Never Again - 8

Chapter 8 - Sleeping Beauty

It was more than ninety minutes later when there was signs of movement from the sofa.

                “Hey Sleeping Beauty!” She smiled as bewildered Jack tried to orientate himself. He failed to hide his embarrassment, and Erin found that quite endearing. “Don’t worry, you didn’t snore!”

Sitting he shook his head, “I can’t believe that.”

Erin got up from her seat and wandered across to him, “you looked exhausted, plus you had a blow to the head earlier. I did think about waking you because of that...”

He sighed, “I have got a raging headache.”

She stood in front of him, his head in her hands and checked his eyes, his cheek, and then his jaw. She was happy he wasn’t too severely concussed, though the bruising seemed to indicate the severity of the blow earlier.

Making for the bathroom she offered him a variety of painkillers. Accepting some and a glass of water he slumped back against the chair. “Sorry Erin, I turn up here, at my lowest ebb eat your food, use your shower then abuse that hospitality by falling asleep. What must you think of me?”

She smiled, “I think you’re normal, someone who’s just had a bad day. Nothing more. How’s your head?”

Gingerly testing the bones around his eye socket, he nodded, “ok I think.”

Nodding she took his hand and led him into back to the sofa, “relax, will you?”

Sitting the opposite end of the sofa to him on her curled up legs; Erin studied Jack, “so bad day at the office. We all get them.”

                “I lost it though, and I shouldn’t have. It’s ridiculous, he had a red card, we had the advantage. Now I’ll be investigated, fined, maybe suspended. I promised myself I wouldn’t do it again.”

Erin sighed, “You can’t undo it Reilly, you just need to manage it. You’re a role model, so apologise, say it was nothing to do with your head injury...be humble. Nothing worse than people blaming an indiscretion on anyone else, front it out. People will appreciate that and it’ll be forgotten. My nephew loves you and your team, much to my father’s disgust, so he is impressionable, people like you influence him. The bad deed isn’t so bad; it’s how you deal with the backlash. Y’know?”

Jack closed his eyes and shook his head, “what a complete fuck up!” When he heard Erin laugh he looked up, “what?”

She shrugged, “you see this stuff happen on TV, or read it in the paper, but I never imagine that it effects you, the players, like this, that you REALLY feel so bad.”

                “I do, can’t say everyone does. But then...” he shook his head and Erin wondered what he was going to say, but he was silent. Instead of speaking, he stood and paced the room. Erin watched him, grimacing at the bruised cheek, the sunken eyes. If people could see him now, they’d really change their opinion of them.

                “What were you going to say?”

He looked at her for a moment, then shook his head, “nothing. Just that I’ve been trying to stop my hot head, you know manage my anger.”

                “You will, if you feel this bad then you’re serious. I can see that and I’m hardly your biggest fan!”

He glanced sideways at her then burst out laughing, “You sure know how to hit a man when he’s down!”

A little later, when the conversation has eased up, she looked at him, “Do you want to watch a movie? I’ve got the latest Bond on mail rental, have you seen it?”

He shook his head, “you got popcorn?”

Making for the kitchen she tossed, “of course!” over her shoulder.

It was late when the movie finished, they were both sat either end of the sofa, the duvet covering their legs. At some point her feet had made it to his lap, and when one of his hands circled the base of the toes on one of them, it felt natural, non threatening and comfortable. By the time the credit started to roll, his thumbs were massaging the arch of her foot, and she was melting into a puddle on the sofa.

                “I enjoyed that!” He offered in that husky tired voice. Erin blushed at the double entendre. Somehow the evening had moved from comfortable companionship to something a little more awkward. And ‘enjoy’ was so feeble a description!

                “You have great hands; maybe you should switch professions with me!”

He grinned, “Then I’d get to see you running around in shorts...mmm, could definitely get used to that thought!”

Shaking her head in mock desperation, she changed the subject, “Do you need any more painkillers?”

Jack moved his jaw, stretching the muscles, “it’s sore but not like it was earlier. I should get going really, I’m sure you’ve got loads to do.”

Erin shook her head, “no way. You’ve got concussion of some type, you can’t go home alone...or is there someone else at your house to keep an eye on you?” She suddenly blushed; did he think she was presuming a lot here?

                “You’re right, I live alone.” There was a rather definite pause, then he looked up at her, “I’d like to stay, and this sofa is very comfortable...I can vouch for that!”

Smiling she lifted her feet clear of his lap, and he groaned at the loss, “I’ll get you some more painkillers, and some hot chocolate. Ok?

When she came back into the room with the medication and the drinks, he was stood in front of a bookshelf studying the photos sat in frames in front of her own library.

                “Family?” He’d lifted a photo of her with Liam and Amelia on each knee; it was taken at her mother’s birthday the previous year.

                “Yep, they are my world, my brother Peter is six years older than me, and we weren’t close growing up, but his kids are awesome, really brought us back together, you know?”

