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A Team of Love Ch. 01

By: simply_cyn



Author's Note: Dedicated to all the gorgeous NFL quarterbacks who give us the imagination to dream {THUD}

* * * * *

"That was the latest hit by Aerosmith from the movie Armageddon, which is still showing in a local theater near you." Bradley Ryan looked over the table and mike to his co-host, Raelyn Ballard. She was still laughing at the joke he had told right before their mikes were turned back on after the song. He grinned at her as he continued. "Rumor has it they will come to the coliseum sometime in the near future."

"That's right," Raelyn interjected, finally getting a hold of herself. "No official announcements have been made as to any specific dates but it should be some time this fall." She smiled over at Bradley, adjusting her headphones. 

"I love that band! Just when you think they're gone, they pop right up again with a hit like this one."

"I love that song," Raelyn added enthusiastically. "One of our listeners called in during the last song and said that it made her want to make love to the radio." 

Bradley laughed hysterically. "You've got to be kidding?!"

"No!" she replied, her soft laughter joining his. "She was dead serious!" They both laughed for a moment.

"Speaking of which, we've just received word that our studio guest has just arrived."

"What does that have to do with what we were just talking about?" Raelyn asked, laughing at her partner. 

"I don't know," he admitted. "I just had to fit it into the conversation." Raelyn shook her head at him, laughing at his antics. "Anyway, J.T. Young, the quarterback of our new professional football team is joining us this morning."

"That's right," Raelyn added. "Pre-season opens Sunday at Ranger Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I can't wait."

"Are you going to the game?" Bradley asked, taking a sip of his coffee. Looking over at the phone system, he could see the listener lines already lighting up. Having J.T. as a guest was going to help their ratings ... that could already be seen.

"No," she admitted. "I'd rather sit at home and watch it. I've found that the best seat to a professional football game is in my recliner and above all, it's free."

"Yeah," Bradley argued, "But it's not the same as being there. You've got to actually be in the stadium to soak up the atmosphere. . ."

"And the beer, and the mess, and the stink," she added for him.

"Stink?" he asked, laughing at her. 

"People stink," she argued back, wrinkling her nose. "You never know who you're going to be sitting by and with my luck, it's someone who sweats like old socks in this Texas heat and can't hold onto their beer. The first big play and boom! It's all over me!"

Bradley laughed at her, shaking his head. "That's a nice picture you've painted for us, Raelyn."

"Well, it's the truth. If I'm going to pay that much for a ticket, I want to watch the game, not hold my nose and worry about my outfit being ruined by the slob sitting next to me."

Bradley laughed again. "We'll take a break while our guest gets settled. We'll be back in a few with J.T. Young. Stay tuned!" Then turning on a song by The Backstreet Boys, he hung up his headphones and looked across the table at Raelyn as she did the same, grabbing her cup of coffee. "You're crazy, Raelyn. Now we're going to get a bunch of calls from rabid fans who want to argue that point for thirty minutes."

"Oh, Bradley," she laughed, heading out the door and to the coffee maker, "You know you love it when I stir things up a bit. You just go get J.T. You want anything?"

"No," he answered, heading out the other door. Raelyn stopped for a minute, watching him through the glass window as he walked up to a tall man outside the booth. It was J.T. Young, and Raelyn couldn't help but be impressed by him. He stood about as tall as her father had been, well over six feet. He had thick blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Raelyn smiled to herself and then headed out the other door and to the coffee maker.

When Raelyn made it back into the booth, Bradley was setting up J.T.'s headphones and explaining to him about the mike system. Their mikes were set up on a bar surrounding the switch board and cd systems. Raelyn's system was set up closest to J.T. She smiled at him as she nodded to her coffee. "Can I get you a cup of coffee?" she offered.

J.T. looked up and then smiled at her; instant appreciation for Raelyn's looks lighting up his eyes. "No, I've had my limit," he answered, his eyes traveling slowly over her, starting at her feet and then traveling upward to finally rest on her face. When their eyes met, Raelyn's were blazing at his visual assault. She quickly sat down on her stool, adjusted her mike, and put her headphones back on, not offering anything more to him. Inwardly she was seething. 'He had some nerve,' was all that she could think as Bradley readjusted his headphones and get set to go. Looking over at Raelyn, he nodded and then turned on their sets.

"We're back!" he announced. "And we found J.T. Young in the process." Smiling over at J.T., Bradley nodded to him. "Welcome to our humble abode," he said.

"It's good to be here," he answered, casting another glance over to Raelyn. 

Raelyn didn't look at him as she asked, "Everyone is asking the same question, J.T. How are the Rangers going to do this year and can you pull off an initial win against the Superbowl Champion Steelers after last year's losing season?"

J.T. continued to watch her, wondering if he had done something to piss her off. "Well, we're sure going to try, Raelyn. We've worked on some new plays and perfected the old ones." 

Raelyn glanced over at him, wondering if he was egotistical as everyone had said. It was apparent that he was used to getting his way with any woman he came across and Raelyn couldn't help but wonder if he thought the same thing about her. "Is that going to be enough?" she asked, raising one eyebrow at him.

"We hope so!" he answered, grinning at her. Damn, if she wasn't beautiful. Violet eyes clashed with his as Raelyn raised her cocoa-brown eyebrows at him. "We're not starting off pre-season with any thoughts of losing, if that's what you're asking."

"I'm only asking if we are in store for a repeat of last season's losing streak. True, last year the Rangers were the NFL's newest expansion team," she quickly retorted, her lavender eyes blazing. "But now you've had a full season under your belts. I think our listeners deserve to know what kind of team we have this year."

Bradley jumped in quickly, realizing that for some reason Raelyn was ready to tear J.T. apart on public radio. "Whoa girl!" he laughed. "I think everyone knows that last year is gone and a lot of changes have been made to ensure that won't happen again."

"That's right," J.T. agreed. "We made some coaching changes and re-signed some free agents we were afraid of losing. There have been some changes made within the team, hoping that a new position would better suit some. The opener against Pittsburgh will be tough, about that we're sure, but we're confident that we can pull off a good game." He glanced over at Raelyn again, taking in her stunning blonde hair, the lavender eyes that sparkled mischievously, the delicate features, and that unexpectedly sensual mouth. Their eyes locked for a moment and Raelyn recognized the desire that burned in J.T.'s expression and she couldn't help but react. Her eyes widened momentarily as she struggled to form a smile on uncooperative lips. Her gaze drank in his tanned features - those remarkable blue eyes; the long, straight nose; that stubborn cleft chin of his; the light blonde hair just showing beneath his cap. Not wanting to, but doing it anyway, Raelyn had to admit that he was handsome, in a rugged sort of way. She blinked, suddenly gaining back her composure . . . the spell broken between them.

"That all sounds good and fine . . ." she began.

"What time does the game begin Sunday night?" Bradley asked, determined to keep Raelyn at bay.

"Kick-off is at 7:00," J.T. answered. Raelyn watched him, reveling in the low, pleasant sound of his voice. She could've kicked herself for reacting this way to him. He was a professional football player and she had been around enough of them in her career and former life to realize that he was a user and a taker. In her opinion, all of them were. They took what they could get from people, only to throw them away when they had gotten from them what they needed or wanted. She had to admit that there had been a few that were not that way, but big players and the money makers were, by far, the worst . . . and J.T., in her opinion, was both of those.

Bradley spent the next twenty minutes fielding calls from listeners who wanted to talk to and question J.T. Most were women - no surprise to Raelyn! As Bradley wrapped up the interview and went to commercial, he looked over at Raelyn, asking with his eyes what the hell her problem was?! She just rolled her eyes at him, grabbed her cup of coffee and headed out the door. J.T. shook Bradley's hand. "Sorry, man," Bradley said, shaking his hand, shrugging. "I don't know what got into her."

"It's okay," J.T. assured him, smiling. "I think I pissed her off for some reason."

"Let me walk you out," Bradley offered.

"That's okay," he assured him, pushing in his stool and headed for the door. "I think I can find my way out."

"Thanks for coming and good luck Sunday," Bradley called after him, wondering what had happened in here that he hadn't caught. It was apparent by watching them both that they were attracted to each other. He just couldn't figure out what had happened with Raelyn.

As J.T. exited the door, he ran right into Raelyn, up righting her cup of coffee onto the floor and all over the front of her white silk blouse. "Shit!" she gasped, jumping back at the sudden collision and heat that scalded the front of her blouse.

"Oh god . . ." J.T. exclaimed. "I'm so sorry," he said, automatically reaching up to brush her off, his hands coming into direct contact with her breasts. 

"Excuse me!" Raelyn exploded, pushing back his hands. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"No . . . I didn't mean . . ." Suddenly J.T. broke into laughter, and Raelyn was shocked at the genuine laugh that came out of his mouth, his eyes sparkling.

