City of Champions by Chloe T. Barlow Read Free Book Online

this over with."
    "I get it, man. You're a cranky old bastard tonight."
    "Twenty-nine makes me old, huh?" he asked, finally cracking a smile. "You're twenty-six, you idiot."
    "You know what — you're right, we are still young. So why don't you come out with us after this VIP shit is all over? We're going to the Southside to get a drink — or four — and maybe find some Pittsburghers that aren't totally disgusted with us. It'll be good for you to spend some time with the guys."
    "No, I need to call it a night as soon as we're done."
    "Old and predictable — Christ, Wy, you are one boring guy."
    "Looks like I am. Sorry, man."
    Wyatt actually was tempted to cut loose instead of hiding out in his big empty house all by himself.
    But he knew that it all started with one fun night.
    In fact, that was how it began, and, ended for his father — simple nights of entertainment, enjoying the pleasures that came with being a star NFL quarterback. In between those nights came too much partying, too many women and run-ins with the law that got swept under the rug. Then came more folks asking for money, and bad investments taking whatever else he had left. Until he had lost the family's home and his wife couldn't ignore the cheating and long absences for another day. She'd taken Wyatt and the rest of their kids to live with her grandparents, so they could try to start their lives over quietly.
    Wyatt realized he may be facing career speed bumps, but at least they were all his own. He would deal with those, while doing whatever it took to avoid the failures of his father and the humiliating fate that came with them.
    "Man, you really are a pain in the ass, Wy. Fine. Your loss."
    "Don't I know it," he answered.
    "Come on, let's get out of here so we can go meet these stiffs."
    Wyatt tossed his bag onto the bench and followed J.J. to the vestibule outside the locker room, where the rest of their group was waiting.
    "Hell, yeah," J.J. said, under his breath. "I definitely still call the women. Old, boring wives, my ass, Wy."
    Wyatt rolled his eyes at J.J. before turning around to get a load of what had J.J. all worked up. His taste was pretty lenient — breasts connected to a willing body were often enough to get him going, but as soon as Wyatt turned around he started to think he'd underestimated J.J.
    Tom was leading the group next to a guy about Wyatt's age with a riled up little boy who was so excited, he looked about ready to jump out of his own skin.
    Behind them was the sight that had J.J. and Wyatt's full attention. Three beautiful women were pulling up the rear — one had short, dark hair and a quirky smile, while another had a sweet face and a massive head of light brown hair, almost the color of honey. But it was the serious-looking stacked blonde standing next to her that had Wyatt's heart suddenly pounding. Her blue eyes were penetrating and screamed of a challenge he was ready to take on — because, dammit, he really needed a win, and quickly.
    "I call the blonde, J.J.," he said to his friend with a quiet intensity.
    "Fuck, you're kidding — she's perfect for me."
    Wyatt threw him a look that had managed to make unruly teammates fall in line since he was a kid, and now was no different.
    "Fine, if that'll cheer you up, I'll let you give it a shot. I like the look of that crazy brunette, anyway," J.J. answered confidently.
    "Perfect. Let the games begin," he whispered to himself.
    They want me to play nice? Wyatt thought to himself. Sure, I can do that. I'll play really nice with this hot blonde.
     

     
    "Tea, I'm gonna head home after we meet the players," Jenna whispered to Tea as they followed Tom, who was still chattering almost nonstop several feet ahead of them to Griffen and Johnny.
    "What?" Tea whispered back with concern, stopping suddenly until Aubrey barreled into her from behind.
    "Jeez, Tea, are you trying to kill me?" Aubrey huffed at her.
    "No, but I may kill Jenna. She wants to go home." Tea turned back to