He nodded, “My two sisters are eleven and fifteen years older than me, I hardly see them, then there’s my younger brother who’s nine years younger than me. He visits occasionally, but I barely know him.”

Erin was instantly sad, whilst she wasn’t overly close to her brother, she did see him, frequently, they talked occasionally on the phone, in fact she spoke to his wife Yvonne very often. To not know them at all, four siblings was tragic. “That’s a huge age gap!” Was all she could muster.

Jack stopped in his perusal of the photos to look at her, “Sinead is forty six, Conor is twenty one. Typical Catholic family with the usual menopausal accident!”

He sounded bitter, resentful. Feeling her scrutiny, he sighed, “it wasn’t the best childhood, I don’t see my family very often.”

It was a definite subject end and he moved onto another photo on the shelf. “Is this your father?”

He pointed to her favourite photo, taken a few days after her graduation, on a yacht in the south of France. Her father tall, bronzed in just a pair of shorts was stood with his arm around her, his eyes hidden behind shades, his hair dark, it was much greyer these days. She’d had no cares back then; her smile was as natural as his, her hair blowing in the breeze, her legs looking long in her shorts, her body a lot slimmer in a strappy top. Young, carefree and happy. It was a long time ago.

Nodding, she reached to take the frame, “yep, that’s Dad!” But Jack held up it closer to his eyes. “You perving on me Reilly?”

Shaking his head he looked up, “as lovely as though legs look in those shorts, no, I’m looking at your Dad, I recognise him...just can’t place him.”

Erin had this a lot, her father had been famous enough in the seventies to be familiar, but his football career had been short lived, so his name was often not forthcoming.

                “Danny Bailey.”

He glared at her, then back to the photo, “Shit! It is! You mean your father is Danny Bailey?”

She nodded, “Swindon, Spurs and Liverpool, the very same!”

                “That’s amazing! I loved him, or rather my Dad did, but I’ve seen his England debut, that goal against France.” His eyes were wide with amazement, “Wow!”

She laughed, “His greatest moment! But he blew out his knee a few games later. He has never really got over it! Never really accepted that his career ended.”

He was shaking his head still stunned, “I’m stunned! And you’re Thomas...that threw me!”

This was the moment she dreaded, how much longer could she be in his company without coming clean about her own past? “That’s my married name.” If she could have predicted his response it would have been damn near perfectly described it, wide eyes, glance to left hand, back to face, back step... “I’m divorced now, have been for a few months.”

Jack was completely wrong footed, he had no comeback to that comment, it was the furthest thing from his mind when he’d entered the house that day. He knew that the longer he spent with her, the more he liked her, but now she had both a legendary father...that was a whole different ball game, and divorced, that was a painful thought, he really couldn’t get his head around it. 

When he finally looked back at Erin, she’d stepped away, both physically and emotionally.

                “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting that.” He tried to reach for her, but she moved further away.

She nodded, “no one ever does. It was my greatest mistake!” She tried to dazzle him with a smile, to make up for her reaction, but Jack could see how much he’d hurt her. Immediately he could tell that she had suffered, he didn’t know the bastard, but he wanted to kill him for hurting her, but then he’d hurt her too, with his distance after talking about her family, that only grew when she said she was married. He’d rejected her in that moment. He was no better than her ex.

                “Erin, sorry, I’m not judging...”

She avoided his arm as he reached for her, “it doesn’t matter, I’m not getting involved ever again, so you don’t have to worry that! I’m used goods!”

He floundered at the self flagellation, the pain in her voice. “You’re hardly that...”

She smiled, “I am, but I’ve learned, and I won’t have a relationship again, so it’s not a problem.”

That statement was worse than any of the other revelations. He was a long way from looking for a relationship himself, but he had the feeling that she meant any form of relationship, other than the friendship they’d found over the last two weeks. And that didn’t sit well with him at all.

Never Again - 7

Chapter 7

 

Erin was tempted to post the jacket back to him, care of his club. It was the easiest thing, but also the most predictable and she hated the thought of that. So she hung it on the antique hat stand in her small hallway and pondered what to do. She was busy in work, busier than busy, so she was putting in late finishes, and was almost relieved that Barney wasn’t there to give her big guilt making glances when she walked into the room. He was recuperating well at her parents, and she planned to visit the coming weekend.

On Tuesday Jack’s team were playing, it was live on TV, and she always had a full satellite subscription, most nights she watched football, darts, cricket, even speedway. She loved all and every sport, and tonight she indulged in the guilty pleasure of watching his team play a London club. As usual with the Premiership, the game was fast, physical and quite exciting; in fact Jack scored the winner, a great striker’s goal. The whole stadium erupted, and he was happy and confident as he strolled off the pitch.

Once she’d caught up with the news, she made for bed, happy to read a few chapters of the thriller that had engrossed her over the last few days. As she was about to reach for the lamp, her phone bleeped.

