2. Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Adam

“Adam, I promise this is going to be a good move for your career.” Finn’s voice soothes through the speaker phone.

The clear turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea does nothing to calm the anxiety I’m feeling at the knowledge that my team, the Jaguars, are trading me to the Mavericks.

It’ll be the first time I haven’t played with my brother since we began playing football at the age of eight. My twin, Steve, and I have basically done everything together since we were in our mother’s womb. This isn’t the worst thing that could happen—we’ll only be a plane ride away—but it has shaken me up more than I would’ve thought.

Being traded is something that you know is a possibility when you’re a player in the NFL. It’s a business first. The players are the pieces, or cogs, of the machine and building a team that will win the big game is the only goal.

I just never expected the feelings that would come with that: rejection, fear, uncertainty, not to mention change.

I hate change.

I lift up my hand and try to rub the tightness that’s been in my chest since Finn gave me the news last night.

Seagulls fly overhead squawking loudly while the calm repetitive sound of the ocean murmurs in the background.

“The Mavericks have a great organization and are beyond excited to have you joining them,” Finn’s voice plays among the calming sounds. “They’ve been trying to arrange a trade before the beginning of the season, but the Jags weren’t interested.”

“Until Smith went down,” I mumble.

“Until Smith went down.” Finn echoes.

Michael Smith was the Jags’ tight end. He was a massive part of the offensive attack and one of our quarterback’s only strong targets. When he went down, they needed to trade for someone on offense who could be a strong replacement.

I’m just a casualty of those circumstances.

Finn Mitchell has been my and Steve’s agent since we were drafted. He’s one of the best agents in the game. Not only does he make sure his players are taken care of, but he’s always working to get them the best possible deal. More importantly, he’s a good friend and someone I trust.

“Steve called me this morning.” I'm not surprised by that news. I lean my forearms against the balcony railing. “He told me you’re taking this trade really hard.”

“Was it me getting on a plane and heading to the Bahamas for an impromptu trip that gave him that impression?” I push off the railing, run my hand through my hair and head back into my hotel room.

“The Bahamas, huh?” Finn razzes me. “Must be nice to be a famous football star.”

In spite of myself I feel the corner of my lips lift.

“No. It’s the fact that you haven’t returned his calls. I was actually a bit surprised you picked up my call.”

“Finn, you called me every minute for a full ten minutes before I finally picked up. I figured the only way to get you to stop was to answer.”

Finn’s chuckle rings through the phone. “You know you could’ve just turned off your phone, right?”

For the first time in the last twenty-four hours I laugh. “You know, I didn’t even think of that.”

“Annnnd that’s why you pay me the big bucks,” Finn teases. “So I can make sure I do the hard thinking for you.”

A chuckle escapes me as I plop on the end of the bed.

“I know that being away from your brother is tough,” Finn’s tone softens. “But I also know this will be a terrific move for you. Do you trust me?”

I rub my hand up and my face and groan. “You know I do.”

“Good. So you’ll call Steve back?” My silence prompts him to continue. “This change is hard on him too. He may have Nicole to help him with the transition, but he’s struggling.”

I pinch my nose and let out a breath. “Yeah. I’ll call him.”

“Immediately after you get off the call with me?” Finn pushes. “You know he’ll just keep calling me until you do. Then I’ll have to come down to the Bahamas and make you call him.”

I shake my head and snort. “After I get off the phone with you, Finn, I will call my brother.”

“Awesome. Can’t have two of my best clients unhappy. How do you think that would make me look?” I can hear the teasing in his voice. I know he’s not worried about how it would make him look. He’s worried about me and Steve. “Oh, and the house I got you in Pleasant Hollow–”

“Nooo,” I groan. “I told you I wanted to be closer to the stadium.”

“So you can hole up in an apartment and only see people during practice?” Finn scoffs. “Not happening. Pleasant Hollow is a great town. You’ll be about twenty minutes from the stadium.”

I grit my teeth together. He knew I didn’t want to be in that town. I’m there to play football, nothing else. So what if settling in would be beneficial to me. Maybe even smart. I just want to go and do my job. I mean isn’t that the reason they traded for me?

“Finn–”

“I know,” He cuts me off. “This isn’t what you want.”

“Exactly,” I growl.

“But it’s what you need,” he says firmly. “Give yourself some time to settle in. If you still hate it after the first month I promise we can find you something else.”