"I don't know what the hell you think is so funny," Raelyn spat out, brushing at the front of her blouse. "You've completely ruined my new blouse."

J.T. struggled to gain control of his laughter at what he had done. Lord knows, he hadn't meant to reach out and touch her, but . . . now that he had; he wanted to do it again. Damn, if she wasn't the most enticing creature he had met in a long time. And what made her even more appealing was the fact that she was doing everything she could to get away from him. He was more used to the exact opposite from the women he met. They were usually falling all over him, making him and themselves look like fools.

"I'm sorry," he said, smiling at her as he reached over to the table that stood beside them, full of napkins, sugar packets, coffee stirrers and such. He came back with a load of napkins, thrusting a handful of them at her as he stooped down to wipe the spilt coffee off the tile floor. "I guess I wasn't watching where I was going."

Raelyn took the napkins, doing her best to wipe off the coffee, but knowing it was of no use. The blouse was ruined. "I guess you weren't," she said, frantically wiping at her shirt and then said, "It's no use. It's ruined . . . completely ruined."

J.T. stood up again, an apologetic look on his face. "God . . . I feel awful."

Raelyn looked up into his face. He had to be a good six inches taller than her. The look on his face registered his embarrassment at the incident and she smiled at him, despite herself. "It's okay . . . really."

"The least I could do is buy you another one," he offered, taking the napkins from her and disposing of them in the nearest trash receptacle.

"No, that's okay," she said, shaking her head at him. "That's not necessary."

"Then at least let me buy you another cup of coffee," he said, his blue eyes sparkling at her.

"It's free and right down the hall," she pointed out.

J.T. laughed good-naturedly as she smiled at him. "You've got me there," he said. Raelyn took one last look at her blouse as she sighed, picking up another styrophone cup from the table next to them.

"Well, it's been real," she said, turning back down the hallway. J.T. watched her retreating form for a moment before jogging down the hall to catch up with her once again.

"So if you won't let me buy you a new blouse or a cup of coffee, how about coming to the game on Sunday?" Raelyn turned, surprised to see him at her side once again.

"Boy, you just don't give up, do you?" she asked, perplexed at his persistence to hound her. 

"No, not really," he said, watching her. "That's kinda how I got my nickname in college. It was Timex, you know . . . "Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'"." 

Raelyn laughed despite herself. There was something about him that intrigued her, despite all her reservations about professional football players. Maybe it was the way his sandy blonde hair curled at the nape of his neck, or those damned blue eyes that never let loose of hers, but she found herself suddenly wanting to go. "I don't think so," she heard herself saying. 

"Oh, come on Raelyn. You'll enjoy it. I promise," he said, flashing that grin of his at her one last time.

Raelyn stood for a moment, indecisive and then found herself saying, "Okay. I guess I could come to the game." At his smile, she added, "But only if I can bring a friend."

"Uh, sure," J.T. said, suddenly catching himself wondering who she wanted to bring to a Ranger game. "Let me have your address and phone number and I'll bring the tickets to you."

"Nice try," she said, tilting her head at him. "Just leave the tickets at the front gate and we'll pick them up there."

"You can at least give me your number," he persisted. "I might need to get a hold of you. You know . . . in case something comes up."

She gave him a level look and then said, "Nothing will come up." She smiled at him one last time, turning back down the hall. J.T. smiled to himself as he watched Raelyn walk up the corridor and then disappear around the bend. She was one hell of a woman and he eagerly anticipated the next time he would see her!

"Are you excited about going to the football game?" Raelyn said, looking over into the seat next to her. "Mommy can't wait to see the Rangers play."

A pair of big blue eyes looked up from the seat beside Raelyn in her little Mazda Protégé'. "I can't wait!" came the excited chatter. "We're gonna go see the football players and the man riding the horse."

"That's right," Raelyn said, reaching over to smooth her daughter's hair away from her sparkling eyes, full of excitement and wonder. Summer had never been to a professional football game that she could remember and Raelyn was excited about taking her, and she even found herself getting a little excited about it as well. It had been almost two years since she had been to a professional football game and she could feel the old excitement of the game to come welling up inside her.

"Can I have a coke and popcorn and a pickle?" Summer asked, turning her head to look at her mother. "Please . . .!"

"How can I resist that?" Raelyn laughed. "Okay." The rest of the drive was spent singing with the songs that came over the radio. Raelyn was tuned to her station of course, listening to the national countdown that they always played on Sunday mornings. It cost five bucks just to park and Raelyn shook her head. Prices sure had gone up since the last time she had been to a stadium. When they finally found a parking place, Raelyn helped Summer out of the car and they started for the nearest gate.

When they got there, she made her way to the ticket booth. "Hi," she said to the older lady sitting behind the Plexiglas. "Tickets for Raelyn Ballard."

The lady sifted through her envelopes, finally coming across Raelyn's name. "Two tickets?"

"That's correct," she said, turning her head to look down at Summer. She was looking around; pointing to everything she could see . . . balloons, cotton candy . . . whatever her eyes touched.

"Here you go Ms. Ballard. Enjoy the game."

"Thank you," Raelyn said, reaching for the envelope. Turning to Summer, she said, "Okay. Ready?'

"Ready!" Summer replied. As soon as they got through the gates, Summer started begging for everything she saw. "Can I have one of those big finger things?"

"You don't need that," Raelyn replied, shaking her head. She checked her tickets and made her way over to a help counter. "Excuse me?"

"Yes ma'am?" A young man turned to find Raelyn standing in front of him. "How can I help you?"

"I'm sorry, but I don't see what section I'm sitting in printed on this ticket."

The young man reached out, taking the slips of paper from her and then smiled. "These aren't tickets for seats," he said. "These are VIP passes."

"So, what does that mean?" Raelyn asked, confusion clouding her beautiful face. "We don't have a seat for the game?"

"Oh, yes ma'am," he replied. Then pointing behind her he said, "Do you see that elevator over there?"

Raelyn turned to see a guard standing beside a gated elevator. She turned back to him, "Yeah?"

"Just go show the officer this pass and he'll let you go up. When you get to the top, just go in and make yourself at home."

"Is there a certain floor I should press?" Raelyn asked, still not sure she understood what these passes were for. J.T. said he would leave tickets, not passes.

"Oh, no ma'am," he laughed. "That elevator goes directly to the VIP room."

"The VIP room?" she repeated. "Are you sure this is where I'm supposed to go?"

"Yes ma'am," he replied, handing her the passes once more.

"Well, okay," she said, shrugging her shoulders. Then turning to her young daughter, said, "Okay, let's go get something to drink."

"Excuse me, ma'am?" the young man said.

Raelyn looked up. "Yes?"

"You won't need to buy a drink or anything. Everything you might need is already up there. It's complimentary."

"You're kidding!" Raelyn was surprised. What had J.T. done?

"No ma'am," he replied, smiling at her. "It's high class." When Raelyn just turned around and stared at the elevator, he added, "You should go and enjoy it. It's real nice from what I hear."

Raelyn turned back around and said, "Thanks for everything. You've been a real help."

"You're welcome," came the reply.

Raelyn looked down once more at her daughter, grasping her hand. "Are you ready?'

"Let's go!" came her enthusiastic answer. 

When the elevator opened, Raelyn stifled the gasp of amazement that came to her mouth. She had to be in the wrong place! This booth was absolutely gorgeous. Just as you walked in and to the left, a huge buffet table was set up with all kinds of finger foods, drinks, and utensils. Directly in front of her sat leather seats, stadium style, but further apart in a down sloping manner so each guest could see the game. Soft music played over the intercom during warm-up. Summer broke the trance Raelyn stood in. "Wow! This is cool!"

Raelyn looked down at her and smiled. "You're right." She looked back up and around them before adding, "This is definitely cool!" 

"Welcome to Ranger stadium!" 

Raelyn looked over to her right to see the smiling face of a statuesque black woman, the undeniably gorgeous wife of one of the players. "Hi!" came her quick reply, wondering who this beautiful woman was now standing before her.

"J.T. told us to expect you," she said, offering a hand. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Jewelicia Williams, but everyone just calls me Jewel. I'm married to Terrell Williams."


A Team of Love Ch. 01



"Oh," Raelyn replied, shaking her outstretched hand. "Terrell is J.T.'s favorite receiver, right?"

"Yeah," she laughed. "I guess you could say that." And then leaning over to smile at Summer, added, "Now who is cute bundle of smiles?"

Raelyn smiled down at her daughter, placing a hand on top of her head. "This is Summer. Can you say hi to Miss Jewel?"

"Hi!" came the enthusiastic reply.

"How old are you sweetie?" Jewel asked, sitting on her heels as she spoke to the cute kindergartner.

"Five," Summer replied, holding up five fingers. "How old are you?"

"Summer, that's not really a nice question to ask adults!" Raelyn laughed.

