Overtime, the Final Touchdown: First & Ten, #8
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About this ebook
What happens after the last concussion? How long does an engagement last without turning into marriage? Is an unplanned pregnancy a dream come true or a nightmare? Real life takes over for the Connecticut Kings when the football season ends.
Catch the "play-by-play" for each Kings' player in this book, the final in the series. With a chapter for each team member, and a few surprises thrown in, you'll be on the edge of your seat, but satisfied when the final whistle blows. No First & Ten book would be complete without an action scene. But can you guess who's playing? Read Overtime,the Final Touchdown, and find out.
Jean C. Joachim
¬¬¬ Jean Joachim is a best-selling romance fiction author, with books hitting the Amazon Top 100 list since 2012. She writes mostly contemporary romance, which includes sports romance and romantic suspense. Dangerous Love Lost & Found, First Place winner in the 2015 Oklahoma Romance Writers of America, International Digital Award contest. The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. To Love or Not to Love tied for second place in the 2014 New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America Reader’s Choice contest. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of RWA. Married and the mother of two sons, Jean lives in New York City. Early in the morning, you’ll find her at her computer, writing, with a cup of tea, her rescued pug, Homer, by her side and a secret stash of black licorice. Jean has 30+ books, novellas and short stories published. Find them here: http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com. Sign up for her newsletter, on her website, and be eligible for her private paperback sales. here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jean-Joachim-Author/221092234568929?sk=app_100265896690345
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Overtime, the Final Touchdown - Jean C. Joachim
OVERTIME
The Final Touchdown
First & Ten series, 8
Jean C. Joachim
Sports Romance
Moonlight Books
ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer.
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
A Moonlight Books Novel
Sensual Romance
Overtime, the Final Touchdown
Copyright © 2016 Jean C. Joachim
E-book ISBN: 978-0-9971833-2-0
COVER DESIGN BY DAWNÉ Dominique
Edited by Tabitha Bower
Proofread by Renee Waring
All cover art and logo copyright © 2016 by Moonlight Books
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
PUBLISHER
Moonlight Books
Dedication
To football players past, present, and future.
Special Dedication
To the late Marilyn Reisse Lee,
my dearest friend.
Acknowledgment
Thank you for your support:
Tabitha Bower, my editor, Renee Waring, my proofreader, Ariana Gaynor, Kathleen Ball, Vicki Locey, David Joachim, with special thanks to Larry Joachim and Steve Joachim, for providing guidance and insight about football.
Other books by Jean C. Joachim
FIRST & TEN SERIES
GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK
BUDDY CARRUTHERS, WIDE RECEIVER
PETE SEBASTIAN, COACH
DEVON DRAKE, CORNERBACK
SLY BULLHORN
BRODSKY, OFFENSIVE LINE
AL TRUNK
MAHONEY, DEFENSIVE LINE
HARLEY BRENNAN, RUNNING BACK
THE MANHATTAN DINNER CLUB
RESCUE MY HEART
SEDUCING HIS HEART
SHINE YOUR LOVE ON ME
TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE
HOLLYWOOD HEARTS SERIES
IF I LOVED YOU
RED CARPET ROMANCE
MEMORIES OF LOVE
MOVIE LOVERS
LOVE’S LAST CHANCE
LOVERS & LIARS
His Leading Lady (Series Starter)
NOW AND FOREVER SERIES
NOW AND FOREVER 1,
A LOVE STORY
NOW AND FOREVER 2,
THE BOOK OF DANNY
NOW AND FOREVER 3, BLIND LOVE
NOW AND FOREVER 4,
THE RENOVATED HEART
NOW AND FOREVER 5,
LOVE’S JOURNEY
NOW AND FOREVER,
CALLIE’S STORY (series starter)
MOONLIGHT SERIES
SUNNY DAYS, MOONLIT NIGHTS
APRIL’S KISS IN THE MOONLIGHT
UNDER THE MIDNIGHT MOON
MOONLIGHT & ROSES (prequel)
LOST & FOUND SERIES
LOVE, LOST AND FOUND
DANGEROUS LOVE, LOST AND FOUND
NEW YORK NIGHTS NOVELS
THE MARRIAGE LIST
THE LOVE LIST
THE DATING LIST
SHORT STORIES
SWEET LOVE REMEMBERED
TUFFER’S CHRISTMAS WISH
THE SECOND PLACE HEART
OVERTIME,
The Final Touchdown
First & Ten series, 8
Jean C. Joachim
Copyright ©2016
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Farewell
Chapter Two
Harley Brennan
Chapter Three
Pete Sebastian, Coach
Chapter Four
Griff Montgomery, Quarterback
Chapter Five
Devon Drake, Cornerback
Chapter Six
Sly Bullhorn
Brodsky, Offensive Line
Chapter Seven
Al Trunk
Mahoney, Defensive Line
Chapter Eight
Tuffer Demson, Defensive Line
Chapter Nine
Verna Carruthers/Hank Montgomery
Chapter Ten
Buddy Carruthers, Wide Receiver
Chapter Eleven
Two Minute Warning
Chapter Twelve
The Final Touchdown
Epilogue
Message from the Author
About the Author
Prologue
LATE JANUARY, WILLOW Falls, New York
Why are we going back to Monroe?