Reaching for it, she couldn’t contain the smile that Jack’s name on the display sparked.

                “Loads of energy, wishing there was some crazy women up for dancing tonight.”

Grinning she tapped a rapid response, “Sorry, no can do on a school night, tucked up in bed I’m afraid.”

                “There are certain things that women should never tell men, the fact that they are in bed is definitely one of them. Cold shower time!”

Smiling she closed her eyes and went to sleep.

The rest of the week was busy for Jack, he had several promo events, his sponsors paid well, but on times demanded more than their pound of flesh. This month was one of those times, but it was the closing part of the season, and it was usual. Scott had booked a round of golf on Thursday, and then there was the monthly poker game Friday, the following morning saw them all travel to London for Sunday’s game.

He hated hotels, well work related ones anyway, he tossed and turned. It didn’t help that he shared with Lewis, one of the youngsters, their manager liked to mix people up, in theory the older squad members should calm and advise the youngsters, though that wasn’t always the case. As he lay in bed, Lewis snoring beside him, he text Erin, he couldn’t resist.

Erin had enjoyed the greatest of her mother’s culinary creations; she made lasagne like no other. She’d sat at the kitchen table after comforting Barney who was looking surprisingly not bothered by being away from her, as her mother had dressed salad and produced crispy garlic bread. Then her brother Peter and his wife Yvonne had arrived with Amelia and Liam in tow. A quiet meal had become a riotous evening, ending with a game of monopoly, her father and her brother were THE most competitive and it had almost ended awkwardly.  But as usual her mother called it a draw, and everything was packed away. The kids at ten and eight were up way past their bedtime, and after a round of hugs and kisses, the extended family left.

Match of the Day came on, she’d always watched it, for years, but her father was hard work. There was still a lot of resentment that came with his career being cut short through injury.

                “He’d have lasted ten minutes in my day!” He scorned a youngster scoring his first Premiership goal, and another gave “an example of the lack of discipline in today’s game.”

Rolling her eyes, she was relieved he didn’t know that she’d met Jack Reilly, he’d hate him, he was everything the modern day footballer represented to her bitter father. Instead of worrying, she helped her mother finish the wine they’d opened during dinner. It was then that her phone beeped.

It seemed that the only texts she received these days were from Jack, and this was no exception.

                “Holed up in a hotel with a snoring teammate. Bored doesn’t cover it. Tell me your day was better.”

She smiled, and then started her reply, “In the country, with Barney. Home cooked food, wine and Match of the Day...doesn’t get better does it?”

When she glanced up, the satisfaction that Jack Reilly repeatedly looked to her for comfort, for companionship evident on her face, she saw her mother watching her. Intently. Erin felt the blush sweep up her face, the last thing she needed was her parents finding out about this, her friendship with Jack could be misconstrued, and that is all it was, a friendship. It couldn’t be anything more.

The phone beeped, and she glanced down, “Wish I was there rather than here. Miss the country. Hug Barney for me?” despite her mother’s careful watch, she couldn’t hide the smile that the comment brought.

                “Barney’s FAR too happy here; don’t think he loves me anymore! But he’ll appreciate the hug.”

                “I’m sure that’s not true. How can anyone be better than you?”

Such flattery, she wasn’t going to fall for it, but she could bask in it for a while. Heading to the kitchen to get a drink, she couldn’t get jack out of her mind. She quickly replied, “I’m not the type to be sweet talked, but nice try Reilly! Good luck for tomorrow, I’ll stick the game on when I get back!”

As she pressed send, she heard her mother clear her throat behind her, “something, or rather someone is definitely making you hot under the collar!”

Erin turned slowly, “it’s not what you think Mum, just a new friend.”

                “Male friend?” Her mother perched on the table and watched her daughter. When she shrugged like a petulant teen, her mother smiled, “you will find love again Erin, and it’ll be with someone who deserves you, someone who loves you as you should be. Honestly.”

Erin looked at her mother, “I’m never going to get involved again Mum, not after Max.” Once their marriage had ended, everyone had had an opinion on Max, everyone knew he was bad, everyone had seen it coming, but no one had ever mentioned it to her. She couldn’t cope with humiliation on that scale again. It was more than she could deal with.

Her mother took her hand, “you will my love, you’re too beautiful a person, inside and out, to be alone, and you’re generous with your emotions, any man would be lucky to have you. And when the time is right you’ll see that. But don’t let Max ruin things twice, ok?”

Erin nodded, then glanced down at the phone that bleeped once more. “If I score it’s for you! Just remember that!”

Wow, how did you respond to that one?

HonHon

He headed straight to her home, he’d always had her address, could’ve visited at any point, but in his pit of despair he wanted...no he needed to speak to her. She was the only oasis he could imagine in this desert. He knew she could flip, but he hoped she wouldn’t.