"Why not? She asked me," the vivacious blonde pointed out.

"She has a point," Jewel replied, smiling up at Raelyn. Then looking back at Summer, answered her question. "I'm thirty-four."

"Wow! You're older than my mommy." 

Raelyn covered her mouth in shock as Jewel laughed. "Summer!"

"It's okay," Jewel laughed, straightening back up. "She's a living doll, Raelyn. You must be very proud."

After laughing she said, "I am. I just never know what's going to come out of her mouth."

"It's their age," Jewel commented, looking back down at Summer.

"Mommy, can I go get a coke?"

"I don't know," Raelyn said, looking to the left at the buffet table.

"No, it's okay," Jewel assured her. Then turning to Summer, said, "Just go tell that young man standing over by the table what you want. You see him? He has the red shirt on."

"Yes ma'am," she answered and then looking back over at Summer. "Is it okay, mommy?"

"Sure sweetie," she replied, ruffling her blonde hair once more. "Just don't get into any trouble, okay?"

"Okay!" she said, skipping off towards the table.

Turning back to Jewel, she said, "Thanks. I appreciate it. You're real good with her. You have any children of your own?'

"No," she replied, shaking her head. "We haven't really thought about it yet. Terrell's busy with his career and I have a lot to do being in charge of the Wife's Charities." Raelyn just nodded her head as she looked around once more. Jewel watched her for a moment and then asked, "So, how did you and J.T. meet?"

"He had an interview at my radio station on Friday," Raelyn said.

"That's right!" she said, shaking her finger at her. "You work for KSTV, the station that jams!"

"Well," Raelyn laughed. "That's what the promoters would like for you to think!" 

"I like that station," Jewel commented. "You guys play a real good selection of music."

"We try," Raelyn said, smiling at her new-found friend. 

"As always, the Rangers are led onto the field by number ten, J.T. Young." Pat Summeral, one of the FOX commentators turned to his partner, John Madden.

"That's right. Young started with the Rangers last year, despite attempts to lure him into Dallas. Lucky for San Antonio, he chose to stick it out with the Rangers this year and try to go for a winning season."

"They're going to need one after last year, especially if the Rangers have any hopes of a play-off berth." 

Inside the VIP booth, the television broadcast was playing on two monitors and the sound was being piped over the loudspeaker system. As Raelyn watched the game through the huge plate-glass window, she listened to the announcers calling the game play by play: 'Young outside to Williams. Young back to throw. Young did the right thing. It looked as if the ball was there. Someone must have had a hand in there somewhere.'

Suddenly J.T. had no choice but to be into a shotgun position and the Rangers were called with a false start penalty. In the next shotgun play, his pass was batted back and then the very next call was a punt. Again Raelyn tuned into the announcers. "When he's on his toes, Young can really drill it. I've seen him shoot some real zingers, straight from the pocket, for the score."

"That's right Pat. He's got great hands, and he can fake-pump with the best of them, but he's going to need better protection." Like they knew exactly what was coming, Raelyn watched as J.T. pitched the ball back to his fullback, only to wind up on his back. She grimaced as she watched him slowly rise from his knees, angrily unsnapping his chin strap.

Raelyn quickly got caught up in the action of the game and forgot all about being in the VIP booth. Having been previously married to another professional football player, she'd been an enthusiastic football fan overall, really enjoying the professional games she had attended. It was evident enough to her that J.T. was not having a good game. She found herself yelling in the booth, biting her lip, nervously chewing on her thumbnail, and encouraging J.T. to do better.

"You know," Jewel smiled, leaning over to her ear. "He can't hear you from here."

"Oh god," Raelyn laughed, suddenly remembering where she was. "I keep forgetting we're up in this blasted booth!"

"You know, you're the first woman J.T.'s brought to a game that's actually enjoyed it. He would do good to hold onto you."

"Holding on requires that you're together, and we're not!" Raelyn quickly pointed out.

"Have you told J.T. that?" Jewel questioned, one eyebrow rising skeptically.

"Trust me," she said, looking back out at the game. "He knows."

"So how do you know so much about the game?" Jewel asked, taking a sip of her coke as she eyed Raelyn. "You sure seem to know a lot about what's going on out there."

Raelyn took a deep breath, looking over at Jewel. "Well," she began a little hesitantly. "I used to be married to a professional football player."

"Really?" Jewel said, almost choking on her drink. "I didn't know that. Who?"

"Well, I really don't talk about it. He was a real jerk," she added.

"Point taken," she said, looking back to the game. "I won't say another word."

"I appreciate it," she said. After a moment, she turned to Jewel once more. "My father was a high-school football coach as well and I practically grew up on the sidelines of a football field. Pro football is a little different, but the concepts are the same."

"Well, you're just full of surprises Raelyn Ballard," Jewel laughed. "No wonder J.T. is so smitten."

Suddenly the crowd booed another Steeler touchdown, and Raelyn could see J.T. conferring with an offensive coach on sidelines, a Ranger cap on his head, shaking his head vigorously as he listened, or argued. Raelyn wasn't sure which to tell the truth! 

During halftime, Raelyn had to drag Summer away from the buffet table, afraid they were going to be kicked out because of her kindergartner's appetite. But before the second half began, she found her curled up asleep in one of the plush chairs. Once the team came back out onto the field to begin the second half, Raelyn was glad she had agreed to come to the game. Summer had had a blast and despite herself, Raelyn had to admit that she too had enjoyed herself. Jewel lived up to her name and Raelyn felt like she had made a friend. 

In the first minutes of the final quarter, the Ranger's kick receiver ran the ball back eighty-four yards for a spectacular touchdown. The spectators came to their feet, cheering wildly and it seemed to add momentum to the team. For the duration of the game, the defense held the Steelers from further scoring. Then with fifteen seconds showing on the clock, the Steelers fumbled and the Rangers gained possession of the ball on their own fifty-two yard line. J.T. made a fake pump, and then let loose a long shot for a touchdown pass to Terrell Williams. With a smile on her face and Jewel going into hysterics beside her, Raelyn watched J.T. jump up and down, watching his pass spiral through air and then pump his arms victoriously into air as he watched Terrell run untouched into end zone. The crowd went collectively nuts!

After the game, Jewel took Raelyn by the hand. "Come on! We can get onto the field and I have a feeling that J.T. will want to see you."

"I don't know," Raelyn said, picking up her daughter who was still asleep. "I should get Summer home."

"But I want to go see the man on the horse," came her daughter's muffled plea. Raelyn looked over at her daughter's head on her shoulder and all she could see was the blonde ponytail.

"Summer?"

Summer had raised her head to smile into her mother's face. "Is the football game over?"

Jewel laughed and said, "Now, how can you turn down a plea like that?"

"I guess I can't," she said, putting Summer down. "You'll have to walk," she explained, to her. "You're too heavy for Mommy to carry."

"Okay," she said, suddenly fully awake.

Once on the sidelines, Raelyn was suddenly impressed with the size of the Ranger stadium. As she set Summer down on the Astroturf and turned slowly, her eyes drinking in the sheer hugeness of the stadium, she heard Jewel exclaim. "J.T.! What a comeback!"

Raelyn turned suddenly to find J.T. smiling down at her. "I wasn't sure you'd come, but I sure am glad you did."

"Me too," she admitted, smiling up at him. "You did a great job."

Suddenly, a horde of reporters surrounded them as Summer tugged on Raelyn's shirt. "Mommy? Where's the man on the horse? Can we go see him?"

"This is your surprise guest?" J.T. questioned, surprise shining in his eyes. And then squatting down beside her, asked, "What's your name, cutie?"

Summer bestowed a dazzling smile up at him as she replied, "Summer. What's yours?"

"J.T.?" a reporter suddenly interrupted. "What happened the first half?"

J.T. looked up from his position beside Summer and frowned. "Give me a minute, will ya?" And then turning back to Raelyn's young daughter, answered her question. "My name's J.T. You sure are cute."

"Thank you," she answered, suddenly shy.

"Is this your mommy?" he said, pointing up to where Raelyn stood, looking down at the exchange between the two and she couldn't help but smile.

"Yes," she said. "My daddy's a football player too," she suddenly added.

J.T. looked up at Raelyn, surprise once again shining up at her. "Really?" he replied. And then turning back to Summer, asked, "What's your daddy's name?"

Raelyn was suddenly there, stooping to kiss Summer on the cheek. "Let's go find the man on the horse, Summer." As she took the youngster's hand, she gave J.T. a look that said 'Watch it bud!'

"Okay," she said, pulling on her hand.

"J.T.," the reporter said, once more. "How about an interview?"

He rose to his full height as he caught Raelyn by the arm. "Hold on a minute." Turning to the young reporter, he said, "Just a sec." Turning back to Raelyn, he said, "Give me a sec. I want to talk to you."

