TYSON CAINE: Book 1 in the Brothers in Arms Series (Brothers in Arms Book 1) (11 page)

The siren rings for the first quarter, still no score. Westfield is better than we expected, especially in their defense, but we just gotta try a few different plays and see what works.

“Okay, fellas, their defense is tough, and they are gunning for Tyler so we gotta be smart and be one step ahead out there,” Coach states to us as we have a quick drink and get ready for the second quarter.

Something about Coach’s words has made something click and flicked a switch. I was strong enough to admit my feelings for Brooklyn; the determination to get what I want is burning deep. My desire is so strong—I’ve never felt like I needed it like I do today.
Is this how Tyler feels every game?

As we run back onto the field, I grab Jay by the arm. “Hey, if I can get close enough, throw me the ball,” I tell him; he frowns and then shrugs his shoulders.

I guess if Tyler is open, he will throw it his way first, but if not, I’ll be ready.
Let’s do this.

The siren rings and the referee blows his whistle. It’s Westfield’s kick-off, so we need to work overtime in defense before we can even think about scoring.

I tackle and block their quarterback the best I can. He is fast, but I pull out the big guns and stick to him like glue. He catches a pass, so I dive on him tackling him hard to the ground. Our supporters cheer for me.
Defense is my thing.

So I hope to surprise a few of them tonight with my offense too.

With our kick-off, Jacob starts with the ball this time. His position is running back so he takes his chance sprinting, and our line backer, Scotty, tackles the first defender. The next defense is too fast and dives to tackle Jake, but he passes to Jay as he falls so I take my chance and sprint up behind him. “Jay, I’m open,” I call out.

He looks at me and passes; I catch it swiftly and run. I weave and twist through the tough ass defense, beating one, then two, but as I get closer to the touchdown line, the meanest defense in two states smashes into me like a ton of bricks.
Man, that fucking hurt.

So much at stake, I have to get up. Nothing is broken, so I get up and keep going
. The pain is soaring through my muscles, though.

I want to beat this team, but it’s about proving something to myself tonight too. It’s what is inside me, the demons inside that I fight with to be the best.
No surrender.

The ball is back in Westfield’s possession, but I’m hungry.

I sprint when I see my chance; the center unleashes the pass to their quarterback, so I leap to grasp the ball before he can. It’s a clear interception, and I clutch the ball tight and run faster than ever before.

Sure, I could pass it, Tyler is free, but for once in my life, I want the glory. Why the hell can’t I run it?

I tear through the last defense, darting from side to side to escape a tackle. Jake has my back and dives onto him from behind. I sprint hastily to the touchdown line, feeling amazing as I cross it and throw down the ball in excitement. Then with my arms raised in celebration, and I jump into the air feeling ecstatic.

“Go, Tyson. Amazing touchdown!” people shout out and the crowd screams and goes wild.

“Amazing work, the fullback for Cedar Lake, Tyson Caine, scores the first touchdown of the season,” the commentator announces over the loudspeaker and the crowd in the bleachers cheers and goes wild with excitement.

Victory is mine!

The adrenaline pumping through my veins is intense. It resembles kissing Brooklyn for the first time on the Ferris wheel. My heart is pounding like never before. My skin is a thousand degrees Fahrenheit.
The heat of the attack has me on fire.

The team races over, and Jake has me in the air. “Way to go, Tyson,” he screams. They all huddle and lift me up; it’s all surreal and awesome.

“Well, you finally pulled something wicked out there, great work, Ty,” Tyler calls out to me and pats my shoulder.

Well, I’ll be damned, praise coming from the quarterback who scored thirteen touchdowns last year.

I glance over at Coach; he is smiling widely and fist pumps the air. I nod at him and give him the thumbs-up. I don’t think he saw that new play of mine coming, but something tells me he won’t be displeased that I tried something unique.

****

The next two quarters are hard as nails; both teams are well matched, and block as well as we attack. At least we keep them from scoring, so that is another bonus.

When the full-time siren rings, I throw my arms up in the air. We won! The score ends up 6-0 and the winning and only touchdown is mine.
What a feeling!

