wasn’t surprised that she left him after his career ended.  She’d always been infatuated with the limelight.

Now, here he was chasing Paige – someone he’d always wished he had a chance with but never had the nerve to make it happen.  In remembering her reaction, he wanted to walk across the room and whisk her out to his truck for more.  With one kiss, she gave him more satisfaction than when he won MVP at the Superbowl. 

Nick smiled, thinking back to his school days when he’d always imagined what it would be like to be with her.  He took one more glance toward Paige, as she greeted the table across the room, thankful that as a man, he now knew that one kiss from her fulfilled every childhood fantasy and then some.

Chapter 20

            
 
As her Maya set out the flatware, Paige reached for a pitcher of iced tea to set it on the kitchen island, marveling at her mother’s efficient flow in the kitchen.  Serena Knight’s house ran like clockwork, and as ever – she was in tune with all around her.  Everything was timed to the second to when it came from the oven to when it was set on the table.

              As Frank exited his study, the smells of homemade lasagna and bread wafted through his home.  His mouth water as the smells of his wife’s cooking accosted his senses. He was about to reach for his paper and settle into his easy chair when he heard the front door open.  He looked toward the entryway, with a silent smile, as his grandkids entered. He chuckled as Sam’s son, Conner, coming in last, looking like he’d been walking for miles. 

              Frank quickly stood and threw open his arms to embrace him. “Look what the cat dragged in.  Why are you about to fall flat on your face?”

              Conner looked to his grand-dad and stumbled into his embrace saying, “Coach Granger ran us ragged today at practice.”

              “Yeah,” His daughter-in-law Amelia walked in just in time to catch the tail end of their conversation. “Why don’t you tell your grandfather why Coach had you running laps today.” 

              Frank looked down to his grandson, who sent him an angelic smile.

              “What?  He thought I was more interested in talking to the cheerleaders than I was in listening to what he had to say.”  Conner shrugged.  “Can I help it if they were trying to talk to me?”

              Frank laughed at his grandson and patted him on the back when he felt a tug at his pants.

“Hey, Papa.  What about me?” Stacy, Sam and Amelia’s youngest child, clambered for attention.

He reached to scoop her up, thankful he still had a little one to spoil.

“How’s my little girl?”  He rubbed noses with her, and kissed her cheek.

“Hungry!”  She wrestled out of his arms and ran into the kitchen.  “Granny!  I’m hungry.”

As they watched her disappear around the corner, Sam leaned down to kiss his wife on the cheek, and said,  “Let’s eat.”

“Slow down. We’re still waiting for a couple more to show up.”  Frank’s eyes gleamed with intrigue.

“Really? Who?”  Sam narrowed his eyes.

“Nick and Katie.”  Frank watched Sam’s face for any signs of awareness, hoping for insight into Nick and his intentions toward Paige. 

Sam’s face lit up.  “It’s about time.”

Frank’s heart swelled with relief, but still needed more.  “Is our Paige in store for more heartache? The last thing I want is for her to fall for someone else who doesn’t deserve her.”

Sam clasped his hand on his dad’s shoulder, and led him toward the kitchen, whispering, “Don’t worry, dad.  He’s perfect for her.”

Paige flitted around the kitchen, from one section to the next hoping everything was set.  She looked to the place settings and the glasses, kicking herself for jumping the gun in inviting Nick over to eat with the family.  

Knight family dinners were known for open discussions, and no subjects were ever off limits.  She wrapped her arms around her stomach, feeling like she could throw up at any minute.  With her family’s track record, who knew how far they’d go.

Maya snuck up behind her sister and softly bumped hips with her.  “Stop worrying.  It’s going to be fine.”

“Wait till you bring someone over you like and tell me how you feel.”

Maya laughed, and popped a piece of bread into her mouth, saying, “That would never happen.  I can never make up my mind.”

Paige rolled her eyes and laughed.  “That’s right.  You’re on to the next guy before you’ve even finished a date with the first.  How long did the last one last?  A week … a month?”

“Two weeks.”  Maya nodded emphatically.

