Sidelined: A Montgomery University Novel, #2

By Kathryn Renard

Montana Tierney had her college path planned. But then her father took the head-football coaching job at Montgomery University and all of her plans came crashing down. Free tuition at MU meant Montana would be going there instead of the college of her dreams. To make matters worse, she has a crush on one of the players on her dad's new team. Mark Bishop is a notorious playboy who makes it clear to Montana that he doesn't have time for inexperienced girlfriends. Humiliated, Montana is moving on when Mark admits to himself and to Montana that he has feelings for her. Just as it seems Montana will end up with the hottest guy on the team, a brutal on-field injury threatens to end Montana and Mark's relationship before it can even begin. 

Book two of the well-received "Montgomery University" series of New Adult romances. 
**contains plot-driven detailed consensual sex scenes**

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patchwork Press
• Release date: Jul 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781927940617

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

Are you excited?

Of course.

Really, because you don't seem excited.

Montana looked up from her iPad. Her mom was smiling at her across the breakfast table. Woohoo, Montana said, twirling a piece of bacon in the air.

Montana, her dad said, raising his eyebrow at her.

It's fine, Phillip, her mom said, smiling at Montana's father. She gets this way when she's nervous. It's a coping mechanism.

Sitting right here, Montana said.

Well, I'm excited, her father said. Finally getting the last of the rug rats out of the house. You and I can be alone whenever we want. He wiggled his eyebrows at Montana's mom.

Again, sitting right here. Montana got up and took her plate to the sink. Should we go? she asked, turning back to her parents.

Her father glanced at his watch. Yep, I have just enough time to drop you at Wathen Hall before I have to be at the stadium. It's media day.

Oh, that's why you're dressed up, Montana said, nodding. I forgot that this was media day for the team. She looked at her mom and noticed she was wearing black and red. The Montgomery University school colors. When her mom found out that Montana's dad had gotten the coaching job at Montgomery, and was leaving Notre Dame, she went right out and replaced her blue and gold Fighting Irish clothing with Scottie black and red.

Are you going, Mom? Montana asked. 

Yes, just for moral support. No interviews for me, Montana's mom answered.

Do you want me to come too, Pop?

Snug, it's move-in day for you. You should get settled in your dorm.

Campus home.

What? her father asked peering at her through narrowed eyes.

They call them 'campus homes,' not dorms, she said.

I knew we should have stayed in South Bend, he said.

Montana gave a little smile. Her dad was trying to make light of a sensitive subject. He had been an assistant coach for years at Notre Dame. Montana had dreamed of going there almost since she could remember. Then, out of the blue, her dad had gotten offered the head-coaching job at Montgomery University. It was a huge opportunity. There was never any real question that he'd take the job. Just as there was no question that she would no longer be going to her dream school.

Well, everything's packed in the truck, Montana said. I'll go upstairs and get my backpack, and we can make that ten minute sojourn to Wathen. She wiped away a fake tear.

Did you remember to change the locks? her father asked her mom. I don't want any of those boomerang kids I've read about.

Ha, ha. You know you'll miss me.

Montana walked out of the sunny kitchen and up the stairs. She felt no pangs of sadness about leaving this house. She and her parents had only lived in there for two months. She hadn't even bothered to unpack most of her stuff. It seemed pointless when she'd be moving into student housing soon anyway.

Knute, get off my bed, she said to her dad's boxer dog sprawled out on her pillows. Geez, my bed's not even cold, and you're taking it over, you spoiled pooch. She sat next to him and scratched his floppy ears.

His little nub of a tail went crazy wagging.

Yes, I know it's not your fault that Pop loves you more than us kids.

Snug! Come on! Hustle!

See, he doesn't talk to you like that. Montana picked her backpack and gave one last look around her room. Oops, she said, quickly grabbing a framed photo of her with her boyfriend in front of the 'Touchdown Jesus' mural on the Notre Dame campus. She sighed and headed downstairs.

Montana climbed into the backseat of her father's huge pickup truck. Her mom was in front.

Should I bring Knute? her father said, looking back at the house.

Oh, for Pete's sake, Montana said.

Snug, don't be jealous. Her mom laughed.

Seriously, couldn't you have at least waited until I left home before you replaced me? Montana grumbled.