As he’d abandoned the taxi a few streets away, he finished the journey on foot. And it was then it started to rain. Not a light drizzle, but sheets of cold water drenching everything, including him.

Rapping at the door, he was immensely relieved when he saw a shadow move behind it. As the door opened, he tried to smile. She was looking amazing, her hair wet, pulled up into a top knot, a loose t-shirt swamped her frame, and the joggers she wore looked soft and well worn.

                “Reilly!” She breathed, she really was surprised. “Come in you’re soaked!”

He glanced down at the tracksuit he wore; it was almost stuck to him. Closing the door behind him she gestured in to the lounge. Then looked at him, his right eye was bruised, there was dried blood on his cheek, he was gaunt, his face haunted, and she only wished she could help.

                “I haven’t got anything that’ll fit you...ahh, hold on!” In the bedroom was a pair of pyjamas she’d bought for her brother’s birthday the following months, pulling the cotton trousers and t-shirt from the packet, she glanced at them, they’d just have to do.

                “Get these on before you freeze, I’ll dry yours.”

She pointed to a door to the left of the room, “that’s the bathroom, have a shower if you want. I’ll heat the rest of the chilli by the time you’re done, ok?”

Jack smiled appreciatively, it was SO long since someone had looked after him, he’d left home at fifteen and never really had any support in that way since.  He dwarfed the shower cubicle, but the water was hot, all the toiletries were overly feminine, but he managed to find an ‘active’ shower gel that smelt neutral. He let the hot water pound his body, then his tender face. He’d seen red today, that temper he tried so hard to contain had burst out. He shook his head, he had to work on it, this couldn’t keep happening.

Erin had warmed the chilli she’d taken out of the freezer earlier, and boiled some rice. She also turned on the kettle for tea, even if he didn’t need it, she did.  The game earlier had been a good one, until seventy five minutes. Jumping for a cross his height meaning he reached it with ease, was always an aerial threat, the elbow of one of the defenders had whipped out and caught him flush in the face. He’d fallen to the ground; the commentators said he was dazed. The offender was sent off, and he was substituted, he could hardly see straight, but as he walked off the pitch, he’d lashed out at the defender knocking him over. The rest was a media field day.

She felt sorry for Jack, his day was ended by that dangerous act, but the referee had punished the other man, nothing else needed to be done. But that was Jack, or rather Jack’s reputation. Hearing a sound behind her, she turned to see him standing rather forlorn in the lounge.

                “You ok?”

He nodded, until now he hadn’t spoken a word since arriving, “I’m sorry.”

                “Sorry?” She walked towards him, “you don’t need to apologise to me.”

                “I’ve landed on your doorstep...”

She took his hands, “sometimes you just need to stop being the big man.” Opening her arms, she pulled him close, and with a sigh of relief, he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck. He hadn’t cried since he was a child, but as this deliciously scented woman comforted him, that was his almost automatic desire.  Shaking himself mentally, he savoured the moment for what it was, comfort, understanding, and someone caring for him for the first time in years.

Lifting his head he smiled at her, “thank you.”

Grinning, trying her best to fight the desire for him that hug had fired, she led him to the sofa, “sit, have some food, I’m just trying to dry your kit.”

He tucked into the tray of food she’d left out for him, home cooking the exact remedy for the desperate ache inside him.

Erin busied herself draping his clothes over the radiators in the small flat, then washing the dishes from her earlier meal. It was late, a dark wintry evening, but the fact that Jack needed her in a non sexual way was a bright light in her world.

“Have this tea; I’ll just sort out these dishes. Ok?”

“I should help...”

She shook her head, “don’t be daft, I’ll be ten minutes.”

When she walked back into the lounge, he was fast asleep, his head fallen to one side, his body slumped with fatigue. Smiling to herself, she lifted his legs onto the sofa and was rewarded with him sliding on to his side. Covering him with a duvet, she dug out some work files and moved to the small dining table to finish off a presentation that she was giving the following day to some sport coaches.

Never Again - 6

Chapter 6 - going home

Erin tried to look indignant, but despite the content of the comment, it was meant as a compliment she knew that, and the fact that she was different gave her a real buzz, “Mr Reilly, it isn’t good manners to laugh AT someone and then admit it! I knew you were an idiot, but I didn’t take you for rude!”

Jack grinned, “You know EXACTLY what I mean!”

Despite the frequency of seeing his face over the last few years, she couldn’t remember ever hearing his voice until the previous weekend. It was deep, calming with a still discernible Irish twang. Yes she knew what he meant damn him.

                “So you’re new to Manchester?”

She nodded, “been here two weeks, hope it’s not this ‘exciting’ every week!”

He grimaced, aware that he was a huge part of that excitement, “how is the darts player?”

                “Barney’s ok, he’s at my mother’s, he has to be sedated to keep him calm, stop him running around whilst his leg heals. I couldn’t care for him here, not when I’m at work. So he’s having a holiday in the country!”

