The Backup: A Montgomery University Novel, #1

By Kathryn Renard

Nineteen-year-old beauty Josie Savage has lived in the shadow of her football star father since he acknowledged paternity. After winning an academic scholarship to Montgomery University, she’s hoping three thousand miles will be enough to get out from underneath his controlling thumb. The school’s incredibly sexy backup quarterback with a shady background is a distraction she doesn’t need. Worse yet, his roommate, who happens to be the starting quarterback, also has his sights set on Josie. Can a famous but publicity-shy California girl manage to navigate the attractions of two sexy star athletes?

Quarterback Runner Rarity is ready to make his mark on the team after sitting out his freshman year. Football has been the one constant in his life through a turbulent Baltimore childhood. His mom gave him nothing except his blond hair and his memorable name. Runner doesn't know who his father is, and he doubts his mother does either. He figures he doesn't have a chance with Josie, especially when his millionaire roommate takes her out. He takes a chance, and he and Josie end up in a passionate, turbulent relationship. But a big mistake threatens to end their relationship before the season is over.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patchwork Press
• Release date: Jul 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781927940600

Kathryn Renard

Kathryn Renard is an award-winning journalist who has always enjoyed romance novels. She felt there was a need for romances that reflected the angst and excitement of real life college years. With this in mind, she adopted a pen name and started writing. Her modern heroines and swoon-worthy heroes have flaws, but they also have a lot of passion. They may kiss the wrong guy, or sleep with the wrong girl, but her couples are worth rooting for. In her real life, Kathryn works for a well-known national news organization and lives in Washington, DC with her husband, twin daughters, and two dog

Book preview

Chapter One

Tap, tap, tap.

Josie opened her eyes.

Tap, tap, tap.

Dad, what are you doing?

The partition between the driver and the rear of the car where Josie and her father sat rolled down silently.

Hey, buddy, you know there's no Diet Coke back here?

Oh, sorry, sir. You want regular? We got regular.

It's not for me. It's for the kid.

Dad, I don't even want a Diet Coke. Josie leaned forward. It's okay, sir. I don't want a Diet Coke.

You sure? I can stop. No problem? I stop right up here.

I'm sure. I want to just get there.

Josie watched as the window rolled back up. This time it made a little squeaking sound.

What the hell's the point of a limo if there's no Diet Coke? Her dad shifted on the seat and straightened his already perfect tie.

I'm guessing to drive people from one point to the next?

Yeah, I guess that's the kind of grade-A smarts that got you into this fancy private school. A school I'm paying for, remember?

Technically that wasn't true. Josie had won a full ride. But her dad did pay for her other stuff. And she liked her stuff. So she kept quiet.

Don't forget, kid, I went to a fancy private school too.

For two years. On an athletic scholarship.

Again, Josie kept quiet. She closed her eyes. Sometimes she managed to block out the force that was her father if she couldn't see him.

His phone played the Monday Night Football theme.

Yo, yo...nah, I'm taking the kid to school...No, not high school. College, man. Yeah, I know. I look too good, right?

Josie rolled her eyes even with them closed.

Yo, don't even joke about that. She's wearing a chastity belt all four years.

Geez, Dad. Who are you even talking to?

It's your Uncle Skip.

I don't have an uncle. Especially one named 'Skip.'

Her dad spoke into the phone again. Yeah, I'm hoping it's a phase and she's not turning into her mother.

Can you go any faster? Josie shouted at the partition.

Yeah, all right. Nah, I've got a commercial shoot. Gotta pay tuition, ya know?

I got a scholarship, 'Uncle' Skip! Josie leaned over and shouted.

Her dad finished up his conversation, hung up the phone, and looked at her. What's your problem?

My problem? What's yours?

You think I don't pay anything? How about I have our friend Patel pull over and let you out so you can find out how fast your scholarship gets you to school?

Josie just shook her head.

I thought so.

Josie squinted out the window. She didn't remember the school being this far away from the airport. She'd only been there once before during her college touring season. Choosing it had been a no-brainer. A great school, world-class faculty, three thousand miles away from her father. What's not to love?

Finally she saw the gates to campus. She looked over at her father. He was smoothing his razor-short hair and peering out the window on his side.

Daddy?

He turned to her and squeezed her hand. You'll be great, kid.

Patel slid the limo to a stop in front of her Campus Home.

We don't call them 'dorms' here at Montgomery University, the sophomore tour guide had explained during her spring tour. They're much more than dorms, they're your home.

Her dad's eyes had practically rolled out of his head.

