The Quarterback: LA Story, #1

By Allyson Michaels

Summer vacation in California – check.

Enjoy Los Angeles even more – check, check

Meet new people – check, check and triple-check.

A chance meeting that changed everything for Melanie Maynard. Being at the crossroads of her life contemplating her next move - stay in London where she has lived since her teens or move near her family in Pittsburgh. Her L.A. trip is to help her work that out.

Then serendipity steps in and she meets Luke Matthews. A domineering, yet down-to-earth charming man that makes her Californian trip more memorable and unexpected in more ways than she could have ever imagined.

Her time with Luke is short-term and when he shows her an alternative to her options - that silver linings do exist.

When Melanie realises she's so deep into Luke and finds out that his the face of a multi-billion dollar local sports franchise, the star quarterback of the Los Angeles Trojan.

How does she deal with the fallout of dating an all-star football player who can have any woman on his arm? And how does she deal with her feelings for him?

What is a girl to do?

Will she take the easy road…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Allyson Michaels
• Release date: Jul 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215115480

Allyson Michaels

Allyson Michaels lives in London. She fell in love with writing stories for the longest of times. It was in a local bookstore that she stumbled upon and fell in love with a romance novel. From that day she was hooked. With every story, she couldn't wait to get lost, fall in love, find new worlds, and chase the thrill again and again. Allyson is currently working on various projects. So keep a lookout. Happy reading!

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Prologue

~ Luke ~

Five months earlier - February

It’s the best of days yet bittersweet. Looking below me from the landing of Mr Miller's home, I can only smile. I should be feeling extremely content with life right now. Having reached the top of my game again, I’m on a high from winning the most coveted football game in American history.

I watch my teammates and brother enjoying each other’s company.

And yet, I know that something is missing and it’s dampening my achievements from the season. I also know that once the high of winning, my fourth ring, I’ll begin to feel unsettled. Again.

I don’t know if it’s because of what I’ve accomplished with this team or how I’m going to challenge myself again next season. Deep down I know what it’s about.

I don’t have a personal life.

Okay, that’s a half-lie. I do as I have women dropping their panties at a smile. But that nagging feeling that something is missing is lingering as this restlessness just won’t go away.

I should be happy as Larry right now and yet...

Damn!

I do need to focus on enjoying today – with my teammates. Even though I’m banged up, sore from the season and only just now that the bruises are disappearing and my tired body trying to remember the opposite. Regardless of that, it’s part of playing football and it’s a game I love. I shouldn’t grumble. Life is good.

I just had a fantastic meeting with the owner, Mr Miller, the general manager Cooper Anderson and the head coach, Bo Yates senior. There was a fourth guy in the room whom I was only introduced to as Eli, who remained silent throughout the whole conversation. His watching and listening are almost unnerving. Cooper and Mr Miller did most of the talking, while Coach Yates gazed on with merriment on his face, and this Eli was watching intensely. It reminded me of my interviewing college days with the Trojans before and during the draft. But I refuse to let him ruffle me as Mr Miller agrees to talk details with my agent.

It’s been an amazing ten years with this team with some fine tweaking over these years. Not many teams have accomplished what we have. And right now and at this moment, things can only get better.

I’ll tell my big brother, Tom, more when it’s quiet and just us two. There isn’t much in my professional life that he doesn’t know; my trust in him is inherent.

I take out my phone and send Ari a message; Ari instantly pings one back to meet up in the week. I grin at Ari's short message. It’s a typical Ari move, concise and to the point, or to some it may seem rude and abrupt, but who cares? I wouldn't have him any other way. I’m glad to have him in my corner.

My large hands clasp the dark mahogany rails and I lean forward. At the bottom of the staircase my brother who's speaking softly to his girlfriend’s ear, Pia. He's whispering something that makes her melt against him. He kisses the top of her black hair and then looks heavenwards with his eyes closed. For a second I gaze at the happy couple in envy, not because he has Pia but because he has a woman who loves him.

I sigh. My brother is one hell of a lucky guy.