You remind me of how your brothers and sister acted when we brought you home, Montana's father said, his eyes twinkling at her in the rearview mirror.

Hardy har, Montana said.

That's not true, Philip. The kids were thrilled to have a baby sister. It was having me as the evil stepmother that they didn't like.

They came around, Dina.

Because they thought I would fatten them up and eat them if they didn't.

Montana listened to her parents laughing and joking.

Buzz.

Finnola: Hey, sis, good luck today.

Montana: Thanks, Finn.

Finnola: Mom and Pop driving you nuts?

Montana: What do you think?

Who is that? Is it Ryan? Montana's mother asked.

Nope.

Eamon?

Nope.

Montana, just tell her who it is! Montana's dad said.

It's Finn.

Oh. Tell her I say hi.

Montana: They cannot drop me at my room fast enough. I'm going to poke my eyes out. I would have moved in earlier but this is the first day.

Finnola: Oh please, you will be back there by the weekend eating them out of house and home and using their wifi.

Montana took a deep breath and decided to not fire off a snippy text in response.

Buzz.

Finnola: You'll do great. I gotta dash

Montana: Busy day?

Finnola: Yes. We have client meetings all morning.

Montana: Anyone famous?

Finnola: I'm a sports agent. It would suck for me if they weren't famous!

Before Montana could reply she felt the truck slow.

Aaand, we are here, her father said. He pulled into the circular drive at Wathen Hall's women's wing. The building looked deserted. That was one advantage of moving in at the earliest possible moment. Easy parking.

I'm not sure you can park here, Phillip, her mom said.

Don't worry, Dina. They won't tow me, Montana's father replied. He hung his parking pass from the rearview. They'll see this.

Montana opened her door and climbed out. She fumbled in her pocket for her university key card as her dad went around to the back of his truck.

Need any help, Phillip? Montana's mom called to her husband as she walked with Montana toward the front door.

Montana knew her mom. She had zero intention of carrying anything.

You're not fooling anyone, Dina. No, I don't need help, her father called after them, shaking his head.

Hey, Coach Tierney.

Montana and her mom turned to see who was talking. They both did a double take. Wow, said Montana and her mom at the same time.

Is it just me, or is that young man beautiful? Montana's mom asked.

Nope. It is definitely not just you, Montana said. She couldn't take her eyes off the guy talking to her father. He was tall - even taller than her pop - and muscular, with closely cropped curly blond hair.

I think that's Runner Rarity, said Montana

What's a Runner Rarity? asked her mom, still staring.

Pop's starting quarterback.

Let's go meet him, her mom said, giving Montana a nudge.

Mama! I have a boyfriend. Oh, and you have a husband.

Her mother laughed. I'm married; I am not dead. As for your boyfriend, well, as they say, if you cannot say anything nice...

Drop it, Montana said. She keyed open the door to Wathen Hall and headed inside. She and her mom took the elevator up to her new suite.

Wow, this place is even better than I remember. Montana said. There were no signs of her two suitemates.

I hope you have many good memories here, Dina Tierney told her daughter. Here, she said, and gave Montana a box of condoms.

Mama, come on, really? Montana asked and rolled her eyes.

Better safe than sorry.

She has a point, Montana thought to herself.

Chapter Two

By Wednesday, Montana was regretting her decision to move on campus so early. There had been no sign of her suitemates, and Wathen Hall was still pretty empty, except for the football team in the men's wing. She had eaten dinner at her parents' house for the first two nights. She was determined to brave the dining hall this time. Mostly so she wouldn't have to see smug 'I-told-you-so' look on her dad's face whenever he saw her draped on the couch or sitting at the kitchen table. Her whole family still treated her like the baby, and she was getting annoyed with it. Also, today was her parent's anniversary.

Buzz.

Pop: Snug, are you coming home for dinner tonight?

Montana: no

Pop: Are you sure? I'm taking your Mama out. If you want you can come too.

Montana: is Mama standing there?

Pop: I refuse to incriminate myself.

Montana: have fun. I'll be fine.

Pop: just sit with some of the guys. Once they know who you are, they'll look out for you.

Just what Montana did not want. There was no way she was hanging out with her pop's team.