There was a crowd of kids hanging out in front of the building. She was cutting it close; classes started tomorrow. Most of the first-year students had been there for almost a full week.

The doors unlocked.

She looked at her dad.

It's game time, he said, gliding out of the car.

Chapter Two

What kind of douche shows up in a limo? Tamara said, elbowing Runner in the ribs.

The kind that has a shit ton of money, he replied, glancing over. Then he stopped, and his mouth hung open. Holy...is that who I think it is?

Who? Tamara said, craning her neck.

Joey Savage!

Get out! Wow, you're right. What's he doing here?

Runner shrugged, not taking his eyes off Savage. Suddenly a wolf whistle pierced the crowd. Runner looked around. Who would be whistling at Joey Savage?

Is that his girlfriend? Tamara gasped.

Runner finally noticed the other person getting out of the limo.

Close your mouth, Gomer, Tamara said.

Does she go here?

Why do you care? Tamara demanded.

Huh?

Why. Do. You. Care. Boyfriend of mine.

Runner shrugged. Just making conversation.

Uh-huh. Tamara stared over at Joey Savage's girlfriend. Not like you'd have any chance with her. Bitches like her don't hang with people like us.

How do you know she's a bitch?

"Look at her. Everything she's wearing costs a fortune. She must be a serious gold digger. Ergo, bitch."

She's wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

"Trust me, her outfit cost her about five hundred bucks. I wanted a pair of those white AG jeans and couldn't believe the price. If you don't trust me, trust People magazine."

Runner glanced down at his girlfriend. She had been the prettiest and smartest girl in high school, and loved every minute of it. In the year they'd been at Montgomery, it had become clear that 'prettiest and smartest' at Baltimore Tech equaled 'cute and average' here. It didn't bother him. It really bothered her.

Hey Joey, you coming to play for us? someone shouted.

Nah man, I still got a year left on my contract. I gotta make that tuition money.

We could use your help at QB!

Runner looked up and turned red.

Don't let it bother you, Tamara said.

Who says it bothers me?

They just don't know who you are yet. You were redshirted last year. You'll show them soon.

Yeah, I know.

Just then, Joey and his girlfriend started up the stairs. Joey had her duffel bag over his shoulder, leading the way while high fiving and shaking hands. The crowd parted for them as if they were royalty. Runner didn't feel bad staring at the couple. Everyone else was staring too. He wondered if he and Tamara would be like that one day.

They were right in front of him now.

Hey man, how you doin'? Joey said and clapped him on the shoulder.

Joey's girlfriend had her eyes on the stairs in front of her. But for a brief second she lifted her eyes to look at him. Then she walked on.

Runner took a deep breath.

I know, right? That Louis Vuitton backpack is definitely not a knockoff, he heard Tamara say to him.

Chapter Three

Okay, kid, this is you.

Josie took her key card out and opened the door to her new Campus Home. Wathen Hall was the newest building on campus. Josie had seen some of the other Homes and had been looking forward to an ivy-covered building with a big front porch and fireplaces in the common areas.

This isn't so bad. Her dad nodded in approval.

I'm glad you like it, Josie said, looking around. It was certainly modern. It looked like Ikea had started a new 'Skhölastik' line of furnishings. 

Her floor had ten suites housing between two and four girls. The boys were in the adjacent wing, a nod to the school's Jesuit tradition.

Just the way I like it, her dad had announced loudly during their tour.

Josie looked around the suite.

Where are your roommates, kid?

Josie shrugged. She was wondering the same thing.

Which room is yours? Do you get to pick?

I'm sure the other girls have already picked their rooms.

Josie followed as her dad took off down the hall that led away from the large, rectangular common area. He stopped in front of the one door that wasn't decorated and opened it without knocking.

Well, at least I didn't get a crappy room, Josie said, looking around.

You're not still mad about not getting here last week, are you? I thought you liked Hawaii.

Of course I'm not mad. Because that would make me ungrateful. And I know that magazine shoot was important to you.

Yeah, they better put me on the cover. Listen, kid, we're lucky the first regular-season game is next week, so I could bring you here.

Yep. Josie put her backpack on her desk.

Have a seat, kid. Her dad sat down and patted a spot next to him on the tiny loveseat. It looked like he was sitting on dollhouse furniture.

I'm not sure that thing can take any more weight.

Yeah, you've packed on the pounds. Her dad laughed.

Hardy har.

Humor me.

Josie plopped down.

I want you to try to make friends. College is hard. You need friends.

Josie undid her ponytail.

Look, I know you're shy.

I'm not shy.

You're not? How come you never talk?