A slow smile tugs at my face, as Tom's face, is one of pure bliss and happiness. He opens his green eyes and catches mine. I wink at him and he raises a brow and silently asks if all is well. I give him a quick nod and then take a sip of my beer. He returns his attention to Pia who had stretched up on her toes to whisper against his brother's neck. His face softens and he smiles, then nuzzles her head with his chin.

Yep. One lucky dude.

Looking at my brother I’m almost looking at me, I muse as I scratch my trimmed beard along my jaw. Physically Tom’s an inch shorter than my six-four muscle frame. Black hair with a straight nose, and full lips that bow into an easy smile unlike me.

While me...I don’t smile that easily.

In the past, I’ve been called intense, cold even but I don’t give a shit. On that field? Hell yes. Winning is everything. At the end of the season, only one team can say they are a winner.

I’ve seen the highs and lows of being a professional footballer.

I’ve seen how Tom was treated when his career come to an abrupt end, and how he was portrayed. He was labelled the Has been kid or The steroids kid. He pulled away from the game even though there was still a lot of football left in him. A downward spiral that took a lot of coxing and encouragement from our parents to bring him back to the man we know today – a great man and my quarterback coach under Coach Yates.

My family, close friends and teammates are everything in this crazy world. And it’s so true. Football is family. It’s no bullshit; I truly live by that motto. But you have to earn my trust and be part of my inner circle, for they’re the ones that know me best.

Our eyes are also different though, Tom's eyes are jade green while mine are hazel and I have a small scar at the base of my chin to constantly remind me of my college football days, but this is normally covered by my day's growth.

Looking below with everyone dressed in casual smart jeans and smart shirts while the ladies are looking sexy in something pretty. It’s a tradition that started when I won my first Super Bowl with this organisation, and when the owner is holding a party, you better attend - no matter how casual the invite is given.

It’s a must-attend affair.

It’s not a ring ceremony but more a party closer to home and after a few days of reflection on winning.

And for a team barbeque, the house is full of the front office and the back office staff, families and friends. This is not any mansion in Los Angeles, this house would put Tom Brady's home to shame and that is saying something. Hell, it puts my house to shame. It’s elegantly decorated, and it shouts both class and money in abundance.

Owning a football team is not a cheap investment.

I go back to the happy couple for a second, tired of feeling like a voyeur I then gaze absently at the other people below. I’m pleased that Tom has finally found happiness, even if it's a girl that just wasn't right for me.

Our blind date was a complete disaster.

Hell, I can laugh at it now but at the time it was the most painful experience. It was like having your teeth pulled without aesthetics. I had thought for a second that with those olive green eyes and kissable lips that everything would be alright. Or even her delectable sexy voluptuous body would be heaven-sent. Pia’s large breasts, small waist and sultry good looks, but oh how wrong I was. I’d much rather take a sack from any thirty-two defence team. Yes, even my defensive teammates at that, rather than have another date with her. It was awful.

Pia is sweet but absolutely, not for me. We just had nothing in common. Simple conversations we did well, but there was no spark to sing home about. I’m grateful that we ended our date on friendly terms and that there was no hard feeling between us. And even more thankful and glad when I finally introduced her to Tom a few weeks later at a barbeque; they hit it off instantly and I felt vindicated for feeling awful about that blind date. It’s obvious I wasn’t the guy for her and she’s sure as hell not the girl for me.

Has it been only three months since they met? Hell, time sure flies.

Even though I’m the face of the franchise, I can speak to all of my teammates, ex-players and friends of the franchise; small polite talk isn’t my thing. But I love these people for their continuous support and belief in me. Mack, my tight end is missing a great party but with his wife in labour, the bosses understand.

I run my fingers through my black hair and scratch my stubble, not because I’m agitated but as something to do when my mind works overtime.

I take another swig at my almost warm beer that I’ve been nursing for the past few hours when a deep rumble of a voice shouts up at me.

Hey pussy quarterback, get your arse down here.

I smile at the deep laughter of Bo Yates Junior and I hear a chuckle from Tom and Pia beside him. His blue eyes widen in innocence when his beautiful wife, Eva, points at him with a scowl.

What baby?