Montana decided to take the stairs to the walkway that led to the dining hall. It was part of 'the hub', the two-story common area that connected the men's and women's wings. The bottom floor was an enclosed patio. The second floor housed the large indoor dining room.

Montana took a breath and walked through the double doors. The room was loud. She looked around and realized she was one of only a few girls there. And most of the girls were sitting with football players.

Great, she thought. Girlfriends and lonely ol' me.

She didn't dare head to the carvery. All she could see there were massive shoulders and backs barely containing their inner Cro-Magnons as they waited to be served freshly carved meat.

I might have to become a vegetarian.

Montana looked to her left, and her heart skipped. There he was, Runner Rarity. He looked up and caught her staring. She blushed and looked down.

Hey, he said.

Montana's felt her face get all prickly. Don't be such a dork, he's just a guy. A really hot guy.

Aren't you Montana?

Montana nodded mutely.

Your dad told me to look out for you. He stuck out his hand. Runner Rarity.

I'm Montana.

Yeah, I know, he said and gave her a lopsided smile.

Yep, I'm a dork, Montana thought.

Hey, Runner, I'm going to sit over there. One of the prettiest girls Montana had ever seen was talking. She had bronze colored curls, and unusual hazel-yellow eyes. She smiled at Montana and said, Hi there.

Oh, hi, Montana said. She felt herself blush again even though this girl was being friendly. Was this Runner's girlfriend? Had it been obvious that Montana had just been drooling over him?

Just as Montana was getting ready to open her mouth to say something more than 'hi,' her breath was taken away again. Runner Rarity was now the second-best-looking guy she had ever seen. He had been booted from the number-one spot by the dark-haired guy who had just walked up.

Hey, roomie, said the guy who was now number one on Montana's list of great-looking guys. Where are you sitting?

With Josie. Follow her, Runner said. He then looked down at Montana. Do you have a place to sit? Do you want to eat with us?

Oh, well, sure, Montana said, managing to sound casual. Inside she was giving herself high fives. Josie could have Runner. This other guy had Montana's full attention.

Boyfriend! she reminded herself. Travis. Back in South Bend. But she had to sit somewhere. It might as well be with Runner and Josie. It wasn't her fault that Handsome Guy was eating with them. To paraphrase her mother, Montana might have had a boyfriend, but she wasn't dead.

They sat down at a group of tables. So, who do we have here? the dark-haired guy asked, eyeing Montana.

She smiled at him. I'm Montana, she said and offered him her hand. He was really good looking, but Montana didn't blush and stutter like she did with Runner.

Mark took her hand. It was warm and huge. He looked into her eyes and smiled, not immediately letting go.

As in Hannah? said a girl's voice.

Montana turned to see a girl with short blond hair plop down next to Josie.

As in Joe, Montana replied, smiling. Yeah, my dad wanted a quarterback. He got me instead.

Yeah, my dad wanted a sexy dark-haired daughter. Maybe we were switched at birth, the guy said.

You're the quarterback? Montana asked, glancing at Runner.

It's a long story, the guy said, still looking at her.

Montana had never seen eyes as blue as his.

My roommate stole my job last year. So, I'm actually changing positions. I'm going to be a tight end.

Really? Montana said.

Yeah. Do you know what a wide receiver is? The guy that runs downfield and catches the ball? Well, a tight end is similar.

Do tell? Montana said. Okay, this guy was cute but condescending.

Yep. He smiled at her again. I'm Mark Bishop, soon to be starting tight end, he said.

Montana just nodded. She could tell he was expecting more of a reaction.

Josie laughed. Mark, you have got to stop trying to impress girls with your 'I'm Mark Bishop' routine. It didn't work last year; it's not working this year.

What? I'm just trying to explain a little of the game to her. Mark shrugged.

Josie just shook her head. Anyway, I'm Josie. I'm not the starting anything. You know Runner. This is my suitemate Elle, she said, nodding to the blonde who had asked Montana about her name. Are you in Wathen? Josie asked.

Yes. I moved in on Monday, Montana said.

Oh? Where from?

Indiana. It sounded better than saying, One mile from campus.

Oh, Josie said and smiled.

Have you ever been? Montana asked a little defensively.

A few times. Just to Indianapolis.

Where are you from? Montana asked Josie.