He felt like such a bastard, “You must miss him! I’m really sorry for what happened, I was angry that evening, maybe distracted, I SHOULD’ve seen him, and I’m really sorry.”

She sighed, “he’s coping, I should have maybe had him on a lead, he’s so well behaved that I get quite blasé about it all.” He saw her take a deep breath, “I shouldn’t have been so hard on you, and maybe I owe you a small apology too.”

He stepped back dramatically, placing a hand to his head in feign shock, “can I have that in writing?”

She swatted at him, “I’ll take it straight back?”

Laughing he returned to lounge against the bar again, “I’m glad we bumped into each other, if nothing else I wanted to apologise properly. You were so angry that night, rightly so, but I wanted the chance to explain.”

At that moment, a voice burst their bubble. “Reilly you dark fucking horse!”

Then a rather drunk Josh thrust himself between them, “Beautiful Erin, don’t tell me you fell for his bullshit? I’m so much better than him!”

Jack’s face contorted into a smile and he patted the younger man on the back, as he was about to speak Erin beat him to it.

                “Josh, how nice to see you! Do you know this man? He likes my friend, so we came up for free champagne,” leaning close she gave a theatrical whisper, “don’t tell him I’m gay or he’ll stop the supply!”

Jack was now trying his damndest to appear innocent and calm, but he was failing. As Josh disappeared back to his friends to tell them all about Jack being cuckolded, Jack turned to her with a smile, “so you like denting my reputation?”

Erin sipped her champagne before looking up at him, “I think you do that well enough by yourself!”

Though he feigned pain and hurt, the comment did hurt, he hated the thought of her disapproving of him, but as he also knew that his past was shameful by most people’s standards, and he regretted that now as she looked at him with a smile.

Erin was floundering, she’d offended him, well he looked offended anyway, and that surprised her for all the banter they’d shared. Then there was this bloody room where she felt like a sacrificial lamb, all these so called ‘VIPs’ preying on the unsuspecting public below. It was all a bit weird. Then he smiled and she forgot her worries, she could quite happily sit and absorb his smile.

                “So you’re liking it here?”

She moved her eyes from his mouth, those lovely lips, to his eyes, “this club?”

Laughing, he couldn’t resist reaching for her hand, “I meant Manchester, but the club too!”

Erin felt the blush sweep up from her chest, and then there was his hand on hers, all a little overwhelming. Snatching her hand away, she reached for her drink and smiled nervously.  “I do like it here, it’s different to London, and I’ve been in the Cotswolds with my folks recently, so it’s a million miles from there. I was getting to see a bit of it with Barney,” she smiled at his guilty grimace, “it’s fine. But I was really glad that Chelle visited this weekend.”

They both glanced across to her friend who was laughing as she danced with a young man. When she looked up at Jack, he was a little sceptical of her intentions.

Erin sighed. “Michelle has been trying for a baby with her husband Dave for two years, she’s so stressed, and it’s all she thinks about. The more she worries the harder it seems to be, this is the first time in ages I’ve seen the old Michelle. It’s nice seeing her so relaxed.”

Jack had no idea how that felt, to want something so badly, he could only imagine, but it did make him look at the bubbly woman in a different light. “That’s good; hopefully she can calm the lads down too!”

                “She’s hardly the calming down type!”

He laughed, no she definitely wasn’t but she was good, and genuine, and cute. Good for his friends. At that moment she bounded over to them, stopping abruptly to pick up her champagne glass.

                “Wow! They’re a feisty bunch Jack!”

Jack laughed, behind her the five boys were panting and laughing, they could barely keep up with her wild ways.

                “One of them offered to ‘bump and grind’ with me! I haven’t heard that term since R Kelly went out of the charts. Is this young speak?”

Shaking his head, Jack merely filled her glass, then watched as Erin joined her friend on the small dance floor.

Jack couldn’t remember enjoying himself so much, Erin was stunning, if he’d ever doubted that he couldn’t anymore, she was also great company. She wasn’t interested in impressing him; in fact she seemed to get off on winding him up. That was a tonic, and he loved the zing between them.  Watching her dance crazily with her friend, he smiled; there was no pomp, no procession and definitely no pretence. She wanted to dance madly, so she did, uncaring that she might look silly. The other women in the room, other than Michelle were all posing, draped specifically to display their best assets, focussed on themselves and how to get what they wanted, and for once his young teammates were unconcerned with them. Erin and Michelle were definitely the centre of attention.

Erin was yawning when he sidled up to her much later, “too late for you?”

She nodded, “I don’t do clubbing, but this has been a great evening. Thanks for looking out for us, it’s hell downstairs we’d not have lasted another half an hour down there!”

Jack looked down at her flushed face, her hair swept around her as though she’d walked in from gale force wind, and her glittering eyes.  “I’ll see you both home.” She made to protest, but he was insistent, “it’s late, it’s still a strange city. If you don’t want me to know where you live, I’ll drop you both a block away!”