Bo Yates, six-four at two hundred and eighty pounds centre for the Los Angeles Spartans. The width and strength of the man are awesome, just as his athleticism is impressive. Off the field with family and friends, he's a gentle giant.

Baby, watch your mouth in front of Bradley. Holding her newborn so gently dressed in a red and black baby grow against her chest with his father’s number in gold on his small chest, her caramel eyes smiling sweetly at her husband.

I smirk when I see her cover his ears as she mutters, Ignore daddy little man. We’re going to have to teach him no dirty talk in front of you. Eva then kisses the top of his head.

Yeah, Bo. Watch your language and listen to your wife, I chuckle at him when I reach the bottom of the stairs kissing Eva on her cheek and then the top of Bradley's head.

Eva is a stunner of a woman, standing next to Bo she's a petite frame with long black hair as Bo rests his hand against her generous bottom. Her Columbian heritage shines through.

Come on baby Brad, it's Uncle Luke's cuddle time. I look at Eva apprehensively, who passes her two week old baby to me.

I hold her tiny little man against me, holding gently his head. He's so tiny and fragile. I’m sure my face softens as I lean his face against Bradley and smell him. He’s so soft and how I love that new baby smell. I pull back and Bradley glares at me with his baby blues, like his father. So cute.

Ah, Bo. You lucky son of a bi... I stare up at Eva and then at Bo who’s grinning at me,...gun. He's beautiful.

I turn to my brother with puckered lips to show him baby Bradley; I take out my phone and take a couple of selfies with Bradley.

You're next Thomas Matthews, I tell my brother.

I let out a loud laugh when I notice his brother’s cheeks flush and Pia is blushing. Hmmm. Something is going on there.

So are you, baby bro. You look good carrying him, Tom teases.

My face is slightly flush as I move back to Bo and Eva.

Need a girlfriend for that, I mutter.

Yeah you have girlfriends, Tom smirks.

Right now I’m the single fucker in my group of friends, and the types of girlfriends I have aren’t the kind I want my parents to meet. And that’s pretty sad, right? I don’t give my brother a quick retort as it’s too close to home.

Wanting to change the subject and the talk of babies I ask the group generally, Any news from Mack yet?

Tom takes out his phone and starts taking pictures. I snuggle Bradley closer to me. He’s so tiny in my hands.

It’s life and I envy my friends. For me to have that life, first I need a wife. And before I can have a wife, I need a girlfriend and before the girlfriend, I need to be dating. Although a wife first and a baby second doesn’t necessarily have to follow that order. She can be my girlfriend or fiancé at that. Ideally, I would like to start a family with a woman I love and she loves me. I’ve been in a happy family all of my life and have seen some amazing couples still going the distance, like my parents and the Hardings. And so far my choices over the years have been shit.

Nope, Bo answers.

I nod as I listen to the chatter around me. My mind reverts to my relationship dilemma, meeting women that will like me for me is getting harder at thirty-two, and single life is a tough gig. I’ve dated models, actresses, and some of the world's most beautiful women but they leave me cold. No disrespect to my past girlfriends, they didn't challenge me to move on to the next level...to put the ring on her finger. And after my experience with my college girlfriend, River, I’ve sworn myself off cheerleaders for life.

Publicly I’d hate to admit it but maybe I should keep following my mother's advice by dating nice girls, and who don't get starstruck when they meet me. Pia was the start of that plan, and look at how it ended for me. Then again, look at what Tom has gained. A good woman who loves him, that’s so obvious to see.

It’s almost bittersweet to want something so bad but it just appears to be so elusive and so out of reach. For all of my success in my professional life that is one thing that is eluding me. I don’t want football bunnies or the fame grabbers – I’ve seen enough to last me a lifetime in college and the NFL. I’ve been there and done that. I even wore that t-shirt for a while. I need someone who has the same values in life as me and who can understand that football is an integral part of me; someone who can deal with the fallout of being my life partner. And still, want me.

It’s a tall ask – even I know that.

I mean who wants to live with a fucker like me who for most of the year life is football.