I talk all the time. But when you're around, there's no point in trying to talk. Everyone is too busy listening to you, or looking at you, or asking me about you.

I cramp your style?

Josie shrugged.

Her dad shoved her with his shoulder. I'm going to miss you, kid. It's been a rough eight years, but we made it, right?

Yep.

You need cash?

I've got cards.

Here, take some cash. Her dad took out his money clip.

Thanks, Daddy.

They heard a door slam and laughter.

Come on, kid, game time, her dad said and pulled her up.

Chapter Four

Your dad's pretty great, right? I mean is he, right? Because he seems great.

Josie smiled. Yeah, he is.

Because when you got down to it, he was. He was a superstar, he was rich, and he treated her well. If it weren’t for that ten-year black hole when he refused to meet her, she would probably worship him like the rest of America did.

Madison smiled back happily. That was the first thing Josie had learned in the hours since she'd met her roommates. Maddy was the happy one.

"This isn't going to be like one of those books where you're reading along, and bam, out of the blue you find out that the heroine's dad's been secretly banging her the whole time?" Elle was the other one.

Ew. Oh my god, no. Josie stared at Elle, appalled. No secret dad sex. Thank you for asking.

Did you know that a bunch of people thought you were his girlfriend?

What? What people? Why would they think that?

People. Elle shrugged.

Okay. Well, find those people, and tell them I'm not his girlfriend. Seriously, find every single one.

Gotcha. Right after I get out of this food coma.

Elle, just because the food was free, it didn't mean you had to eat enough to last you a week, Maddy said, laughing.

M, it technically wasn't free. Josie's boyfriend paid for it.

Josie threw a pillow at her.

Maybe I'll be his girlfriend. Will he take me out to fancy restaurants like that all the time?

Subject change, Josie said. How 'bout them Scotties?

Cute dog, or mediocre football team? That was Elle.

Are they mediocre? Maddy asked. She sat sideways in the easy chair facing the couch that Josie and Elle were draped on.

Well, they were six and six last year. That's pretty mediocre, Elle said.

I'm not into football. I didn't even know who your dad was, Maddy said, looking over at the couch. When did he stop playing?

He's still playing.

Really? Isn't he, well...old?

Okay, I will not tell him you said that, or you will be permanently off the free-meal train. He had me when he was pretty young. But, yeah, he's kind of old, even for a quarterback.

Do you like football? Maddy asked.

Football and I have a complicated relationship, Josie said. Let's just say I'm ready for a break.

They all jumped when a loud crash sounded outside.

Was that a car wreck?

They could now make out the sounds of instruments, including someone beating cymbals within an inch of their lives.

What the hell? Josie asked.

They ran out of the suite and downstairs to the lobby. A bunch of women were already down there.

What's going on, Maddy said, tugging on the nearest student.

The Scottie band always plays outside of the starting quarterback's window the night before school starts, an RA answered. It's a tradition.

The QB lives in our dorm? I mean Home? Josie demanded.

Uh, the entire football team lives in the other wing.

Josie's head flopped back on her shoulders. I'm cursed, she thought.

The sound of grown men barking filled her Home.

Chapter Five

The two wings of Wathen met in a two-story patio called the hub. The first floor was a courtyard furnished with comfortable patio furniture. The second story contained the dining area.

Runner was relaxing in the courtyard. He was waiting for Tamara to come over from her dorm.

She had been really angry freshman year when she found out that she hadn't been assigned to Wathen. In fact, she'd spent a lot of time being really angry since they'd gotten to Montgomery. Runner felt bad for her. It had been a lot harder on her than he had expected. He had practice and study table with the team. Even during the offseason, there were team events. She mostly sat around waiting for him.

Hey, Runner, check it out, he heard his suitemate say.

Runner looked across at Mark Bishop. Bishop was the starting quarterback. He didn't care that Runner was technically after his job. For him, football was a hobby. Because Bishop's dad was rich. Really rich.

That's Savage's daughter, Bishop said, nodding to a spot behind Runner. No, don't look. Dude!

If you didn't want me to look, you shouldn't have said anything.

Rookie. Bishop shook his head.

Do we have confirmation on that? That she's his daughter?

Of course she's his daughter. You didn't really think she was his girlfriend, did you?

How was I supposed to know? She doesn't look like him.

Her mom's white, Bishop said. Man, she's hot.

Runner turned around again. Savage's daughter was lying on one of the chaise lounges, on her stomach, with her feet in the air, writing something. Runner was trying to make out what she was working on.

Dude, chill! Girlfriend! Bishop hissed.

Runner looked to the side in time to see Tamara signing in at the visitors' desk.