Jewel was suddenly there with Terrell and offered, "Let us take Summer to see the mascot. You stay here."

As Raelyn started to protest, J.T. answered for her, "Thanks guys." Where Raelyn would've followed Jewel, J.T. held onto her hand, turning back to the reporter. "Okay . . ."

Raelyn stood, watching J.T. give the reporter a quick synopsis of the game as he held tightly to her hand. There were also photographers there and she knew she was being photographed alongside J.T. It bothered her to the core that he was presumptuous enough to hang onto her like they were together. "I expected more offensively than what we produced the first half. The defense played great and got us some turnovers . . . breaks we needed. Luckily, we came out and played better offensively in the second half."

At end of interview, the reporter suddenly asked about Raelyn. "Are you going to introduce us to your friend?" he asked, the camera pivoting to settle on Raelyn.

"She's a friend and my good luck charm," was all he offered as he suddenly steered her away from the crowd. "That's it guys," he called, walking quickly away, his arm guiding her through the crowd.

As they approached the locker rooms, Raelyn had a hard time keeping her mind off the attractive man leading her down the concrete walk. He hadn't let go of her hand and Raelyn's skin positively tingled where they touched. She had worked too hard to let go of her last relationship to find herself falling once more head over heels for another professional football player. J.T. politely introduced her to the fellow team members that they came across. When they came across Terrell, Raelyn's brow suddenly furrowed.

"Terrell? Where's Summer?" Raelyn reached out to touch his shoulder and as he turned, he could see the concern on her face.

"Don't worry," he said, squeezing her on the arm, a big smile on his face. "She's running around on the field with Jewel. She's helping the ground crew pick up all the trash. She's having a blast!"

"I hope she isn't running Jewel ragged," she said, turning to glance back over her shoulder.

"I wouldn't worry," Terrell said, shrugging his jersey and shoulder pads over his head. "That youngster of yours is a real sweetie."

"And what a looker," J.T. offered. "Just like her mom," he added, smiling down at Raelyn. 



A Team of Love Ch. 02



The next day at work, Raelyn had a hard time concentrating on the show and not the handsome quarterback she had wound up spending most of the previous day with. Even as gorgeous as he was, Raelyn knew she'd be better off if she stayed as far away as possible from J.T. Young. 

"Rae? Raelyn Ballard?"

Raelyn suddenly looked up from her microphone into the staring face of her partner of three years. Bradley was looking at her over bar that separated her mike from his area in the center of the bar. "What?' she murmured.

"Darlin'," he drawled, a slow smile crossing his face. "Where are you today?"

"No where," she said, shaking her head as she realized she had been daydreaming for the past five minutes. "I'm here," she said, a little guiltily.

"Bullshit!" he laughed, his hand covering his microphone. "I do believe you're still at Ranger stadium with J.T. Young."

"Uh . . ." Raelyn snorted, reaching for her cup of coffee. "That's the furtherest thing from my mind." She brought the cup to her lips, hoping that she was more convincing than she sounded. She hadn't been able to think of anything else but the day before and J.T. 

Bradley laughed as he turned his microphone off during the commercial break. "Rae . . ." he began, reaching for one of the phone lines that were blinking. "The only person you're foolin' is yourself, because it's written all over your face. KISS fm . . ." he said, speaking into his microphone as the call came through his headphones. 

And then the next minute, he was signaling over at Raelyn as he turned on her mike, a smile on his face. "It's for you."

Raelyn placed her headphones back onto her head as she gave Bradley the best 'eat shit' look she could muster. "This is Raelyn Ballard . . ."

"Raelyn, this is J.T." Despite herself, Raelyn couldn't help but smile, unconsciously cradling the headphones closer in to her ears. "I'm sorry to bother you at work."

"No, its okay," she said, shaking her head.

"I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed spending the afternoon with you and your daughter yesterday. I'm glad you decided to come to the game."

"Me too," she answered.

"Listen, I know its last minute and everything . . . but this Saturday is our Annual Kick-off Party at the stadium, hosted by our Player's Wives Association. If you don't have anything planned, I was hoping that maybe you could bring Summer and come. It's a lot of fun . . ."

"I don't know, J.T.," she said, not sure she could turn him down. It wasn't going to be easy to turn down another opportunity to see this handsome quarterback once more.

"I completely understand if you already have plans," he said, trying to hide the disappointment he felt.

"No, it's not that," she began, wondering exactly how to say what she needed to say.

"Then what?" he prompted.

"I just don't think I'm ready to start dating anyone right now."

"Don't think of it as a date," he said, desperate to say anything to convince her to come. He had already gotten the feeling that she wasn't too sure about seeing him again, but something kept drawing him to her. "Just come and have fun. Summer will love it!"

"Summer's spending the next couple of weeks with her grandparents," Raelyn explained.

"Oh," J.T. replied, realizing that excuse was blown away with the wind. "So, you'll love it. Besides," he added, grasping at one last straw. "Jewel would love to see you again. I think you made a real friend yesterday."

"Well," she began, wondering why she was suddenly wanting to go. "I would love to see Jewel again . . ."

"Then it's settled," he said, smiling to himself. "I'll come by and pick you up before the party starts and we'll go together."

Looking across the table at Bradley smiling at her, Raelyn knew she wouldn't turn him down. Something inside her told her to go, despite her reservations. "Only as friends?" she asked, needing that reassurance.

"Whatever you want," he said. There would be plenty of time to convince her otherwise. He just wanted her there.

Raelyn answered the door to find J.T. decked out in well-worn jeans and a cobalt blue shirt, a color that made his intriguing indigo eyes seem all the more mesmerizing. Despite herself, Raelyn had to admit that he was appealing, more appealing than she had wanted. Getting involved with anyone, especially another football player was the last thing she needed, yet here he stood with his shaggy blonde hair that simply begged her to run her fingers through it. This man was tempting beyond belief, and Raelyn knew that if she wasn't careful, she would be one step away from another possible disaster.

"Good morning!" J.T.'s pleasant greeting instantly put a smile on Raelyn's face. "You look great!" She was wearing blue jeans herself with a silk white tank top, belted with a brown roped belt. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail, loosely caught up at her neck.

"I could say the same about you," she said, her eyes lingering on the way his jeans tightened across his thighs. Damn it! This was going to be harder than she had first thought.

"Is that a compliment I just heard come out of your mouth?" he teased her.

"Why?" she laughed. "You act shocked that I would say something nice."

"Well, after we met the first time, I thought I would never hear anything nice come out of you," he reminded her.

She laughed for a moment and then admitted, "Well, I wasn't too sure about you at first." And then realizing he was still standing at the door, "Come on in."

He followed her into her apartment, saying, "Why's that? I still don't know what I ever did to piss you off that first day."

She led him into the kitchen as she grabbed her purse and then turned to face him. "It wasn't anything you did," she admitted. "It was me."

"Are you going to tell me about it or what?" he prodded her, a smile on his handsome face.

"Maybe some time," she said. "Not now."

"Okay," he answered, looking around the pretty kitchen. It was light and airy and decorated in sunflowers. "Your kitchen makes mine look like a dark closet," he commented.

"Do you ever go into your kitchen?" she asked.

"No, not really," he laughed. "I'm never home long enough to do anything in my kitchen."

"Are you trying to tell me you actually know how to do something in your kitchen?"

"Sure," he said, smiling at her. "You act surprised."

"I am," she said. "Most guys . . . and I don't mean to stereotype here, but . . . most jocks don't know how to find the kitchen, much less do anything but eat once they get there."

J.T. laughed at the portrait she had painted for him and then knew she was right. "You pretty much hit the nail on the head," he said, shaking his head at her as he gently laughed. "I'll tell you what. One night I'll show you just what I can do in one of these. How does that sound?"

"It sounds like an offer I can't refuse!" she replied as she led him outside.

Raelyn was surprised when they reached Ranger Stadium. The player's wives association had really transformed the huge dome into a huge party, geared mostly for their youngest fans. The football team, of course, was there, along with some live music, games, lots of fans, local radio personalities, and autograph sessions. Some of the games included a Velcro wall, the bungee run, the human gyroscope, and a bounce house. 

The Player's Wives Association was geared more towards charity so even though the Annual Kick-off Party itself was free, the tickets for the autograph sessions were for sale. The proceeds from the ticket sales went to the charity of the association's choice.

"This is amazing," Raelyn commented, as she and J.T. strolled through the set-up. The party didn't start for another half hour and each player was getting their assignment for the autograph sessions.

"Yeah," he agreed, steering her over towards the information booth. "The girls really go all out for this event. It's our first one of the session. The plan is for it to come at the end of August, after our first game." 

They stopped at the information booth so J.T. could pick up his assignment for the day. "Good morning Shannon," he replied, smiling at the pretty blonde sitting at the booth. "Where's Chad?"