Just as I’m about to pass baby Bradley back to Bo, one of my teammates, Rick and his wife, Marsha, approach us. Derrick McKenzie, my wide-out raises his arm as if waiting for a catch. We’ve been teammates for the majority of my career and like Bo become one of my closest friends. I’m fortunate to have a few teammates, and friends for as long and it shows how tight we are on the field. I grin at Bo who is glaring back at me. His wife is gazing at me aghast while trying to hold back a smile.

Tall slim and athletic, all muscle with skin like melted chocolate, wide dark brown eyes and full lips. His wife Marsha a pint-size petite thing. Like Eva but with the most stunning sky-blue eyes that any man could dive in. I look at Bradley, gaze at Rick and back at Bradley again. I grin at Eva who now has her hands on her hips as she glares at me in horror.

Lucas Matthews, Eva shouts at me. He may be the size of a football, but if you think about throwing my baby, I will break your throwing arm so hard that you would take forever to heal!

All the men including Bo glare and gasp in horror at her comment. She laughs at us, takes Bradley from me and kisses his cheek.

Baby, I love you and Brad, but... Bo raises an eyebrow at her. But don't joke about this shit. Bo gazes at his teammates with pained eyes. All of you.

Well, Rick shouldn't suggest to Luke about throwing our baby. Man up and sort them out. She tries to be stern but instead, she chuckles some more. I have 49ers friends who’ll be happier to break his kneecap, with her chin indicating at Rick.

Tom gasps, shaking his head and chuckles, Man that’s just playing dirty, baby.

Dude, your wife knows how to hurt. Derrick groans at Bo.

Bo smirks raising his brows double time, You’ve no idea.

We chuckle at his innuendo but Eva ignores us and continues, Oh and Rick, they will catch you. Eva winks at him as his wife gently punches his ribs.

Oh boy, no messing with Mama Bear.

Bo.

We all turn to the voice of the Head Coach of the team as he walks down the stairs. He’s a six-foot man of fifty-nine years with wrinkles around his laughing blue eyes.

Coach Yates. Sir, Bo replies his body straight and alert.

Did I just hear your wife threaten to damage my winning football team?

Eva looks at Bo, her face frowning as it turns beetroot colour. Silently unsure how to behave tugging Bradley closer to her and tugs herself closer to Bo. Coach Yates opens his arms silently requesting to hold Bradley. Eva gives him willingly as he holds him into his chest.

Don't worry sweet pea. Nobody is going to hurt my grandson. He winks at Eva kissing Bradley on his head. Bradley lets out a small whimper of a sound as if in agreement. Don't worry sweet girl, no need for those drastic measures. If they do, tell me and I will make them pay.

Today I found out one of Coach Yates Achilles heels. Baby Bradley. He grins at Bo and Eva, his face completely relaxed. Nothing can beat a grandfather’s love. And that's the way it should be.

Coach Yates walks away with Bradley muttering, Come and meet Grandma and some friends.

After a second Tom and the women burst out laughing after Coach Yates.

God, I almost peed in my pants. Your father scares the shit out of me, Smiling at Bo letting out a slow sigh.

Now you know how I feel, especially at work. He grins back at Eva, leans down and kisses her gently on her full lips.

Luke, he didn't even mention your arm or my leg could be broken. Derrick smirks, Damn, Bradley is a lethal little thing.

Oh, he cares. Right? I query.

But then since you're arrival we have won the top prize four times, a force to be reckoned with. You match Joe Montana with Super Bowl wins, I suppose you're all expendable. Tom gazes at me with raised eyebrows, then chuckles loudly.

Stats are stats, I say as I look at three men who gaze at each other.

Head shaking, Nah!

With chuckles all around, we know that Coach Yates wants another ring. I’ve got a long way to go to catch up with the greatest quarterback. But Mama Eva is a fierce lioness around her little man.

I quickly look beyond the group and notice Jessica Miller flirting with our newest rookie wide receiver. Well in a few months that will change and in his first year in this team, he has earned his place with the gang. I excuse myself briefly and walk up to Soren Pullman.

Jessica. I turn to Soren who has his mouth close to Jessica's neck. Hey.

Luke. Soren quickly straightens up and lets go of Jessica.