Tamara came over and sat next to him. I hate that girl at the visitors' desk. She always acts like she doesn't believe my ID belongs to me.

She's just doing her job, Tams. Runner said.

Well, she doesn't have to do it so hard. Hey, Mark.

Hi, Tams, Bishop said.

I guess my Mark Bishop voodoo doll isn't working, Tamara joked.

Geez, Tams, Runner said and shot a quick glance toward Bishop.

What? I just want my guy to start. She draped her legs over his lap. She looked around to see who else was in the hub. Pretty slow here. Wait, is that who I think it is?

Who? Runner asked, looking in the opposite direction of Joey Savage's daughter. He caught Bishop rolling his eyes at him.

The sweetheart of Ol' Wathen Hall. Tamara pointed with her chin. Her hands were busy redoing her blond ponytail. So, what do you think, Mark? Hot or not?

Scorching.

Tamara frowned. You should go for it. You're in the right tax bracket.

Tams, Runner said, shaking his head.

I think I will.

Runner couldn't believe his eyes. Bishop stood up and walked past him on the way to Savage's daughter.

No. Way, Tamara whispered.

Tams, what's your deal with Bishop?

Huh? I was kidding. That's all.

Runner reached over and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. He barely remembered what color it had been when they first started dating in high school. Back when she was the prettiest and smartest, and she let him copy off of her papers. She had also been the nicest. During the past year, she'd gotten blonder and less nice. He couldn't wait until they graduated. Then she maybe she would go back to being less blond and nicer.

Holy crap, he's talking to her. What do you think he's saying? 'Hey baby, want to check out my yacht?' Or maybe he just says 'starting quarterback,' and she gets wet.

Runner closed his eyes. She didn't used to talk like this. But once they got to Montgomery, she had fallen into some sort of role of 'scholarship girl.' She had decided she was poor, which she wasn't. She just had a bunch of younger brothers and sisters, a mom who stayed home, and a dad who drove a truck.

Runner was the poor one. He had no brothers and sisters and a mom who didn't even try to work. He supposed he had a dad, since he was pretty sure he hadn't been cloned. But he had never met him. In fact, he didn't know who his father was. He didn't think his mom did either.

How'd it go? Tamara asked.

Runner opened his eyes and saw that Bishop was back.

It didn't.

What happened? Runner asked.

I said 'starting quarterback,' and it was like I defecated right in front of her.

Tamara laughed loudly. I don't know what's funnier, that you tried that line, or that she shot you down.

Chapter Six

What did you say? Josie said, squinting up at the guy standing above her. She took out her earbuds but didn't sit up.

I said, 'you must be a freshman. I don't recognize you,' Bishop repeated as he plopped down in a chair next to her.

Do you recognize everyone who's not a first year?

Usually they recognize me.

Silence.

Because I'm the starting quarterback. Big smile.

Hey, I have an idea, Josie said brightly.

Yeah? I like ideas, Bishop said. This time he added an eyebrow wiggle to the smile.

Great! Here it is. You turn around and walk away, and I'll pretend this never happened. Seriously, I'll see you on campus, and I won't burst out laughing at how ridiculous you are. Josie put her earbuds back in and went back to her reading. Un-effing-believable.

A burst of laughter came from the direction of where Starting QB had slunk back. Josie could hear it just fine because she only wore the earbuds to keep people from talking to her. She couldn't stand listening to music while she studied. Josie glanced over her shoulder and saw the QB, some other curly-haired jock with his back to her, and some bottle blonde she guessed was jock number two's girlfriend.

Her phone buzzed.

Dad: hey kid. how was your 1st day?

Josie: It was good. Just met the starting quarterback.

Dad: that's it, you're coming home. 

Josie: too late. Pregnant already. Have a good game.

Dad: Game's not till Sun. I'll text before then.

Josie: Cool. love you.

Josie stared at her phone a little while longer, but there were no more texts.

She stood up. Her stuff should be all set by now. Maddy and Elle had been pretty impressed that her dad had hired movers to deliver and set up her things. She had met the guys at the suite, told them where everything should go, and gone to class.

Josie shrugged her Louis Vuitton backpack onto her shoulders. She had to admit, this thing was pretty darned comfortable. It had been a going-away present from her dad's agent.

Buzz.

Elle: You have to get back here.

Josie: I am here. I'm coming up. What's the problem?

No response. What was with people leaving her hanging today?

Josie headed for the main stairs. Her mind started ping-ponging around reasons Elle would be upset. Maybe one of the movers had broken something. Or maybe Elle thought her stuff took up too much common space. Crap, I should have stayed to keep an eye on things.