"He's already at his station," she said, handing J.T. a slip of paper and a laminated name tag. "You're at station sixteen this year," she said, smiling up at him. Then catching Raelyn's eyes on her, she smiled, offering a perfectly manicured hand. "Hi, I'm Shannon Coakley. My husband is Chad Coakley, offensive guard for the Rangers."

"It's nice to meet you," Raelyn answered, taking the outstretched hand.

"God, I'm sorry," J.T. offered, smiling weakly over at Raelyn. "I've forgotten my manners."

"It's just nice to see that you've got some," Raelyn said, smiling to herself. She couldn't help it ~ he just begged to be teased unmercifully.

Shannon laughed; covering her mouth at Raelyn's teasing remark. "Oh girl, if you only knew . . ."

"Let's keep some of my secrets for just a little longer," he said to Shannon. "We don't want to overwhelm Raelyn on our first date."

"It's not a date . . . remember?" she was quick to point out.

Shannon watched the two of them bicker back and forth for a while before interrupting them, a smile on her face. "J.T., put a sock in it and get over to your station. They'll be opening the flood gates pretty soon."

"Okay, okay," he said, turning to Raelyn. "You coming?"

"No, not yet," she replied. "I'd like to find Jewel."

"Oh, she's working at the concession stand set up on the north goal," Shannon offered. "She could use some help, if you're interested?"

"Oh sure," Raelyn said, looking over at J.T. "Come find me when you're done."

"Oh, he's not going anywhere," Shannon laughed. "J.T.'s session has been sold out from the first day tickets went on sale. He'll be signing autographs until we shut the doors this evening." At J.T.'s despairing look, she added, "Sorry."

"How 'bout you finding me when you're done?" he replied, turning to Raelyn. "It sounds like I won't be going anywhere."

"Okay," she said, smiling up at him. "Tell me what your fancy is and I'll bring you something when I come," she offered.

"By the time you find me," he said, shaking his head, "I may need a pistol."

Raelyn laughed as she turned to walk away. "How about a coke instead?"

"Make it a Dr. Pepper," he said, watching her as she made her way to the goal line.

"She's great, J.T.," Shannon said, smiling up at him. "You'd be wise to hang onto her."

"I've got to get her first," he said, winking at her as he turned on his heel.

The Rangers had their third home game that next Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. They had barely pulled off a victory last week against the Seattle Seahawks. Jewelicia Williams must have been watching for her, because the minute Raelyn saw her, she was waving for her to join her up top, in the last section on the fifty yard line.

"Hi! I saved you a seat," Jewel told her, then laughed. "Last year it wouldn't have been a problem with seats, but this year we've picked up some new fans." Raelyn looked around her to see that almost every single seat was filled. "These are reserved for us." "Us" being the wives, children, and significant others of the players.

"Thanks," Raelyn said with a smile.

"No Summer today?" Jewel asked, peering around Raelyn.

"Not today," she replied. "She's spending a couple of weeks with her grandparents near Dallas."

"That sounds like free time to me," Jewel said, laughing.

The Seahawks made the first touchdown and the Ranger crowd booed their disappointment of the referee's call. It wasn't until the final minutes of the half that the Rangers' offense caught fire. They marched steadily down the field, down by down. Then, from the Seattle forty-yard line, J.T. aired a bomb. Terrell Williams made a spectacular diving catch, landing in the end zone. With the others, Raelyn and Jewel leapt to their feet, cheering madly. The point-after was good, and once again the quarter ended on a tie.

At half-time, Jewel turned to her and asked, "So, are you and J.T. officially a couple?"

"Officially . . . no," she replied, digging in her purse for some money, never looking up at Jewel.

"What?!" she replied, somewhat shocked at her friend's reply. Raelyn looked up to see the surprise etched across Jewel's beautiful brow. "You're kidding! You and J.T. aren't a couple?"

"No," she answered her. "You sound surprised . . ."

"I am," she replied, looking back onto the field. "The way J.T. talks about you to Terrell made me think . . ."

"What does he say?" she suddenly wanted to know.

"Oh, I don't know," she replied, wondering if she should say anything at all. She was really surprised at Raelyn's response. "I guess I just assumed that you two were together. It's so unlike J.T. to bring a woman he's not involved with to a football function."

"You mean, like the Kick-off party?"

"Yeah, exactly," she said, turning back to face Raelyn.

"Well, trust me when I say that we are not a couple. I'm not interested in getting involved with anyone right now . . . especially another professional football player."

"When are you going to tell me that story?" Jewel asked, hoping to pry it out of her. "It must have been something to turn you off all players like that."

"Oh, it's something all right," she said, rolling her eyes heavenward. "I just don't want to talk about it yet." She looked over at her and covered her hand with her own. "Nothing personal against you. I just don't like to think about it."

"No offense taken," she replied, squeezing her new friend's hand. "I just want you to give J.T. a chance. He's really a great guy."

"I'm sure he is," she agreed. "But all I'm interested in right now are friends and friends only."

"Maybe you'll change your mind," she suggested, her eyes twinkling.

"I doubt it," she replied as the team ran back onto the field for the second half. The Seahawks were all revved up now, and out for blood. They scored another two touchdowns adding fourteen points, in quick succession. Try as they might, the Rangers still couldn't get their act together. J.T. was sacked twice and when he did connect with a receiver, his teammate either dropped the ball or was hit for a loss. Finally, with one minute and forty-three seconds left in the game, J.T. threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to put the team ahead 20 -17. The crowd was going crazy, all but for Raelyn and the women who sat around her, their hands quickly coming up to cover their mouths as Raelyn jumped to her feet. Terrell was still celebrating in the end zone as Jewel put her arm around her friend's shoulder.

J.T. had still not risen from the hit he had taken from the defenders trying to block his pass. Raelyn watched in growing concern as the team doctor rushed out onto the field along with a couple of coaches. An official time-out was called as they men bent over J.T.'s still form. 

"He'll be okay," she suddenly heard Jewel say into her ear. And then she squeezed her shoulder affectionately.

"How do you know?" she wanted to know, nervously chewing on her lower lip.

"Because it happens to all of them, sooner or later," she tried to explain.

"What happens?' Raelyn wanted to know.

"It's probably a concussion," she said reassuringly. "He'll be okay."

"A concussion?" she repeated. "That sounds pretty serious to me." Eight minutes later, J.T. was helped off the field as Raelyn watched. She tried not to show too much concern as they put him on a golf cart and headed for the locker rooms.

A minute later the announcer told the concerned crowd that he had indeed suffered a concussion and was going to the hospital to check it out. At Raelyn's concerned look, Jewel gathered her things quietly but quickly. "Come on," she offered, taking her arm. "You're not going to be okay until you see him."

"But he's going to the hospital, right?" she asked in a daze as she grabbed her stuff quickly.

"So are we . . ."

When J.T. finally awoke from his hospital bed, he turned his head to find Raelyn sitting on the hospital bed, holding his limp hand . . . and she breathed a sigh a relief when she saw his blue eyes shining up at her . . . those gorgeous blue eyes! "Hi," she said, softly squeezing his fingers. "I've been waiting for you to come around."

"Hi yourself."

She smiled as her hand reached out instinctively to touch his cheek. "I'll tell you this, J.T. Young; you sure know how to end a football game dramatically."

"Yeah, that's talent. Real talent," he said, reaching up to grasp her hand, holding it to his cheek where she would've pulled it away. His eyes searched for a moment before he said, "I'm surprised to find you here."

"Why?' she wanted to know.

"I don't know," he admitted, but then smiled at her. "But I'm glad you're here."

She smiled at him then, wondering herself why she was suddenly so drawn to him. "It scared the shit out of me when you didn't get up from that hit." She pulled her hand from his and gently slapped at his arm, which had an I.V. in it. "Don't ever do that again, you big jerk," she said softly.

"I'm glad to see that you're concerned about me," he said, grabbing a hold of her hand once more. "It was worth it just to see you looking at me that way."

Raelyn shut her eyes at his words, a slow smile crossing her face. But inwardly, she cringed at his words. The last thing she wanted was to get involved with him, but in her heart she could feel her resolve softening towards the handsome guy lying before her.

J.T. was released from the hospital the next morning and Raelyn drove him home. There, she hovered over him like a mother hen with one lone chick. "Are you hungry? I could fix a sandwich? Or a nice hot bowl of chicken soup?"

"What I really want you're not going to give me," he teased her good-naturedly.

"J.T., will you give it a rest? How about some orange juice?"

"Sure. Why not," he finally relented.

"Shouldn't you be lying down?"

"Shouldn't you be heading off to work?" he countered. "I'm a big boy."

Raelyn smiled at him then, realizing she was hovering over him like a mother. "I'm sorry," she said, crossing over to sit on the couch across the table from him. "I just can't help it," she admitted, looking over at him.