Harley Brennan, a running back for the Connecticut Kings, asked.
Because you have a house there,
Shyla Hollings, his fiancée, replied, pulling a suitcase down from a closet shelf.
We lost the play-offs, never even made it to the Super Bowl. Because of me.
He paced, rubbing the back of his neck.
You’re not responsible.
If I could’ve played, we’d have won.
You were injured. It wasn’t your fault.
Shy scooped up a handful of lingerie and tossed it in the valise. Come on. Pack.
He stared at his empty bag.
She sidled up to him, snaking her arms around his waist from behind. Come on, sexy. I’m dying for a blue cheese burger.
The Savage Beast? How can we go there?
How can we not? Your friends are there. Come on. Besides, I promised Stormy.
Promised her what?
That we’d visit Devon.
At least his broken leg’ll heal. He’ll be able to play next season. I’m done. Finished forever,
Harley said, gripping her hands with his.
Starting chapter two. Remember?
He smiled and moved away, easing down on the bed, still staring out the window of their large, Victorian home. I know that’s what I said. Still...
She pushed him back, until he was lying down, and straddled him. The winter sun brought light, but little warmth, and she shivered in the drafty room. He gripped her hips to steady her.
We’ve got plenty to do. Renovating this place isn’t going to be a piece of cake. You’ve got to handle the Kensington State team. Whip them into shape. And I have to write a syllabus. I don’t even know what that is.
He chuckled. She cupped his cheeks and leaned down to kiss him.
At least I have you,
he said, running his hands up and down her back.
That you do.
She flattened her palms on his pecs.
Speaking of having you.
He pulled her to his chest and rolled them over until he was on top, on his knees. We don’t have to leave right this minute, do we?
Nope.
Good,
he said, sliding her sweater up.
Chapter One
Farewell
LATE JANUARY, MONROE, Connecticut
Trunk Mahoney stood by the window of The Savage Beast and watched for Harley and Shyla. The bar was packed with members of the Connecticut Kings football team and their wives or girlfriends. A big sign hung over the bar. It read, Farewell, Harley.
Harley Brennan’s surprise retirement party was awaiting kickoff. Everyone was there but the guest of honor and his fiancée.
Trunk texted her one more time. A minute later, he got a reply.
Just left the house.
Trunk motioned for silence. They just left. They’ll be here in ten minutes.
A few whoops and clapping rang out.
Trunk, Bullhorn Brodsky, and Griff Montgomery had arranged the get-together. Trunk’s wife, Carla, was tending to the food. With such a large crowd, she’d had to hire a caterer, though she’d bought the booze herself. The Kings had taken up a collection and received more than they’d needed to pay for the refreshments and tip Doodles Kelly, who was working the kitchen, and Marla, the bartender.
The Beast looked great. Trunk had pumped some cash into it when he’d married Carla. She’d supervised the renovation. The wood floors had been sanded smooth, stained dark, and waxed to a rich patina. Two coats of fresh cream paint had renewed the walls. Under the brush and roller, the ceiling had turned as blue as the sky. They’d installed softer lighting that could be dialed up or down.
There was a new bar of polished cherry stretched the width, black leather stools accompanying it. Tables with the same glossy wood tops dotted the room. The pool table was gone, giving more space for customers. The small, bar piano had been painted a shiny black. A dartboard graced one wall, there was a large television screen behind the countertop, and framed posters of some of the Kings’ finer moments hung on the remaining space.
No longer a dive, the Savage Beast had become classy, but still the perfect hangout for the team and their ladies.
Carla filled pitchers with beer and put them on tables. Doodles brought out Sangria and placed it on the bar next to a stack of glasses. Trunk paced. He’d never thrown a party for someone before. His nerves tingled as he moved back and forth.
What can I do? Put me to work.
He turned to face Carla.
She patted his arm. Don’t worry, babe. The sandwiches are being put on platters now. Doodles has a dozen burgers on the grill. The cake was delivered at nine. We’re set to go.
He nodded.
Tuffer Demson, defensive linebacker, approached. I’ve got four taxis lined up to drive people home tonight. You told them to be here at ten, right?
Yep. Perfect. Good job, kid.
Demson smiled. This is gonna be a great party.
Better be. I’m killing myself here.
Tuffer laughed. Yeah, right, Mahoney.
I am. Organizing this thing was a bitch.
You bitchin’ and moanin’ about getting this together? Shit, man, Carla did all the hard work. You just put up a sign in the locker room,
Bull Brodsky said, slapping his friend on the back.
I made the banner there.
Tuffer pointed behind the bar.
And a great job, too,
Bull said.
Trunk made a face. And you call yourselves my friends, eh?