Josie stopped short in front of the door to their suite. She had the urge to knock, even though that was a total geek move. She took out her keycard, but the door opened before she could use it.

What's up? What happened?

See for yourself, Elle said, stepping out of her way.

The suite looked fine. More than fine, actually. Her stuff was put away. She saw a new Keurig in the kitchenette. Her dad must have bought it.

Then she saw them.

Pretty sweet, right? She could tell that Elle was grinning behind her.

Josie stared at the two MacBooks with black-and-red bows on them.

But how come there are only two? Elle asked. Your dad's not expecting us to share, is he? I mean, that's still totally cool and generous.

I already have one. Speaking of which, I thought you already had a laptop too.

You mean that piece of crap that I've had since junior year that will be headed to Goodwill as soon as I can unplug it? That laptop?

I guess so.

You guys, you are so loud. Josie and Elle turned to look at Maddy. She had one of those sleep mask thingies pushed up to the top of her head.

You've been here the whole time? Elle asked, staring.

Yeah, I got back from class while the movers were still here. I was super tired, so I took a nap.

Elle shook her head. Wow, you can seriously sleep through—

Oh my god! Are those for us? Get out! Maddy's voice was shrill and loud. Very loud.

Holy shit, M. Elle clamped her hands over her ears.

The bows are too much. TOO MUCH! Seriously J, your dad's the best.

How do you know they're from my dad? Josie said, holding out hope that her dad wasn't behind this over-the-top gesture.

Maddy had already ripped the bow off one of the boxes. Here's a card: 'I thought if you guys had these, you'd study more and party less. Keep my kid out of trouble. Savage.' Get OUT! Maddy yelled again. She dashed into the kitchen.

By the way, you have a seriously cool last name, Elle said.

Thanks, Josie replied. I'm going to study. I've got to test into advanced Italian, and I'm super rusty. As Josie left, she saw Maddy kneeling on the coffee table, trying to force one of the computer boxes open with a butter knife. Her sleep mask was still on top of her head.

Josie: The girls love the laptops. Thanks.

Dad: I thought it was a good icebreaker.

Josie took a deep breath.

Josie: We were already getting along great. No icebreaker needed.

Dad: Yeah?

Dad: Tell the girls to leave them in their boxes. Will have someone return them.

Her fingers hovered over the screen. In the end, she just clicked off her phone.

Tomorrow, I'm going for a run, she said out loud. Running had always been her outlet, her way of burning off stress. With the craziness that came with getting to campus so late, she hadn't had the time.

Early the next morning, Josie stretched her legs and bounced on her toes before her run. She knew she was probably smiling like an idiot but didn't care. She hadn't had a chance to go for a run yesterday with the craziness that was the first day of classes. But she had staked out a good route. Her plan was to head around the larger of the two campus lakes. The air was muggier than she liked, but the scenery couldn't be beat.

Josie put her earbuds in. This time it wasn't just for show. Let's go, Bey, she said out loud.

Josie headed down the trail that joined the lakeside running path. She paused where they merged. A shirtless guy was running toward her. A hot shirtless guy. A hot shirtless guy who was smiling at her.

Josie looked away.

By the time she looked up, he had passed her.

Nice. Good to know college hadn't changed her usual smooth nature around guys. Josie shook her head, pushed the timer on her watch, and took off.

Calm washed over her, followed by euphoria. Running was like the best drug in the world to her. Nothing could go wrong. She felt like one of the Avengers. Or an X-Man.

Two miles into her run, she turned a corner and ran smack into someone bent over on the path.

What the hell? Dude, worst place ever to stop. Josie saw that it was the hot shirtless guy. Stupid hot shirtless guy apparently.

Can I call someone? she heard him say. She looked around and saw why he had stopped. There was a girl sprawled on the path in front of him. She was trying to sit up and was holding her ankle. Her knee had an ugly scrape. Despite being in obvious pain, she was beaming at the guy.

What happened? Josie said, taking out her earbuds and breathing hard.

The guy straightened up and turned to her.

Josie stopped breathing.

His mouth turned up into a half smile. But his eyes were full-smile. He had gorgeous eyes. They were darker than any she had seen, with long, dark lashes that made him look like he had gotten into his sister's mascara. What made his eyes really startling was that he was blond. Blondish really. His hair was curly and cropped close to his scalp, but it was definitely a dark blond.

I'm okay. Really, you don't have to stop, the girl on the ground said, glaring at Josie.

Josie breathed again. If you're sure? she mumbled.

The guy bent down again to help the girl up. She was clinging to him as if he were