I look at the crowd to find my angel’s addictive blue eyes. She is making her way to the fence, so I run to her. “You are amazing,” she shouts out as I lift her up and into my arms.

I kiss her sweet lips. I’m drawn to them, and I know I probably taste all gross and sweaty, but I’m feeling selfish; I need her taste to top off one of the best days ever. Brooklyn deepens the kiss, so I guess I don’t taste bad after all. I squeeze her body closer, which is hard work with all my padding on.
We get caught up at the moment.

For a few minutes, we forget where we are. It’s just my girl and me. I reluctantly pull back to see her pretty face. She is breathless and smiling like a giddy school girl. “Sorry. I know I’m all sweaty, I just needed to kiss you to top off my high,” I announce to her.

“Don’t ever apologize for kissing me, Mr. Caine. You are free to do so whenever you please,” she responds biting her lip. I take advantage and kiss her again, causing us both to laugh through the kiss. “We have some celebrating to do. Go and shower and I’ll be waiting,” she declares to me pushing me toward the locker rooms.

I nod and make my way to the locker rooms. I breathe out feeling like I’m floating. “The man of the hour, Tyson Caine,” Coach shouts as I enter, and my cheeks are hurting from smiling so widely.

“Yeah, baby,” Jake calls out. Jay wolf whistles and yells, “You kicked ass, Ty.”

One by one, they all give me a high five, a hug, or a pat on my shoulder and verbalize their praise. I can feel my head growing as big as Tyler’s.
Well, not quite.
Speaking of him, I don’t get any more praise from his direction, but he’s not being nasty either.

Although I’m sure he is pissed the limelight is off him for once. You win some, you lose some, bro.

Why the hell am I so nervous?
Tyson has been my best friend for the last five years. He is the only one who knows intimate details about my mom’s ovarian cancer and how important it is for me to get checked. He even knows what I’m thinking before I vocalize it sometimes; we are the yin to each other’s yang.

“You do realize we need an official first date, don’t you?” Tyson declares in the cafeteria while we are eating our boring lunch of tuna on rye.

He catches me by surprise with his comment, and I nod in agreement. “I guess you’re right, but you know I’m not the kind of girl who needs flowers and expensive dinners,” I respond.

“Where do you want to go and when do you want to go?” Tyson asks me fidgeting in his seat. He looks nervous, and it’s pretty cute.
I don’t see him get nervous very often.

Good question. Where in the world do you go with your best friend, who you are now dating?

“I’m free Saturday night, are you?” I ask Tyson eagerly.

I chose Saturday night, so how about I put the ball in his court.

“Sounds good, Saturday it is. Now to pick where.” He’s frowning and looks deep in thought, as if he’s racking his brain on where we could go.

“I think it’s your turn to pick where since I picked when. How about you surprise me,” I say sassily to him.
I can’t wait to see where he chooses. 

“Okay, I just hope I don’t mess up our first date. You sure you trust me?” he questions me smirking.

I reach across the table and squeeze his hand. The moment we touch, I feel a spark. “I trust you more than I trust anyone else, Tyson. Surely, you know that by now?” I tell him honestly.

“The feeling is mutual. I will make it a night to remember. I’ll pick you up at seven and wear something fancy,” he instructs me in his deep voice. It sends shivers down my spine, and when he winks, my heart starts to race. 

The rest of the week is a little drawn out as I wait for our first real date as an official couple. We hang out Wednesday afternoon while we both work on our homework. We sneak a quick kiss before I head home.

Cassie takes me shopping to find something to wear for my date, and I disagree with everything she’s chosen so far.

“You should wear a dress, Brooke. If it’s a restaurant, that is what you’re supposed to wear,” she tells me in her usual bossy voice.

I frown and shake my head at the six different dresses that Cassie suggested.

“What about this one?” she questions me holding up a hanger with a dress attached. I glance down at the short black and white striped dress. It is very simple with short sleeves and a round neck. It actually looks more like a long blouse than a dress really.

“I don’t hate it,” I respond giving Cassie a wink.
It’s progress for me at least.

“Get in the changing room and try it on, woman,” she orders me, but I still love her.

“Fine, but don’t even think about giving me heels,” I add and stick my tongue out at her.