"Don't get me wrong," he said, smiling at her. "I don't mind. It's just . . . well, I can't stand to watch you running all over the place trying to make me comfortable. I'm okay."

"You just scared the shit out of me yesterday," she said, frowning at him. 

"It's okay," he assured her once again. "It's not like it's never happened before."

"What?!" she retorted, surprised at his words. "You've been knocked unconscious more than once?"

"No, not unconscious," he said, shrugging his broad shoulders. "But I've had my share of concussions."

"J.T., that's barbaric! Maybe it's time to get out," she suggested.

"Get out?" he repeated, his turn to be surprised. "Why would you suggest something like that?"

She stopped then, suddenly afraid to say too much. She quickly shut her mouth at what wanted to come out and just looked at him. Then dropping her eyes to her lap, she quietly said, "I'm sorry. It's not my place . . ."

J.T. watched her for a moment, suddenly curious to what was really going on with this girl. "Does this have anything to do with your ex-husband?" At the look she gave him, he knew it did.



A Team of Love Ch. 03



Raelyn waved good-bye to Bradley as she shut the outer door of the office. She took a deep breath and relaxed against the wall before heading home for the day. 

“Hard day?” came the unexpected remark. 

Raelyn spun around to find the source of the now recognizable timbre. She smiled up into the sparkling indigo blue eyes of J.T. Young. She was surprised to see him here. “What are you doing?” she asked, reaching into her purse for her keys. “You just about gave me a heart attack.”

“You should be better prepared when you walk out of your office,” he informed her. “You never know what kind of maniac could be lurking outside your door.”

“You mean like now?” she teased.

“I’m serious, Raelyn,” he said, frowning at her. “You never know who’s listening to your station and everyone knows where it’s located. You need to be more careful.”

“I’ll remember that,” she said.

“I’m serious,” he repeated.

“I know,” she said, reaching out to touch his arm. “You’re right. I’ll be more careful, not to mention paranoid now that you’ve mentioned it,” she added.

He laughed for a moment and then said, “You want to go out for a cup of coffee? I’d offer dinner, but it’s still a little early for that.”

“Uh, okay,” she said. “Summer’s still at her grandparents so I don’t have to rush home.” She led him down the corridor to the elevators, pushed a button and turned to face him. “You didn’t come all this way just to take me for coffee,” she said.

“Yes I did,” he replied, escorting her into the elevator once it opened.

“J.T.,” she began. “I think you should know . . .”

“I know what you’re going to say,” he said, pushing a button for the first floor and turned to look at her. “You don’t want to start a relationship right now, right?”

She gave him a level look and then glanced up to watch the buttons light up of the floors they passed. Letting a deep breath exhale, she said, “I’m just not ready to get into another relationship. The last one took too much out of me.”

As the elevator doors slid open, J.T. took hold of her arm. He turned her to face him, his eyes clouded over with seriousness. “I don’t know what happened to you before we met, but you have to know that I am not your ex-husband. I deserve a chance and you’re not seeing that.” He shook his head at her, determination etched across his brow.

She stared at him for a moment, knowing in her heart that he was right. It wasn’t fair what she was doing, but her head kept getting in the way. “It’s not just me,” she pointed out, as the elevator doors shut once again. “I have a daughter to think about as well.” She reached out to push the button once again, the doors sliding open once again.

J.T. followed her out into the foyer, the heels of his cowboy boots echoing across the marble floor. It only took a couple of long strides to catch up with her once again, his hand reaching out for hers as he stopped her once again. “I am not out to hurt you or Summer,” he tried explaining to her. “I just want a chance to be a part of your lives, that’s all. I don’t think it’s asking that much.” His eyes searched hers once more as Raelyn’s softened.

“I know,” she replied, reaching out to touch his jaw and then withdrew her hand just as quickly, like she had temporarily lost control of her physical movements. “I just need time.”

“How much time will it take, Rae?” he questioned, his eyes still boring into hers.

“I don’t know, J.T. I just don’t know.”



At Starbuck’s and two cups of cappuccino later, Raelyn found herself finding out more information about this six foot four, two hundred and twenty-eight pound, blonde-haired hunk with blue eyes. He informed her that when he was ten years old, he began practicing his autograph and when his mother had asked about it, he calmly explained that one day a lot of people were going to want it. She had to laugh at his arrogance, even back then. “You’ve haven’t changed a whole lot, then?” she pointed out.

“Oh, I think I was a lot more arrogant back then,” he explained, his eyes laughing along with hers. “One time, when I was playing baseball in junior high, I yelled at the coach telling him that he was doing the wrong thing by pulling me from the game.”

“No you didn’t!” she exclaimed.

“Yeah, I did,” he said, grinning at her sheepishly. “And that was the last time I ever did anything like that. My mom marched right out onto the field, grabbed me by the ear and let me have it, right there in front of the whole town.”

“Good for her,” Raelyn said, nodding her head in approval.

“She set me straight,” he added, taking another sip of his hot beverage. “But, I have to admit … I was right, even back then. When the coach finally did put me back in, I won the game for them.”

“You mean, in your mind you won the game for them,” she corrected him, her eyebrows arching slightly at his arrogance.

“No,” he laughed. “I won the game for them. That’s a fact.”

“Have you ever doubted yourself?’ she suddenly wanted to know.

“Oh, I don’t know,” he answered. “When I was younger, I really thought I would be a professional baseball player when I grew up but then in high school my coach turned me onto football and I’ve never looked back.”

“So you didn’t know by the time you could walk that you would play football?” she clarified, surprised at his comment. “I thought maybe you had been born with a football in your hand.”

“No,” he laughed. “If I was born with anything in my hand, it was probably a hoe or baling wire. To tell the truth, I’m just a plain ole’ country boy from Oklahoma.”

“Are you really?” she asked, surprised once again.

“Sure,” he answered, sitting back in his chair. He looked uncomfortable in the small plastic chairs in the coffee shop. She had to smile at the sight of his huge frame crammed into one of them. “I lived seven miles off the paved road, straight down a dirt road that was too rough even to ride my bicycle on. In the mornings before school, I had to slop the hogs and then in the summer, I hauled hay, usually late into the night.”

“I would’ve never pictured you doing that,” she concluded.

He laughed gently for a moment, caught up in the memories of his childhood. “It’s not something I’ve gone around telling too many people. I was dirt poor and even though I’ve come a long way from that life, it’s still a part of me. I do my damndest to use what I’ve accomplished to help my family and they’re what counts. None of this other stuff . . .” he said, trailing off.

Raelyn just smiled and let sleeping dogs lie. He seemed like that’s where he wanted to leave that conversation, so she picked something he would talk about … football. “And college?”

He smiled at her, realizing she knew when to leave a conversation. “Well, I was offered a full-time scholarship to college because of football and my ability to throw the ball. It just seemed to come naturally to me.” He took another sip of his cappuccino and then quickly added, “Not that I didn’t practice, ‘cause believe me, I did. I’ve always felt driven to work hard even when things come easily. I think that’s the one thing I really learned from my father and growing up on a farm.”

Raelyn continued to watch him over her cup of cappuccino. He fascinated her, about that there was no question. A part of her wanted to throw all caution to the wind and take him into her life. But then her mind flew instantly to Summer and the pain she had already gone through in her young life. From now on, she had to be very careful about who she let into her life. Coming out of her own thoughts, she asked, “And then from college you went straight into the NFL?”

“Yeah,” he answered, setting his cup down. “I was the first draft pick last year.”

“And then there’s always the Heisman Trophy . . .” she prompted.

“I didn’t win that thing,” he argued.

“No,” she agreed. “But you finished third in the voting.”

“You sure seem to know a lot about me for someone who’s not interested,” he observed, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

“You forget,” she said, smiling over at him. “I had to do my homework before you came for an interview at the station.”

“Oh, that’s right,” he said, but she could tell that he knew there was more there than she let on. “So tell me,” he began, “What else do you know about me?”

Raelyn laughed softly, her eyes shimmering in delight as she took a slow sip from her cup and then began, “Let’s see … you love lasagna, Mexican food, and pizza. Oh, and skim milk and if you don’t mind me saying, boy does it do a body good.” J.T. laughed at her cliché as she continued. “You can never get enough chips and salsa and can watch the movie Shawshank Redemption over and over; sunsets, summertime, Christmas, the color blue and, of course, bar-be-que.”

J.T.’s eyebrows shot up as a wide grin split his face. “Okay, now you’re scaring me,” he chuckled.

Raelyn grinned and then tapped her forefinger on her chin thoughtfully, as if she was remembering more. “You have a Harley Davidson, a replica of the 1948 Heritage Ol’ Boy AND you wear your helmet.”

J.T. simply whistled and shook his head. “Damn, is there anything you don’t know?”