She looked at him wryly; she’d swear he was reading her mind. Laughing, he took her hand, ignoring the heat that gesture caused, then waved to Michelle who looked like she was never going to stop dancing.

               

                “Come on wildgirl, I’m seeing you home.”

There was a collective groan from the people gathered as she made her goodbyes, then trotted after them out of the club.

Michelle had a coat, but Erin didn’t, and when he spotted her shivering, he slid his arms out of his own, and wrapped it around her shoulders. She glanced up at him gratefully, and didn’t object to his hand that seemed to settle at the base of her spine in a slightly possessive way.  I must be drunk, Erin told herself, but didn’t fight it.

Sat in the back of a cab, they soon warmed up, Michelle was almost asleep her head resting against the door, Erin relaxed into the seat and could feel Jack’s arm resting along the back of the seat behind her. And it was nice. Obviously she was taking a breather from hating men, and for tonight at least she relaxed.

When they got a few minutes away from her home she told the taxi to stop. If Jack wanted to find her, he would, but she wasn’t about to make it too easy for him.

                “You live here?” he asked climbing out of the car, then helping her out.

                “Near!” She smiled when his eyes widened.

Reaching for her hands, he pulled her close to him, “are you playing hard to get Miss Thomas?”

                “Au contraire Reilly, as you warned me earlier, I’m alone in a strange city, it would do me no good to broadcast where I live!”

As he stepped towards her she backed away from him, but her retreat was blocked by the parked car and she was stuck. His eyes studied her, devoured her, his lips parted suggestively. She held her breath as he lowered his head, and his lips hovered a breath away from her ear, “I won’t be a stranger for much longer...I swear!”

Then he stepped back, whipped around the car and was helping a sleepy Michelle out of the car before Erin had even started to breathe again. He was better than good. Her whole body was on edge, the hairs still prickled on the back of her neck, her heart was pounding, and the swirling in the pelvis was making her doubt the strength of her legs. Jack Reilly really was the master of seduction, she was just relieved that Michelle was there as a chaperone.

Looking across the car, she realised Jack was watching her, humour in his eyes at her dishevelled state. Shaking herself she marched around the car, took Michelle’s arm, looking up at Jack, his lazy smile, she saw red. Leaning close to him herself, copying his earlier move, her lips connected with his ear, a lazy, gentle contact, as she spoke quietly.

               

                “You have to do better than that Mr Reilly.”

She heard him moan, a quiet sound, but it pleased her. Then without glancing back, they walked away.

                “Wow was that the hottest ride home, or what?” Michelle smiled.

Erin glared at her, “were you pretending to be asleep?”

She nodded, “I didn’t want to put you two off!”

It wasn’t until she was unlocking the door to her house that she realised she still had his jacket on. Damn, she cursed herself, he’d done this on purpose, he’d have to see her again, if only to get that back.

Erin opened one eye and took in the disarray of the lounge. They’d got ready to go out the previous evening in here and so the room was filled with piles of discarded clothes, various hair accoutrements and makeup. She pulled the duvet back over her head with a groan, but was not going to get back to sleep. Her bedroom was dark, but as the lounge was always dim being in the basement, she purposely had the lightest drapes. So now at...she glanced at the clock...ten past eight, she was trying to sleep in the brightest light this room had seen since she’d moved in.

Climbing to her feet, she filled the coffee pot, slipped jeans over her pjs and her thick winter coat, then jogged to the local shop, returning with fresh croissants and Sunday papers. The smell of the coffee welcomed her, and though it was a fresh morning, she opened the patio doors to her small courtyard back garden and turned on the radio. She was sipping coffee and reading the sports section of her favourite broad sheet when her friend emerged looking worse than worse for wear!

                “Coffee?” she asked standing from her chair set in the open doorway to the garden.

Michelle groaned, “well that make my head stop hurting and the room spinning?” She slumped opposite Erin’s chair and groaned, “we’re in our thirties Erin, we shouldn’t be getting as rough as this!”

Erin laughed, handing her two paracetamols and a mug of coffee, “we always promised to grow old disgracefully! That was part of that plan! And it was fun!”

Michelle opened one eye and tried to smile, “it was fun, those lads were crazy...but you were getting all a bit loved up in the cab Ms Thomas. Jack Reilly is HOT!”

Erin laughed, “he’s more fun than I imagined, but nothing more than that is going to happen.” Michelle’s eyebrow raised and Erin added, “I mean it Chelle, it’s too much, too soon. I don’t want anyone else, and especially anyone like him!”

As she sat down, her mind did flash to Jack. He was everything she feared in a man, powerful, good looking, charming, popular, and a womaniser. He was dangerous, and she’d been sold down the river by her husband who had the same traits, never again.   But then she almost laughed out loud, comparing Max and Jack was like comparing an acorn with an oak tree. Jack was naturally charming, and more successful than Max could ever dream of being, and so much more beautiful. No if Max had been dangerous, then Jack Reilly was lethal, and a definite no go.