That girl is trouble. Trouble, with a capital T! I’ve seen her type since my college days - wanting a football player on her arm. She reminds me so much of River. And that’s bad news. It’s the kind that will mess with a guy's head until he cannot see sense, especially with a girl that can break a career. To make matters worse, she is the owner's daughter. She’s the worse kind and off-limits.

And Soren being the rookie he is, is playing with his career and he doesn’t even see the danger.

Need you to settle something with me and Rick. My voice is very authoritative, I turn expecting Soren to follow. He could feel him dithering but seconds later he follows.

Yep Kiddo, that's right.

And as arrogant as it sounds – I am the quarterback of this football team.

Chapter One

~ Melanie ~

What's that song about never raining in southern California?

Am I in southern Cali?

Heck! Who knows?

And that song is such a lie, and today is not the day for it. I moan as the rain trickles against my window in the early hours, something had woken me up but cannot seem to get back to sleep. For the life of me, I can’t work out why.

And it's only...

Four bloody a.m. in the frigging morning!

Argh!

I close my eyes and force myself to relax. Willing to go back to sleep as I listen to the patter of the rain on the window pain, and the hum of the city noise outside of my hotel room. There’s almost a hush at this time of the morning except for the early delivery vans.

I’ve over two months left on my California dream vacation and so far it's been awesome. Back to London, to family and work. Well, that's the plan, but I’m wavering. I’m unsure if I want to go back to London as I have family here too. Weighing up the pros and cons of staying or going home is still up in the air.

I’ve options. And that’s a great thing.

But for now, I’m on holiday.

G Adventures didn't disappoint. Meeting like-minded travellers made me more open to the idea of adventures - trying out new things, and not letting fear of travelling alone take over. I left the group feeling even more energised. But now it's time to take it down a notch. The two-week round trip from LA to LA taking in some of the best sights in California was truly spectacular. Now it's time to take the holiday at a slower pace and take the time in the towns and cities that I enjoyed with the tour company.....and then some.

It is funny how when one door closes, another opens.

Well, new job opportunities are on the horizon but the idea that I can do something completely different to my last job is very appealing. Other opportunities now seem more obvious when you have time on your hands. Although I love teaching, I love photography more. Saying goodbye to my travelling family was harder than I’d thought. It was bittersweet and sad really but excited to continue the next stage of my Californian trip alone. A trip I have wanted for such a long time.

I must have fallen back to sleep at some point, but it is the bright sunny sunshine trying to escape into the room that stirred me from my sleepy haze. Who would've thought that it had been raining a few hours earlier?

I quickly look at the bright digital clock on the bedside table, and I’ve only thirty minutes for the free breakfast.

I push back the covers, rush to the bathroom for a quick shower and change. In ten minutes flat I exit the room with the essentials I need for when I return to my room. My hair is damp and makeup free, I make my way towards the main area of the hotel as I had done the previous three mornings. I receive a friendly greeting from Maria, the daily waitress that seems to do the breakfast shift.

Would you like your usual breakfast, Mel?

I love her cheery disposition and helpful manner.

Hey, Maria. Am I that obvious? Grinning at the pretty girl, she must do very well in tips. Very attentive, like the rest of the staff at this hotel.

Yes please, I add.

I’m so glad I took my aunt's recommendation to come here. I take out my phone and move to the seat so my back is to the pool.  I take a couple of selfies with the famous pool behind me and post them on my Facebook status with a comment.

Thanks, Aunt May, not at all disappointed.

Then I post the images with the bright sunshine reflecting on the water, it brings a warm smile to me. And in no time, Maria brings me breakfast and a pot of tea.

Breakfast is a quiet affair as I check my schedule for the next few days. Today is my last day at the Avalon Hotel. And the plan is to have a really easy day. I want to take a leisurely walk to Farmer's Market and then onward to the Grove; it’s followed by catching a local bus to Greystone Mansions. I want to finish the evening off with a run at the local Roxbury Park. And all the while I’ll have my trusted DSLR in my hand, except of course for the running part. I'll collect the hired car when checking out, and then it’s en route to Topanga.