Los Angeles. Have you been?

A few times. What did you do in Indy?

I watched my dad play football.

Who's your dad?

Joey Savage.

Wow! Really? My pop loves him. He says your dad's one of the best quarterbacks he's ever seen.

Thanks, Josie said and smiled.

So, you like football? Mark asked her.

It's kind of mandatory, Montana said.

Oh? Your dad a Montgomery fan?

You might say that. She caught Runner's eye. He had that crooked smile on his face. He leaned down and whispered into Josie's ear. Josie's eyes flashed and she smiled at Montana.

Well, Mark said, if he ever comes to visit you from Indiana, I'll hook you guys up with tickets. Sometimes my parents rent out a box. So your dad would have pretty good seats.

This guy was cute, but he had the subtlety of a sledgehammer. She didn't really mind though; she was having fun.

I'm not sure my boyfriend would like it if I took tickets from the starting... what's it called again? Tight end? Montana said.

Mark was undeterred. Come on, I bet your dad would like to see the game from my parents' box.

Not really. He likes watching the game from the sidelines.

The sidelines? Mark frowned. Then a light bulb went on. When you say you're from Indiana, are you from South Bend?

Montana nodded, smiling.

You're Pop Tierney's daughter? He turned and gave Runner a glare. You knew didn't you? Why didn't you tell me?

I was having fun watching the 'Mark Bishop Show', Runner said with a laugh.

Sleep with one eye open, roomie.

Like he's ever over at your place anyway, Elle said. Don't worry, we like having you over Runner, she said, giving him a nudge.

So, you're a freshman? Mark asked Montana.

Yes, I'm super excited. She saw Mark make a face. What? What's wrong with being a freshman? Montana asked.

Nothing at all. Though I do make it a rule not to date freshmen.

Since when? Josie asked.

Since last year. Too much drama, Mark said, giving Josie a look.

Montana cursed the blush she felt creeping along her cheeks. I have a boyfriend, she said. At Notre Dame.

Long distance? Good luck, Mark said.

Knock it off, Bishop, Josie said.

The table was quiet for a moment.

Mark shrugged. Just an observation, he said. He tilted his head. No offense.

None taken, Montana said.

Have your suitemates moved in yet? Josie asked, deftly changing the subject.

No, and it's kind of a lonely. So I've been hanging out at my mom and pop's. I can't wait for school to start so I can meet everybody.

There were giggles around the table.

What? Montana asked, looking around.

Nothing, Elle said, smiling. You just looked so cute when you said that.

Montana blushed. Dammit.

Aw, leave her alone, Josie said and smiled. They're just jealous because they're old and cynical.

I should go, Montana said, standing up. She grabbed her tray and headed off. She didn't think she could blush any harder.

Um, Montana?

Yes? She turned around to see Mark Bishop smiling at her. Was he going to ask her to stay? She smiled back at him.

You bus your tray the other direction, he said with a smirk.

Montana discovered that yes in fact she could blush harder.

Chapter Three

Bishop, you're the worst.

Mark looked at Josie. What?

You know what. That girl is already crushing on you, and you were being mean.

No I wasn't. Your boyfriend started it. He knew she was Pop Tierney's daughter and didn't say anything.

That doesn't matter. Be nice. Don't you remember what it was like your first year? Her honey-colored eyes flashed at him.

Mark blinked at her for a few seconds. Even though he no longer had a thing for Josie, she still managed to get into his head.

Do you want me to apologize? he asked.

I want you to not be a dick, Josie said.

Message received, he said.

I think she's sweet, Elle said. You could do far worse, Mark.

I could do better too, Mark replied. I'm still Mark Bishop.

I give up, Josie said.

Look, Mark said. She's hot, but I'm not dumb enough to hook up with the coach's daughter. Especially when I've barely won the starter's job at tight end.

He's got a point, Runner said.

Fine, but just, I don't know... Josie started.

Don't be a dick, Mark finished.

Exactly.

She said she had a boyfriend, Elle pointed out.

True. But the way she was looking at Bishop did not bode well for her boyfriend, Josie said.

What can I say, I'm a stud.

I give up. Again, Josie said.

They stood and took their trays to the busing station.