Never Again - 5

Chapter 5 - girly night out

Erin looked over at Michelle, they were on parallel couches having the most aggressive massage of their lives, but it felt great. Just as that thought entered her brain, her particular masseur dropped his elbow into the taught muscle to the left of her spine and she almost squealed. Biting her lip, her eyes wide, she scowled at Michelle who was laughing at her discomfort. Then her face contorted into a similar expression of pain as Erin...her masseuse had followed suit.

                “We do this for pleasure?” Michelle asked as she reapplied her lipstick in the mirror.

Erin was sat on a bench fastening her shoes and looked up, “don’t you feel better now?”

Michelle leaned against a locker and looked down at her, “I presumed a girly spa day would be more luxury than pain! Don’t tell me tonight we have to fight for our dinner or brew our own wine?”

Erin laughed, “Now I KNOW you’re being ridiculous! I’ve booked us THE best dinner for later. You’ll see!”

Jack hadn’t wanted to do anything other than soak in a bath after the game. Fortunately today it was a return to form and they had won, though he’d come by a huge bruise to his torso, courtesy of a huge centre half today. The down side of a reputation as a hard man was that people came at you from the off. His body regularly paid the price. And since hitting thirty a few months back he’d started to feel the need to slow down, but his pride...and that bloody reputation meant he didn’t, he couldn’t.

So here he was, propped at a bar, watching boy wonder Josh Gardener and three others brag, gloat and compete. The club they were in had a mezzanine level above the dance floor with a separate entrance, bar and bathrooms, rather than being a VIP area, the club were trying to be witty and had termed it the ‘invite only space’, and it was grim. But the days where he could walk into a pub and order a beer were long gone...but he wanted to be home anyway! Tonight there were eight of them from his team, as well as a gang of rich boys, he didn’t know any of them, then there was a boxer and his entourage and a few soap actors, the usual mix.

Josh was giggling as he clapped Jack in the back, “Come on old man! You joining in this or what?” They were all peering over the balcony, watching and gesturing to the many women filling the room. Regular visitors

He swirled the whisky around his glass without making eye contact, “I’ll step back Josh, leave you youngsters to battle it out! You know me!”

Josh looked at him suspiciously, “you getting too old Jack man?”

Jack laughed, “could get anyone with my eyes closed Joshie baby!” He joked, “but  I’m leaving you have a head start!”

Josh guffawed as the four youngsters moved back to the railing that enclosed the area they were all in, their eyes scanning the full nightclub like vultures. All the time Jack was trying to think of a way out of there that didn’t involve him losing face. What he really needed was a message from Erin. That would cheer him up, but he’d heard nothing since the previous evening.

Glancing at the barman, he nodded for another whisky, oblivion was calling!

               

“I told you this was a great restaurant!” Erin linked her arm through Michelle’s and led her out of the building. They’d just shared an amazing meal! “Not all the best food places have to be inside the M25 Mrs London snob!”

Michelle laughed, “I’m starting to like the North, that’s true!”

                “Well some of the best people live there!” Erin laughed as they moved through a doorway into ‘Lion’s Den’, a club that came highly recommended. It was dark, sweaty and the music pulsated. Neither of them were big night club fans, but they both wanted to dance and keep drinking, this was the perfect place, the music was nineties dance, too cheesy to be hardcore, and a great compromise.

                “Let’s dance!”

With a whoop, Michelle lifted her hands in the air, and swayed her way to the middle of the room.

Jack threw some notes at the barman and refused another drink, “thanks Paul, but I really have to go!”

 Josh was still hanging over the railings, and a group of girls who’d both spotted and recognised him and the other guys,  were all torn between showing off, dancing outlandishly, and looking up through fluttering eyelashes.

                “Guys!” Jack placed his arms around the group and was just about to utter the words ‘I’m going’ when he realised both the subject, and direction of the conversation.

                “I’ve tried every session as she has her hands all over me, but she’s having none of it. She must be a lesbian!” Josh announced so flippantly.

                “Who?” Jack asked, hardly able to breathe as his eyes followed their gaze and locked on to the target.

Josh shrugged, “ten o’clock, fit girl in blue. She’s Erin, the physio who’s been sorting out my back. Something very sexy about her, but I think she’s gay!”

There’s nothing gay about her! Jack thought watching Erin dance studiously, she was so bloody sexy, how had he missed that before. There was a real voyeuristic sensation watching her and knowing that she had no idea. How angry would this make her? He was about to find out.

Turning to Josh he smiled, “she must be if she doesn’t fall for the Gardener charm!”

The sarcasm was missed on him, so Jack smiled and moved away from the boys.