“Oh, brother.”  Paige put her arm around her sister and pulled her in.

As Sam entered the kitchen, his spirit soared.  One of the things he loved best about Sunday afternoons was dinners with his whole family.  As his daughter was begging for some french bread, and his son was sulking in the corner complaining of fatigue, his mom was attending to them both.  While Amelia was putting the final touches on the salad, his father settled into his easy chair, which had a vantage point to take them all in. Sam’s gaze finally fell on his sisters, who were whispering across the room.  He made a bee-line for them.

“What’s the big secret?”  He grinned, already knowing Paige must be ready to come unglued.  He could see the tension in her eyes.

“Paige’s boyfriend is coming over.” Maya teased, only to be met with a glare.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” she said between her teeth.

Sam laughed at Paige’s outburst, as she was usually the mediator between him and Maya.  He found it comical that he was playing that role at the moment.

“Put your claws back in, Paige.”  He softly squeezed them her hands.  “Maya’s only giving you a hard time.”

Paige slumped into her brother’s arms. “I know.  I’m sorry.  I haven’t had a chance to catch my breath since last night and the fact that he’s coming over so soon after is so … scary.”

“What happened last night?”  Her siblings asked in unison.

Paige laughed at their wide eyes and was about to fill them in when the doorbell rang. 

“I guess I’ll have to tell you in later.”  She grinned and headed for the foyer.

“Tease!”  Maya called out behind her.

Katie watched her dad fidget with his tie, and laid her hand on his arm, trying to soothe his nerves.

“You look great.  Don’t worry.” 

Nick took a deep breath, and slowly spun the bottle of wine in his hands, saying, “Thanks.  Who knew dating was this hard?  It was never like this with your mom.”

Katie grinned.  “Maybe that’s a good thing.  If you’re this nervous, it means she’s worth it.”

Nick stopped and contemplated his daughter’s wise words.  She was right.  He’d not slept a wink all night wondering what he’d gotten himself into, with a family dinner this early on – but Paige was all about family.  And the Knights were a part of the package.  The fact that she invited him and Katie over meant that she thought he was worth it too. 

As Paige opened the door, he hoped they were dressed appropriately for the occasion.  Since Katie didn’t own a dress, he made her wear her nicest jeans and a simple sweater. He sorted through his closet until he found something suitable. In looking at his tie, which hadn’t seen daylight in over a year, he prayed he hit the mark. 

Dressing to impress had been imperative, so when he saw her look of approval, he relaxed his hands and released the tension that had been flooding through him while they stood on the porch.

“You clean up nice.”  Her eyes locked with his, as memories of last night’s kiss came flooding back.  She was about to lean forward to kiss him on the cheek until she remembered Katie.  She immediately covered her brazen attempt at flirting by commenting on her attire.  “You look beautiful, Katie.  Come in and tell me where you got that sweater.”

Thankfully Paige’s focus on Katie took the heat off Nick, as he stood unsure of how to act after last night.  He wanted more than anything than to take Paige into his arms, but with his daughter by his side, it wasn’t the right time.  And, as he was entering Frank Knight’s home, it definitely wasn’t the right place.

              Considering the wash of emotions that was flowing through her, the evening went fairly well.  Her family was on their best behavior.  She was thankful no one asked Nick any embarrassing questions, especially after leaving her siblings hanging about any details from the previous night.  She was sure either of them could easily throw her under the bus, but they kept their curiosity in check.

When her father asked Nick to say grace before dinner, she knew it was a test, but it was one that he passed with flying colors. Considering he and his daughter attended the same church service as her parents, she shouldn’t have been surprised to see him step up with ease and bless the food but she was.  When he bowed his head, and his rich voice filled the room to pray, another part of her heart was claimed.  He fit in well with her family – much more than Davis ever could. At that moment, she peeked one eye open to catch a glimpse of him only to see her mother doing to same to her.  Paige pursed her lips and gave her mom a look as she winked at Paige from the across the table.  Paige dutifully closed her eyes once more to say, ‘amen,’ as the group proceeded to pass the food around the table.