Well, her dad asked me to keep an eye on her, Runner said. So you'll be seeing more of her. Keep it in your pants and don't be mean. That way coach will be cool with you.

Are you suggesting I make friends with his daughter to guarantee my spot on the team? Mark said. He glared at Runner. I don't need her help, you know.

Look, I know. I've been running passing routes with you all summer, Runner said. You're good. You probably should have been a tight end to begin with. But you liked saying 'I'm the Q.B.'. And no, I'm not suggesting you start kissing up to Montana so Coach Tierney will like you.

Then what are you saying? Mark asked, pointing at Runner with a carrot stick.

Runner took a bite of turkey breast and thought while he chewed. I guess what I'm saying is, if you just act like a nice guy, you won't torpedo your shot on the team. Got the difference?

Yeah, I got it, Mark said. He looked at his empty plate and patted his flat stomach. I'm all done. I'm heading back to the suite. You coming?

Nah. I'm going back to Josie's, Runner said.

Mark felt envy welling up inside him as he walked back to his suite.

What's wrong with you, he muttered to himself.

He was over his crush on Josie. And despite what Runner thought, Mark hadn't really cared about being the starting quarterback. Any position was fine by him. He wasn't even jealous that Runner might go pro while this was Mark's last season playing the game he loved. As for the money that Runner could make in the NFL, that certainly wasn't the reason Mark was jealous. Being the heir to Bishop Industries had its advantages. One of them being Mark was already worth more than some pro quarterbacks.

No, he was jealous because, despite his prowess with the opposite sex, he found he was spending more and more time alone. And although that was by his choice, he was feeling lonely. Runner had Josie. Mark only had the girl of the moment. And it was starting to wear on him.

Mark walked down the hallways of the men's wing. The football team occupied two floors. The male Regent's scholarship winners were in the suites on the other floor. They tended to keep to themselves for the most part, since they had to maintain high GPA's to keep their scholarships. Mark had qualified for a Regent's scholarship, and a football scholarship. He'd taken the spot on the team but had turned down the scholarship. It didn't seem fair to take it when his father had been named 'Boston's Richest Man'.

His floor was noisy but nowhere near as rowdy as it would be once football season officially kicked off. It would be full of girlfriends and wannabe girlfriends then. Now, it was mostly full of players burning off energy.

Hey-hey, Bishop, Marcus called to him. You ready to play, man?

Always, he said, keying open the door to his suite.

Once inside he called out, Yo, Cooper, you home? He was greeted by silence. Mark and Runner's third suitemate was rarely home. He spent most of his time at his girlfriend's campus home.

Mark grabbed his backpack off the floor, pulled his laptop out, plugged it in, and flopped onto the couch in the common area. He paused for a moment and then googled 'Montana Tierney.'

Chapter Four

Montana walked into her suite and slammed the door.

Oh, she said, as a girl and her parents walked out of the hallway that led to the bedrooms.

Hi, I'm Rachel, the girl said. She stuck her hands into the pockets of her jeans.

Montana smiled. Hiya! I'm Montana. She looked from the girl to her parents.

Lovely to meet you, Montana. The mom stepped forward. She was skinny, short, and blonde. Her daughter was skinny, short, and dark. I'm Rebecca Cohen.

I'm Mel, said the dad. He was the daddest looking dad Montana had ever seen. He was average height, average build, and balding. But he gave Montana a warm smile that, for some reason, made her feel great.

Where are you from? Let me guess, Montana? the mom asked.

Rachel rolled her eyes.

Nope, Indiana, Montana replied. She looked at Rachel, who was now doing everything possible to avoid looking at her.

Really? Whereabouts? We've got family in Indianapolis.

Um, South Bend.

You're not at Notre Dame? Rachel's dad asked.

Sore subject, Montana said. I was planning to go there, but my dad got a job here, so, free tuition and a rivalry equals me coming here.

Wait, you're not Phillip Tierney's kid are you?

Yep, I sure am. Montana smiled. She loved it when people knew who her dad was.

Rachel, your roommate's dad is Phillip Tierney, the new head coach of the football team.

Rachel said something unintelligible with a grunt. Montana wasn't sure if it was great or fuck.

Call him Pop, everyone does except my mom, Montana said, smiling.

Mr. Cohen chuckled.

Where are you guys from? Montana