“What about wedges then?” Cassie questions.
I could probably do wedges, though I might still twist my ankle.

I wear heels for my recitals, and they are uncomfortable and fake. I want things with Tyson to be natural, not me trying to be someone that I’m not.

“It’s dinner with Tyson, Cas. It really doesn’t matter what shoes I wear,” I state to her as I disappear behind the large red curtain to try on the dress.

It fits perfectly. It isn’t too tight, there is room to move, and the material is so silky.
It’s pretty damn short, though, but something tells me Tyson won’t mind.

“Oh wow, Brooke, it’s gorgeous on you,” Cassie announces as I come out of the changing room.

I smile at her response. “I really like it,” I tell her as I turn and spin in front of the monster-sized mirror. “I’ll wear my flats with the rhinestones. Could you imagine how short it would be if I wore heels?” I state; surely, she will agree.

“Yep, any shorter, and Tyson will be getting more than he bargained for your first date,” she declares, and we both giggle.

“Ha-ha. Yep, gotta leave something for dates two and three, right?” I joke to her laughing again. God, I love the easiness of our friendship. I’ve had other girlfriends, and it’s been so difficult; they are catty and jealous or don’t have a warped sense of humor like Cas and I do.

I glance at the tag: $39. Well, you can’t argue with that price. Looks like dress number seven was the lucky choice.

“Wow, that is a steal at that price too,” Cas declares as she sees the amount. “Can we at least get you some new earrings to dress it up a bit?” she pleads with me.

“I’ll let you show me what you have in mind. If I hate them, I’m not wearing them,” I bargain with her.

“Deal,” she responds winking.

I put my jeans and shirt back on and pay for the dress at the counter. The salesperson is a little snobby, probably wondering how a tomboy like me can pull off a dress like that.

I wonder the same thing myself.

Next stop is ‘Jewels R Us’ costume jewelry shop. They sell every kind of crystal, cut, stone, and color of the jewelry kind. Some of these pieces are nicer than I expected, and I’m drawn to the turquoise necklace and earrings.

“I love those pieces, but seriously, Brooke, for a restaurant you need classy. Cobalt blue or silver are probably the best option,” she adds.

God, I hate making decisions some days; it’s all too hard. “I do love the blue, so I’m leaning that way,” I declare as I check out the gorgeous stones.

“Try on these,” Cassie suggests, holding up a pair of very pretty and delicate sapphire blue drop earrings.
Wow, I’m in love with them.

“They totally match and brighten your eyes,” Cassie tells me, and I glance in the mirror again. She’s right; my eyes are sparkling. “Oh, look.” Cas comes over with a gorgeous matching bracelet, it’s blue and silver and stunning just like the earrings.

I have never been one for jewelry—it’s funny because Mom used to love it. She would always match her earrings, shoes, and handbag.

Learn to accessorize, Brooke.
I can hear Mom’s sweet voice say to me.

I love how I can still remember the sound of her voice. When I forget that sound, it will be an extremely sad day. Memories are the building blocks to soldiering on with life when someone passes.
No matter how many days, weeks, months, or years pass, you still have your memories to keep them alive in your mind.

“Those are definitely the best option,” Cassie says as we head to pay and go home after a successful shopping trip.

****

I have dance practice Saturday morning, and then I fix a simple chicken burrito lunch to eat with Dad and Dylan. I play a few games of Pictionary since it’s my little bro’s favorite, and then start to prepare for my first date with Tyson.
Oh, my God, the anticipation is killing me.

I excitedly jump in the shower. I need to spend extra time shaving and primping my skin, even though I know nothing too involved will be happening on the first date. It’s just a girl thing. I’m sure Tyson won’t notice stray hairs on my legs or my eyebrows, but I pluck them anyway.

I take extra time to shampoo and condition my hair, leaving the conditioner on a little longer than usual, and then I rinse and towel dry. I have a satin short-sleeved robe that Cassie bought me on last birthday, so I dress in that while I dry my hair and moisturize.

“Hey, Brooke, good luck tonight,” Dad tells me as he appears at my door. He and Dylan are heading to the park to play a bit of soccer, then a boy’s dinner at White Castle.