The idea was yours, Trunk. That’s what’s most important.
Bull winked at Demson and nudged him in the ribs.
Damn right. And don’t you forget it.
Bull and Tuffer laughed while Mahoney checked his watch. He hollered out, Five minutes!
The crowd stopped milling around. People cozied up next to their loved ones. Carla put down the towel she was using to dry glasses. The place quieted down.
Trunk positioned himself by the curtains and pressed his finger to his lips. He pulled the fabric away from the glass just enough so he could see the sidewalk. He spied Harley’s fancy car ease into a spot. Shyla turned and waved in the direction of the bar before the running back got out.
Here he comes!
Trunk said, in a stage whisper, as he watched the footballer’s familiar swagger. Excitement bubbled up inside the defenseman. He had wanted to do something to help his down-in-the-dumps friend, and he hoped the party would do the trick. The idea was to show Harley how much his teammates cared about him and would miss him on the gridiron.
Trunk and Harley had become close during their last year. Heartbreak over the loss of the playoff game that would have sent them to the Super Bowl had affected every man on the team. Trunk knew Harley took it to heart more than the others. He had been a key player, and with the team down a top running back, winning was no longer a sure thing. Then, Devon Drake broke his leg—thanks to that monster Horse Jackson of the Columbus Bobcats—which had sealed the deal. The Kings had finished second in their league.
Before he could blink, Shyla’s hand was on the doorknob. She fumbled with it, Trunk guessed on purpose, giving them a moment, and everyone froze. Silence blanketed the room.
Let me do it,
Harley said, moving her aside. He twisted the handle.
The door swung open, and he walked into the darkened bar.
Surprise!
rang out, making him jump. Lawson Breaker, offensive linebacker, flipped on the lights. Laughter filled the air as the Kings and their women spied the look of shock on Harley’s face.
HARLEY GASPED AS THE shouted word made his ears ring. Startled, he flew a foot in the air. He cast his frantic gaze around at the smiling and laughing faces of his teammates.
Shyla, on his left elbow, nudged him and pointed to the sign. It’s a surprise retirement party for you, honey,
she whispered in his ear.
He blinked several times. As he stood, frozen to the floor, Mahoney ambled over.
Trunk gave his friend a strong slap on the back. Didn’t think we’d forget, did ya?
Unable to get control of his breathing, Harley simply turned and stared.
Aw. He’s all choked up,
Trunk yelled to the crowd.
They gave their team cheer. Then, Trunk snatched a beer from the bar. He raised his glass and sang, For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,
motioning for the others to join in.
Harley remained motionless, during the song. Tears gathered in his eyes, but he was powerless to stop them cascading down his rough cheeks. Shyla slid her hand into his, and he squeezed it. Never in a million years had he expected this outpouring of love from his teammates. He was in shock as he realized that leaving this crazy group was going to be harder than he thought.
His heart swelled as emotion flowed through him. He didn’t know how to handle this. Feelings he’d ordinarily tamp down floated to the surface. Sure, he’d miss pro football, but it was these guys who made it meaningful. The pleasure of their adoration intensified, morphing into pain in his chest. It was a good pain, the pain of being loved too much.
Shyla took a tissue out of her bag and slipped it into his palm. He wiped his face. When the singing was over, he found his voice. It cracked and broke as he tried to speak.
Hey! You guys. Stop. Really. Stop.
He raised his hands.
Three cheers for Brennan,
shouted out Bull Brodsky. Hip, hip, hooray!
Shy had obtained a shot of whiskey from the bar and handed it to Harley. He downed it in one gulp. Fortified, he grinned. Sadness flipped to joy inside him.
Platters of sandwiches and side dishes were put out on tables. Guests were lining up to get food when the door burst open. It was Coach Bass.
Sorry I’m late. You know how it is with new babies. Well, some of you, anyway. Jo’s home. She’s sorry she can’t come, but Butch keeps her busy.
You’re calling the kid Butch?
Carla raised her eyebrows.
Jo calls him Trevor. I call him Butch. I brought the DVD. Who knows how to set this up?
Lawson Breaker and Tuffer Demson, the two youngest men on the team, retrieved a laptop from under the counter. They used it like a projector, connected to the big screen television. Tuffer took the disk from the coach. They discussed where to begin.
Attention, attention!
hollered Coach Pete Sebastian. We have a little tribute to Brennan here. So, fill your plate, find a seat. This show is a real treat.
Curtains were closed, Harley and Shy were given the best seats in the place, and the young men started the DVD. They paused for a second as Coach waved his hands.
Apologies to the ladies for the language. You know these guys.
Then, he sat down.
On the screen appeared the words, Life and Times of Harley Brennan,
and then music played—We Will Rock You.
The movie opened with cuts of Harley in various stages of dress and undress, both in the locker room and on the field—the time his shirt got ripped off by a defenseman, Harley covered in mud, after a game played in pouring rain. With a few parts censored—peeks into the locker room, the shower, the