Throughout the evening, she was relieved that the conversation focused on football or Katie, with nothing coming up about Paige and Nick or the status of their friendship.  After dessert, she looked to her lap, hoping to get a chance for some alone time with him but unsure of how to make that happen.

As if her mother could read her mind, Serena stood and placed her napkin on the table, saying, “Conner, Katie … would you help me clear the table?”

Paige looked at her mother with wide eyes, as Serena would normally never ask a guest to help her clean up.  She was even more shocked when her nephew obliged.  She watched the three start clearing plates and smiled in thanks to her mother.

As Serena gave her daughter a look of reassurance, she laid her hand on Katie’s arm and said,  “Thanks for your help, dear.”

“Sure.”  Katie shrugged.  It wasn’t out of the ordinary for her to help out after dinner.  She took care of that role in her own home now that her mother was gone.

Serena watched the young girl exit toward the kitchen and smiled.  Having her company in the kitchen would accomplish two things.  Not only would it help her get acquainted with Katie, but it would also allow Nick and Paige some time together.  She just hoped the rest of her family took her cue.

“Nick?” Serena paused in the doorway as the kids reached for more plates from the table.

He stood.  “Yes, ma’am.”

“Grab your jacket.  Paige can show you where we keep the lemonade out back.”

Paige cocked her head and sent her mom a knowing smile.  There always a fresh jug in the spare refrigerator off the back porch for nights when her parents would sit outside under the stars. 

Paige rose to softly kiss her mom on the cheek, and said, “That’s sweet.  We’ll be out back.” 

“That’s the plan.” Serena sent her a quick wink. “Have fun.”

Nick looked to Paige, who nodded for him to follow her.  He didn’t think twice about leaving the group behind, but his good manners gave him pause.  Out of obligation, he looked over his shoulder and said, “Thanks for dinner, Mrs. Knight. Mr. Knight …”

Frank interrupted, saying, “Call me Frank.”

“Do you all want to join us?”  Nick silently prayed they’d say no.

Sam chuckled.  “I think we’ll be just fine in here.  Stacy’s going to crash at any minute.”  Sam looked to his four-year-old, who crawled into his wife’s lap for comfort.

Relieved, Nick gave a small two-fingered salute and followed Paige to the screened back porch.  Once outside, he felt his way along the back of the home, hoping not to trip on something on the way.  Paige promptly struck a match to light a small lantern. 

“Is that better?”  She nervously laughed.  Growing up, they’d spent enough time out here after every dinner that she could navigate it blind.  However after nightfall,  the thick trees blocked any additional light the sky could offer.  Someone who wasn’t used to it – would have a lot more trouble. 

The floor creaked under his feet as he settled into an old rocker.  He nodded, hoping it would support his weight.  As the scent of the woods penetrated the air around them, he took a deep breath in. 

“This is nice.”  He leaned forward to search her face.  The lantern’s light illuminated her red hair, making it look like she had a crown of a blazing fire.

“So - that didn’t go too bad.”  She brought her knees up and wound her arms around them, as she rocked in her chair.

“No, not at all.  Did your mom say something about lemonade?”

“Oh! I’m sorry.” She jumped up and reached for the small refrigerator, which sat in the corner of the enclosed patio.  When she pulled the jug from inside, she noticed two glasses sitting on the counter next to her, as if waiting for them.

“I think my mom had every detail of tonight planned.”  Paige chuckled.  “ She even put these out.”

“Your parents are as nice as I remember them.”

She cocked her head.  “You’re still friends with Sam.  Haven’t you been over since you’ve moved back?”

“Why would I need to meet the parents to hang with Sam?  I’m not into him that way.”  Nick stood and crossed the floor intently, taking the glasses from her and placing them back on the counter. 

“You’re not, huh?”  She softly asked, and tilted her chin. 

As he leaned into her, Paige felt like melting. She quickly braced herself against the counter, but soon released her grip as the pressure of his body was more than enough to keep her in place.

Nick softly slipped his hands inside her pea coat and pulled her hips toward him. “I’m not.  But I have a thing for his sister.” He dipped down and softly nuzzled her neck.