“Thanks, Dad, but it’s Tyson. I don’t need luck,” I say to him smiling, and he nods. He loves Tyson; they get along better than Jimmy and Tyson do.

I blow-dry my hair, straightening each strand. It is long and thick, so it takes a good forty minutes, but it’s worth it when I’ve finished.

I put on my matching black and white bra and undies set underneath, then pull my new striped dress over my head before I start my makeup so I don’t smudge it or get any on my new purchase.

I was totally right about the heels; any higher and my butt would be hanging out of this dress. These sandals are perfect. It’s the first time I’ve worn them because the rhinestones are a little too girly for me, but I’ll make an exception tonight.
God, I’m wearing a dress, earrings, makeup, and bling. I think it's safe to say I’m being girly tonight.

“You would be proud of me, Momma,” I say out loud. I find myself talking to Mom sometimes; it just feels natural.

Time to make me look pretty.
I spend a little longer on my makeup, trying to get my foundation flawless, and then add bronzing powder and blush. Then I go out on a limb and add a line of blue eyeliner under my eyes to match my jewelry. A few coats of black mascara, lip gloss, and I’m done.
I’m extremely happy with the end result.

Cassie was right about the jewelry; it is perfect. Not too crazy but just right. I snap a quick selfie and send to my bestie.

Me:

I scrub up pretty good.

Cassie:

You are smoking hot, babe. I’d do you.

I laugh out loud at that comment.
Oh God. It makes me wonder if Tyson will see me that way.

I apply my roll-on deodorant and a few spritzes of my perfume Woman by Versace, which was a present from Tyson’s mom.
God, I love all the ladies in my life. I’d be clueless without them.

Tyson:

Hey, pretty lady.

Me:

Hey, you …

Tyson:

I’m ready and very excited to see you.

Me:

I’m almost done. You can come now if you want.

Tyson:

Awesome. I’ll leave in five.

I glance at my clock and see it’s only six-fifteen. It makes me smile knowing Tyson is excited to see me.
I can’t wait to see his face when he sees me in this dress.

****

Twenty minutes later, I hear Tyson’s usual three knocks at the door.

I breathe out a nervous breath. I check myself in the mirror for the hundredth time and head out to answer. “I’m coming,” I shout.

I hurry toward the front door. There he is outside all dressed up and looking fine. I unlock the latch, and he opens the screen door.
Holy hell, he looks hot
. Dressed in dark jeans, a black shirt that is tight around his biceps, his hair is gelled and spiked up just enough. He is grinning widely as I see his eyes check out every inch of me from my dolled-up face, straight and shiny hair, striped dress, and then all the way down my legs.

“Damn, Brooke. You look amazing,” he declares, and I feel my cheeks ache from the wideness of my smile.

“Thanks. You look pretty amazing yourself,” I compliment him back. He walks inside closing the door, inching closer to me. I get a whiff of his aftershave, and I’m jelly on the spot, as he gets closer and closer. He only pauses to hold my hand and then he kisses me softly on my cheek.

“You smell so good,” he admits as his face makes his way closer to mine again. Our eyes meet; he glances at my lips and moves in for a kiss. When his lips meet mine, I feel hungry for him. My hands are in his hair as we kiss more passionately than we ever have before.
The lust and tension are extremely evident.

We pull back for air, both with grins on or faces. “Well, so far this is the best night of my life,” Tyson declares, and I’m stunned by his comment.

“Come on, Casanova, let’s go to dinner. No more kissing until after we eat,” I tell him bossily.

“Sounds like a plan. I will try to control myself,” he replies joking.

“Good boy,” I say winking at him.

Something about being all dressed up and the way Tyson is looking at me is giving me Dutch courage.

“Seriously though, Brooke, when did you get so hot?” he asks as I grab my bag all ready to see exactly where he is taking me.

I just stare at him and laugh.
He thinks I’m hot! I totally just squealed inside.

****

We chat about football, family, and dancing while listening to Nickelback; we have been driving for twenty-five minutes so far. Tyson finally pulls up to the central part of town where I have been before a few times. There is a group of cafes and restaurants in a row.