A month?! Is he crazy?

My breath is uneven, and I’m working hard to keep my temper in-check. This isn’t Finn’s fault, and he’s only trying to help. But it’s all so much. Being traded, leaving my family. It’s too much.

“I did listen to the out of the way part though.”

“Oh,” I say through clenched teeth.

“Yup. I leased you an old farm house on the outskirts of town.” I feel my jaw loosen at his description. I loved my grandparents' farm house growing up. It was one of the places that Steve and I looked forward to going every summer for a few weeks. “It has a driveway lined with these gorgeous Sugar Maple trees. They’re all in peak autumn foliage. You’re gonna love it.”

I run my hand through my hair and sigh. He’s right. That doesn’t sound bad at all, but I’ll be darned if I’m going to let him know that.

“And if I hate it?”

“We’ll find you something that you like. But I’m pretty sure you’re gonna love it.”

My phone vibrates, and I see a text from Finn. I open it to a beige-colored farmhouse circa 1920, with a porch in the front and a smaller one on the side door. It’s surrounded by trees and on about two acres of land.

I open the pictures to find pine wood floors and multiple windows lined on each wall that allow for lots of natural light. It’s pretty perfect.

“Sooo…what do you think?” I can hear the smile in Finn’s voice.

“Okay. Fine…It’s nice.” I grudgingly admit, hating that he was right. And even worse that I have to admit it. I’m not usually such a grump, but it’s been a rough day.

“My job is complete…for now,” he chuckles. “So, how long are you staying in the Bahamas? You’re meeting up with the team on Monday.”

“I have a flight scheduled for Sunday afternoon.” My stomach drops, and I squeeze my eyes shut. This is really happening.

“Text me the time and I’ll make sure to pick you up so I can help you get settled in. Do you have everything you need packed?”

My phone buzzes, and I see a notification from The Blitz Brigade, one of a few online chat groups I belong to. My stomach flutters at seeing Amelia’s username, NotJOsSis, and the corner of my lips lift slightly.

I forgot that I completely left her hanging after the news of my trade broke.

“Did you hear me?”

“I did. I’ll take a picture and send it over in a bit.” I read her message and smile.

“What about the packing part?”

“I leased a fully furnished apartment, so there is nothing there to pack. I packed my clothes and shipped them to your office. I’m gonna go, Finn.”

“You did what?” I have to pull the phone from my ear with that shriek.

“I’m gonna go, Finn. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Wait—”

“Bye, Finn,” A huge smile crosses my face. That was the most fun I’ve had since I found out I was being traded.

“Call your brother!” Finn yells before I hit the end call button.

I re-read her message again.

NotJOsSis: Hey PullTheLine…cat got your tongue? I didn’t think my commenting on the Jags offensive line would have been so controversial.

She hasn’t addressed me as PullTheLine in a while…

PullTheLine: Sorry, it’s been an…um…interesting few days. PullTheLine: Talking about the Jags offensive line isn’t offensive. PullTheLine: No pun intended. wink emoji

I cringe at that response…it’s corny. But she knows that about me already.

PullTheLine: I'm not sure if you heard the news, but it looks like they’ll be making some changes soon.

NotJOsSis: Did you forget who you’re talking to? Of course I saw the changes. sticking tongue out emoji NotJOsSis: This is AMAZING news for the Mavs! They need help on the O Line and Adam Daniels is the perfect addition. NotJOsSis: He’s one of, if not the best offensive lineman in the league.

Warmth creeps up my face, and I’m caught off guard by her flattery.

PullTheLine: The best offensive lineman in the league?! PullTheLine: I mean I know he’s good , but the best ? PullTheLine: You’ll need to convince me of this because I’m not sure I buy it.

A wide grin spreads across my face, and the tightness in my chest loosens. I can’t wait to hear Amelia state her case.

I know it’s going to be filled with all of the reasons why this Adam Daniels, aka me, is the best offensive lineman in the NFL.

It’s probably not very humble of me, but everyone needs a bit of an ego boost once in a while.

Especially a man who feels completely rejected by his old team.

It’s the perfect distraction, and it could possibly give me a different perspective on the life change I have no control over.

Plus, every man wants to hear a woman tell him about all of his redeeming qualities, even if it’s just regarding his career.

Especially from this woman.