                “Drink! I need a drink!” The pleas came from the red headed diva across the room from her, and laughing Erin nodded, following Michelle to the crowded bar. “You wait here, I’ll dive in!”

Rather than a bleep, her phone vibrated against her hip, leaning against a pillar, she pulled her phone free then quelled her racing heart as she saw Jack’s number flashing at her.

                “Erin Thomas, aren’t you the dark horse? If I’d known you were a physio I’d have come after you for a massage!”

Erin felt her eyebrows draw together in a frown as she replied, “Is there anything you haven’t managed to find out about me?”

After pressing the send button she looked over her shoulder, she could barely make out the head of her friend in the throng surrounding the bar.

Buzz.

A reply.

                “I know that you’re funny! And that blue suits you! J”

The first thing she noticed was the smiley again. He’d sent her another one. Then she glanced down at herself, she was wearing blue...suddenly she felt that mix of adrenaline, nausea and anger. He was here, somewhere in the club. He could see her!

She was shaking with so many emotions as she tapped a reply,                 “Perving on me Reilly? That’s low!”

If he could see her the last thing she wanted was for him to see her searching the room with her eyes for him, so she kept them on the floor.

                “Coincidence Erin, was just about to leave when your presence was brought to my attention. Can I buy you a drink?”

                “Who told you I was here??? And my friend is getting me a drink, thanks anyway.”

Where was Michelle? No closer to the bar. This was becoming a nightmare.

                “Josh wondered if you were gay as he’s been trying it on with you to no avail. He spotted you. Hence my insider knowledge on you. We’re upstairs, there’s no queue at the bar, bring your friend, just for ONE drink. She’ll be hours at the bar down there.”

Then before she had time to respond, “I know you’re thinking no, but for once just give me the chance to apologise for last week. What harm can one drink do?”

Those were the exact words of her friend once she’d rescued Michelle from the bar queue. “Come on Erin, I’m gasping for a drink, and we’re offered free ones WITHOUT queuing for two years! What’s the worst that can happen?”

That I get out of my depth! Erin admitted to herself as she followed Michelle across the club.

Watching closely, Jack spotted the moment she moved in his direction, her friend was leading the way, so she was still reluctant, but she was on her way. Nodding to Paul the barman, he ordered a bottle of champagne, it was as cheesy as it came, but he was going for it. Paul busied himself finding an ice bucket and some glasses, so he left him to greet them at the heavily guarded stairs.

“They’re with me!” he intervened as Erin’s friend was about to be blocked from entering the mezzanine by the bouncers, hearing him they dropped their hands. As the other woman looked up at him, recognition on her face, he held out a hand, “Jack Reilly!”

She took it and shook firmly, “Michelle Bryant, pleased to meet you!”

He grinned, “There’s champagne, at the bar.” Raising her eyebrows appreciatively, she marched past him, leaving him to wait for the reluctant, almost sullen Erin. He fought the smile that threatened to turn him into a goon. “Erin...we meet again.”

She glared at him, “you are really starting to freak me out!”

Despite the words, there was no malice in her voice, and he sighed with pleasure, he’d quiet happily fight with her every day. Then with a step back he pointed towards the bar, she flounced past him and he grinned. Game on.

Michelle he noted was the life and soul, very soon she was dancing, waving her champagne glass around as she went, and everyone on this floor was fascinated by her. Even his four younger teammates were laughing and dancing with her, and it pleased him.  And it gave him more time with Erin.

                “Here.” He handed her a glass and she showed the same reluctance as she took it. “It’s a full time job you know?”

Erin looked up, and he was dazzled by her blue eyes, so unadorned, so natural, that was what he liked about her he was sure, her dark hair was glossy and loose reflecting the light of the nightclub, her lips free of slimy gloss or gaudy lipstick, and instantly he wanted to kiss them. Shaking himself he ignored the fact that up close her blue dress was slinky, draping over her curves, the length of her long legs. Instead he looked at her eyes, and heard her whisper, “what is?”

Chuckling, he leaned in, his breath on her ear and answered, “hating me!”

Jack wasn’t wrong Erin thought, she was fighting her warring feelings for him every moment she thought about him, but here, in full on charm mode she had to pull her defences up to her ears.

                “Hating you would involve thinking about you Mr Reilly, something I avoid doing!”

He couldn’t control the guffaw of laughter, and Erin tried to hide her smirk. He had such a lovely laugh, she’d seen his face more than a dozen times this week, in newspapers, gossip mags, or TV adverts, he did play for one of the biggest teams in the country, he was always headline news. But this week she’d been far more aware of it. He wasn’t classically good looking, his dark hair was permanently unkempt, but she could admit that was an endearing quality, as were those deep blue eyes. And he was so bloody tall! She wasn’t short, but he towered over her, laughing in a belly deep way, and she was so tempted to join in.

                “Erin Thomas, where have you been all my life? I have never laughed as much as I have at you!”