“Uhhhmmm, let me think,” she said teasingly and glanced to the man that she felt so drawn to. If she wasn’t careful, she was going to let him get too close. “You have two older sisters that are both nurses. One lives in Texas and the other in Oklahoma.” J.T. smiled as she mentioned Dori and Darbi. He loved both of his sisters and now that she mentioned them, he couldn’t help but wonder when was the last time he had called either of them. He glanced at Raelyn and knew that his sisters would love her to death. He leaned back in his chair as he watched Rae go over all his vital statistics like a roster from one of his games. “You have a 75 gallon tropical fish aquarium and a black Labrador retriever named Simba but you had to give him to your sister because you’re not at home enough to take care of him.”

“Yeah,” J.T. mumbled, a small frown crossing his face. “I miss that mutt.”

Raelyn couldn’t help but reach out across the table and cover his hand with hers. “Maybe some day you can get her back,” she offered.

“You never know,” J.T. smiled and started to take her hand in his but she was quick enough to slip it from his before she continued.

“You love country music and hate head-banging music. Your favorite song is “The Dance” by Garth Brooks and you stick out your tongue whenever you throw a football or hit a golf ball.”

“Okay, okay,” he said, throwing up his hands dramatically. “Enough! You’re killing me here!” He shook his head in amazement as he looked over at her. “You sound like a book of statistics.”

Raelyn laughed softly as her fingers curled around her cup and gazed at the handsome football player across the table from her. “All part of the job,” she said.

“Yeah, I guess,” he replied as he gazed at her. He couldn’t help but wish that she would open up to him more but not wanting to push it, waved the waitress over with a flick of his wrist. “I don’t know about you, but you’ve worn me out with the play-by-play recall of my life.”

Raelyn laughed softly as he asked for the check and watched him as he paid the waitress, silently chastising herself for letting out too much information. She probably let too much out of the bag. He was going to figure out pretty soon that she was more interested than she let on. 



A Team of Love Ch. 04



After a two-hour morning practice in the hot Texas sun with temperatures well into the nineties, most of the players withdrew into the air-conditioned locker room for a well deserved shower and rest. But typical for J.T.’s go-getter attitude and non-stop aim for perfection, he stayed late to run wind sprints. The usual cluster of paparazzi and fans lined along the fence, yelling out encouragement or snapping pictures even as he continued to throw himself into both is passion and his career. But all J.T. was focused on was running off the frustration he felt over his impending failure with Raelyn. He couldn’t figure out what it was that made her shy away from him so much. 

Sipping on a large bottle of Ozarka water, he declined a ride off the field per one of the many golf carts running amuck. He was stopped momentarily near the fence line by a local reporter and granted a brief interview before trading in his empty bottle of water for a full, cold one. The next twenty minutes were spent signing autographs for kids. Unknown to him, Raelyn stood close behind the slowly departing throngs of well-wishers, watching as he autographed a young boy’s Wheaties box with J.T.’s picture on the box. She couldn’t help but chuckle as he checked out the contents of the box only to find it was empty. 

She could hear snippets of conversation as yet another reporter kept bugging him with questions. “J.T., it’s said that you never hesitate to make plays to get your team a victory, even at the risk of injury. Is that why you have a long-standing history of concussions? Is it really worth the injury to your head for your team?” When he thrust the mic towards the player, J.T. just seemed to stare at him a moment as if the reporter had lost his mind.

“Or course, it’s worth it,” he said, his words icy even as a smile appeared. He was forever the picture of perfection when it came to team morale. “I couldn’t hold my head up straight and claim to be part of a team if I wasn’t willing to sacrifice for them.” And then before the reporter could comment again, J.T. moved on, ruffling the hair of a young boy as he passed.

That’s when he saw her. Despite the fatigue that he felt, he smiled and the whole burden of the day seemed to lift from his shoulders. Striding towards her, it was as if everything else around him just seemed to fade away. He couldn’t believe that she was actually here. She was leaning against one of the tall light posts and straightened up as he quickly closed the gap between them. Stopping just short of pulling her into his arms, he grinned and said, “Rae … I’m surprised to see you here.”

“Well,” she shrugged, playing it off. “Just doing a follow up of our initial interview.”

He laughed, his cornflower blue eyes dancing a bit as he knew that there was more to it than that but he wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He hadn’t been able to put her out of his head the past couple of days and right now, as long as she was here, he really didn’t care why. “Well maybe after I shower, we could go to my place and you can interview me all night?” he teased. 

One slender eyebrow shot up as she looked over his sweaty form. As much as she hated to admit it, he was definitely eye candy and she had a hard time thinking straight around him. To be honest, she couldn’t really say why she had come today. But for some reason, she had found her way to the practice area after work. “Well, as tempting as that sounds, I think I have plans tonight,” she teased right back.

J.T. feigned heart, his hand coming up to cover his heart. “Aww, come on Rae … don’t wound me so.”

Raelyn just rolled her eyes playfully towards the sky and blew an errant strand of hair from her eyes. “Such drama from a football player. Are you all like this?”

J.T. laughed took another long drink of his water, gazing at her over the top. It just seems like they were meant to be and as much as he tried to hide it, every time she looked into his eyes, he knew it showed. “Terrell is having a bar-be-que this afternoon for lunch. Want to come?” he inquired.

“I don’t know, J.T.,” she began, futilely trying to find an excuse not to go. Even as much as she wanted to be near him, she didn’t want him to know. 

“Come on, Rae,” he pleaded, reaching out to gently take her hand in his. “It’ll be fun.”

Later that afternoon, Raelyn found herself on the opposite side of a mock football field, amid a swarm of faces that she vaguely recognized. Mixed with a good sprinkling of both football players, wives and girlfriends, Raelyn was surprised to find herself feeling rather relaxed. Dressed in biker shorts and a cut-off jersey borrowed from Jewel, she huddled with the rest of her group on the opposing team that J.T. was playing on. Even from where she stood, she found herself looking for him amid the long strands of dark hair that hung loose as she bent to listen to the play.

J.T. looked down the line of mock players, a serious look on his face as he called the play down the line and then stopped short as Raelyn lined up opposite him, her eyes serious. He grinned at her but she only lifted one eyebrow and took her stance. God, she was something else. When he dropped back to pass, he barely saw the blur as Raelyn broke through the line straight for him, untouched. As he watched her quickly approach, his eyes were drawn to her shapely legs, her flat stomach exposed beneath the shortness of the jersey that showed off the curve of her breasts beautifully. Her dark hair was flying into her face and he stood momentarily mesmerized, the ball held back in position to pass. 

Before he knew what happened, he suddenly found himself flat on his back with Raelyn on top of him, drawing back her loose hair with one hand. Her eyes bore into his as a slow smile appeared and then moved off of him with a haughty flip of her hair. J.T. sat stunned momentarily, pausing as he watched her retreating form and then, clambering to his feet, he heard the laughter of his friends and their taunting jests. But all he could focus on was the way Raelyn threw back another glance over her shoulder to him, her eyes speaking things that she was not ready to say verbally. Moving into the huddle with his friends, his eyes still on Raelyn as she pulled her loose hair back into a ponytail, he grinned. “Same play,” he said.

The game proceeded throughout the afternoon until almost everyone had dropped out, retiring either into the comfort of Terrell’s house or heading home for their own. J.T.’s long day was quickly catching up with him but he desperately wanted at least a moment with Rae before the day came to an end. As he stood defending his side and spied Raelyn with the ball, he spun quickly back and in a move that took her completely by surprise, sprang at her, raising his hands to clasp around her waist and with his momentum, pulled them both to the ground, the ball popping loose. He could hear the scramble of the rest as they went for the loose ball but J.T.’s mind was only on the girl that he suddenly found in his embrace.

As if by their own accord, his palms skimmed her ribs, coming to rest along the curve of her breasts. Despite the barrier of her top, his fingers found the outline of her bra beneath it, brushing over the lace-adorned cups. As his thumbs whispered across her nipples, even through two layers of cloth, Raelyn shivered beneath him. She looked up, spellbound as his mouth lowered slowly to hers. “If you were my girl,” he whispered, right before his mouth covered hers, “I’d make sure you were never far from my side.”

Raelyn stammered in return, her mouth suddenly desert-dry before his mouth brushed against hers, so lightly that she might have imagined it. Again, she heard his whisper as she trembled both in fear of being hurt again and in anticipation of what J.T. was going to say. “My love is all I have to give, Rae … it’s all I have left.”

“J.T.,” she stammered, glancing up to him from the ground beneath him. “I-I … I’m not ready.”

His thumbs grazed the aroused peaks again as she looked up at him. Even as her words sank into his mind, her eyes spoke things he knew she wasn’t ready to say. He could feel her quiver, her sigh melting against his lips as they lowered to claim hers once more. The kiss was hot, inviting and demanding in like measure. His tongue traced her lips, exploring their shape … their texture and then slipped between them to leisurely twine with hers. His lips sipped at hers, memorizing her taste.