Topanga is where I rented a one-bedroom house for the week. The house is a short drive to Malibu. Taking pictures of surfer dudes is going to be entertaining.

I can just see it! Taking some awesome pictures while watching the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean should be wonderful.

I’m so excited for tomorrow that I know I’m wishing the day away as the waiting staff are preparing for lunch. I leave the table, make my way to the reception and arrange with the concierge for my hired car to arrive when I check out.

Back in the room, I put on the T.V. and I start packing my suitcase. Well, it’ll make life easier for tomorrow. I notice that the maid has already been as the bed is made.

I’m going to miss this hotel. There’s something about the staff that makes you feel so welcomed, never once made to feel silly that I’m travelling alone. They made my trip even more enjoyable.

Partially packed, I set in motion my plan. Taking pictures of this misunderstood city. I slowly walk around Farmer's Market, taking pictures of the vendors selling their colour fruits, vegetables, and eating vendors. I couldn't get enough and only realise the time when my stomach grumble in horror. I grab a sandwich at the nearest place, and when I look at the sandwich I knew dinner wasn’t an option tonight.

Can you please cut it in half? Requesting to the over large sales staff who gave me a strange look, before paying. Can I also have a Very Berry smoothie?

That should keep me going until I reach the hotel later on. Don’t these Americans realise that in Europe most of the portions of food are small and the mentality is generally eating lots of small portions? I’ve been living in the UK for far too long so changing my eating habits is nearly impossible. At least I’ll the other half of the sandwich when I get hungry a little later.

From the United Kingdom dear? She drawls.

Yes, I am. I’m from London.

OhMyGod, my Jason and I are going in a few months. She gasps.

Beautiful city with lots to do. I smile at her as she hands over her sandwich and drinks. Enjoy your trip, I add, And wrap up warm.

Thanks, my dear. Have a great day.

You too.

I quickly find a seat and rest my camera on the table. I munch away as I people-watch. I love people watching. Some are amazingly thin with lollipop heads; others are well packaged from all different backgrounds enjoying this beautiful weather. And of course, some are tourists and not from Los Angles let alone from California. People like me.

I smile to myself as I make my way to the bus stop for the next part of my day trip. I’m ready to leave this crazy but surprising city. I’ve done enough of the tourists’ traps over the past few days; it’s time to move on. I’ve walked along Hollywood Boulevard with the stars; I’ve taken lunch at a few well-known places and tried to eat within my budget, of course. I even took a tour of the stars' homes, seeing some of the most expensive properties in Hollywood all of which were mostly behind high walls and gated entrances. As you can imagine, didn’t see much – mainly bricked walls and iron gates. But the people I was with made it such a fun few hours.

I chuckle as it was a fun day with a few funny people and felt like a completely idiotic tourist. We even stopped at the Hollywood sign and took pictures of the city skyline. Somehow, I manage to get a bus near the Getty Museum. Unlike London, the city isn’t public transport friendly but gets you near to where you want to.

I didn’t mind the trek up and I’d spent most of the day in the area. There was so much to see and just relax. The city feels familiar and yet at the same time new.

Maybe it’s seeing it on the silver screen that made it familiar. It’s time to leave tinsel town.

Chapter Two

Today is the day to say goodbye to L.A. I wave goodbye to the striking reception staff and concierge who have been helpful during my stay. I left a handsome tip for the maid. Dressed in loose-fitting white tees, chocolate shorts and my faithful flip flops; earlier at breakfast, I said goodbye to Maria with a generous tip. Our brief morning chats over the past few days have made me forget that I was here alone.

As I enter the car, David, the porter places my bags in the boot of my gunmetal grey Audi SUV Q3. Again I go to the wrong side of the car and I’m sure the doorman is grinning at me. If the concierge had his way, he would've booked me the top-of-the-range Q7, which is way outside my budget but I had to let him down gently from that offer.

I call out to David as he makes his way around to me, and thank him for his assistance. I give a tip and start the car. Hot air hits me and within seconds that cool air circulates the car.

Thank God for the air con.

I place my handbag on the front seat, take out my smartphone and connect it to the car system. I press play on the car screen, and immediately it’s filled with Snow