It was as if Raelyn’s whole world tilted but J.T.’s strong arm was there to hold her close, allowing only enough space between them for his hand to cradle her breast. His fingers played their skillful magic on the dimpled crest. His lips and tongue teased, advancing and retreating until Raelyn caught his head between her hands and anchored his mouth to hers. A groan rumbled in his chest as her tongue slid seductively past his teeth, initiating her own bold foray into his mouth.

They were both breathing heavily, lost in the heat of their embrace. J.T.’s hand was traveling upward, underneath her jersey when loud laughter brought them abruptly back to earth. Raelyn gasped, jerking beneath him and would have rolled free had J.T. not held on to her arm. He didn’t appear to be all that steady himself at the moment. He looked as dazed as she felt.

Three of his fellow players and their significant others had given up the game as well, trooping back them as they left the field, issuing friendly taunts as they went. “Administering a little mouth-to-mouth there, J.T.?”

“Is that what a football game does for you, Terrell?” Raelyn blushed hotly as she recognized Jewel’s voice.

“Not usually, but I’m willing to try it some time!”

“Carry on folks, don’t mind us,” Jewel teased, waving long manicured fingers at them.

Raelyn wanted nothing more than to find a large hole, crawl into it, and pull it in after her! She had never been more mortified! J.T., blast him to hell, just shrugged and chuckled along with them as he stood up, hauling Raelyn to her feet. He acted as if it were no big deal to get caught necking in the middle of a friendly game.



A Team of Love Ch. 05



"Are you sure you don't mind doing this?" Raelyn asked, looking over at J.T. They were in Raelyn's Ford Explorer on the way to Summer's school. There was a P.T.O. meeting and J.T. had agreed to be on the agenda as a surprise guest. He would be giving a brief talk about being involved in education and how important it was to be involved in a child's life. Afterwards he would be at an autograph table, giving autographs. Parents had purchased autograph tickets in advance for one dollar as a fund-raiser for the school. Word was that almost 100 percent of the parents would be attending as well as all the staff at the school. J.T. was a crowd attractor and he had graciously allowed Summer's school to benefit from his fame.

"No, I'm glad to help," he replied, smiling over at her. "It's for a good cause. Besides," he added. "I love that daughter of yours. She's such a sweetheart!"

"She is, isn't she?" Raelyn had to agree. There was no doubt that Summer was a sweet child and very lovable. She had attached herself to J.T. with gusto. Raelyn attributed part of it to the fact that she was very affectionate and the other part to the fact that her father was no longer in the picture. Raelyn knew she missed having a father around and she was sorry about that. What warmed her to the core was J.T.'s responsiveness to Summer. There was no doubt in Raelyn's mind that he truly loved and cared about her daughter, and it showed.

"I wish she could be here tonight," he said wistfully.

"She's sick about it," Raelyn replied, frowning. "But there's no way I'm letting her out of the house with a high temperature."

"No, she doesn't need to be out in this rain," J.T. said, watching the wipers work on Raelyn's windshield. "I just miss her."

"You're so sweet," she replied, reaching over to squeeze his hand. When she would've let go, he held onto it, lightly massaging it with his fingers. She looked over at him, tears forming in her eyes. "You'll never know what it means to me and to Summer that you've taken her under your wing. She adores you."

"Does her mother feel the same way?" he said, his eyes searching hers.

Raelyn laughed and turned back to the road. "You're not going to start that again, are you?"

"It's always worth a shot," he said, looking down at her hand in his. Her nails were manicured and lacquered to perfection and her fingers were free of any jewelry. "You can't blame a guy for trying."

"I thought we were agreed not to complicate matters by getting involved," she said, looking back at him out of the corner of her eye.

"That's what you wanted," he reminded her.

"But you agreed to that, isn't that right?"

"I did," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "But maybe it's time to rethink that."

"Oh, J.T.," she said, gently laughing. As much as she was attracted to him, as much as she felt drawn to him, it was too soon. Too many bad feelings about her prior relationship still existed and she didn't want Summer to get hurt again. As much as she wanted to believe him, it just wasn't in her. Not yet.

Raelyn sat quietly in the audience, watching as J.T. stood on the stage in the cafeteria at Summer's school. She felt a smile play across her lips as she listened, mesmerized, as he spoke of his continued efforts to support children through the work of his foundation. His words warmed her through to the core, knowing that, if nothing else, his intentions towards Summer and the other children were of the highest intent and after all they had gone through with Summer's father, quite honestly, it was a relief. True to his foundation's mission statement that permeated his speech, "to provide financial support for the physical, psychological, social, and educational needs of dependent children whose needs are not being met, either in whole or in part, by any other viable resource", it didn't take a genius to see how important his work was to him, especially off the football field. And as she sat absorbing this other side of the man that she was unintentionally letting get close to her, she couldn't stop the warm feeling that was spreading through her like one of contentment. Again and again their eyes met as he spoke and Raelyn couldn't help but smile at him, her support genuine that reflected back in the glimmer of appreciation in his gaze.

"There is nothing more important that then health and well-being of children," he went on to explain as the end of his short but well-received speech came to a conclusion. Pamphlets were being distributed throughout the filled cafeteria with information on how parents and children could get involved with the program that ranged from simple monetary donations to membership information in his fan club, proceeds of which directly went to support the Foundation's work. Raelyn tucked one into her purse, making a mental note to bring the brochure to the attention of her boss at the station. Surely there was something they could do to help support J.T.'s work. Just the short 20 minutes that she had sat listening to him bare this other part of her soul had touched her in ways that he hadn't yet. Just when she thought he couldn't surprise her, something else came up that made it impossibly difficult to resist the attraction she knew was starting to take a deeper root in her for him.

He had talked her into dinner afterwards at a local but elegant little Italian bistro. The tables were built for intimacy. There were hardly any tables around that could hold more than two occupants at a time. Each one was covered with a red tablecloth and had two, tall tapered candles in shimmering brass holders centered in between them as she sat across the way from him, her linen napkin unfolded properly across her lap. It was a very romantic setting and Raelyn tried to relax despite the fact that she was having a hard time keeping her eyes off of the handsome man sitting across the table, glancing over the menu. 

She sighed inwardly, letting her gaze move to the stings of white lights that covered the ceiling like a soft myriad of twinkling stars. Coupled with the candlelight that served as the only main lighting in the room, it gave the room a soft romantic glow. Her eyes shifted, taking in the different levels of the room from where her table with J.T. sat on a little balcony surrounded by a short wrought-iron fence. When her gaze finally settled on J.T. again, she found his blue eyes on her and she smiled gently, a soft blush kissing her cheeks. "What?" she asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Nothing," he said with a smile. "Just enjoying the view." She noticed that his gaze hadn't left her at all as he said this and felt the blush in her cheeks growing until it seemed to stretch all the way through her until her toes tingled.

"Flattery doesn't work with me," she said with a soft laugh, fiddling with the napkin spread out over her thighs.

"What does?" he asked, leaning forward some so that his arms rested on the table. In just that simple movement she felt the temptation to slide her small hands into his.

"J.T. ...," she began.

"I know you were hurt in the past, Raelyn," he said, his voice strong but his face taking on a determined look. "But I have to tell you ... the first day I saw you, at the radio station, I wanted us to be together. I deserve a chance. You deserve a chance to love again." He stopped a moment gauging her reaction to his words. When she didn't say anything, he added, "Summer deserves a chance to have a father-figure in her life."

"Please, don't," she said, her gaze lowering to her lap, the hurt shining in her eyes at his truthful words. She wasn't ready to have this conversation with him.

"I would never do anything to hurt you, Rae. The more you get to know me, the more you'll realize that what I say is true. Why don't you just give into the feelings you have for me?" His fingers stretched across the table, open as if waiting for her hand to slip into his. Raelyn bit back the tears that she felt welling up inside of her. Why was he doing this? She couldn't take this kind of pressure ... not yet.

J.T. frowned, his fingers closing into his own palm before he pulled his hand back. He sighed deeply, lacing his fingers in front of him on the table to keep from succumbing to the urge to simply shake her until she saw what he did. "Give me a chance, Rae and you'll see that I'm nothing like he was. I'd rather die that do that to you again. I swear that to you."

When she didn't say anything, he added on a soft note, "If I could right all the wrongs that he made, I would. If I could, I would change your mind. I don't know what else to say." 

Raelyn simply stood, the napkin falling out of her lap as she gathered her purse. J.T.'s eyes look surprised as he stood suddenly, afraid that he had said too much. "Rae .."

"Then please, J.T. ... please don't say anything," she said, choking back a sob before she hurried out through the restaurant towards the front door, leaving him behind with a fear he had never experienced before.