Falling for the Rookie: A Never Say Never Football Romance, #4

By Carina Rose

People rarely catch me off guard. I'm Collin St. James, after all, starting wide receiver for the Virginia Thunder, and playing football has kept me on my toes. But nothing could have prepared me to mentor our newest teammate, kicker Charlie Nicholson.

 

I wasn't caught off guard because I had to take someone under my wing, or because Charlie was easily banging sixty-yard kicks through the uprights. It happened when the rookie's silver helmet came off and long blonde hair spilled out. Completely flummoxed, I edged closer and took in the prettiest blue eyes I'd ever seen.

 

Charlie wasn't only a complete knockout, she was also my sister's closest friend, and when she smiled at me, I knew right then and there I was in serious trouble.

 

The last thing I needed was a distraction, but thanks to my gorgeous new teammate—and, to my surprise, my roommate—that was exactly what I got.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tanti Baci, LLC
• Release date: Feb 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798201211363

Book preview

Table of Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Epilogue

Preview - Charmed by the Player

Other Books by Carina Rose

About the Author

Contact Carina Rose

A note from the Author…

Acknowledgments

Dedication

To the girls who could and did.

Chapter 1

Charlie

Sensible underwear, check. Sports bras, socks, pretty lace thong and matching bralette (just in case)—check, check… never mind. I almost put the last two back into my suitcase, but I heard Sally’s voice in my ear telling me to pack them, so I did. After going over the contents of my luggage, including my sporting gear, everyday wear, and other necessities, I closed the large bag and set it next to my other one, which was home to my shoes and accessories.

I stared out the window at the Rocky Mountains and sighed. Late spring in Colorado was one of my favorite times of year. Seeing the freshly bloomed flowers always brought a smile to my face. I couldn’t help but feel a bit melancholy at the thought of leaving the beauty of it behind.

Moving to Virginia was, on its own, nerve-racking enough. Toss in playing on a men’s professional football team and those same nerves frayed even more. It wasn’t as though I thought I couldn’t do it… well, on some level, I supposed that was true. But feeling the entire weight of the female population on my shoulders had me second-guessing my choice to take the chance. Thankfully, my friend Sally’s brother, Collin St. James, played for the team, the Virginia Thunder, as their starting wide receiver.

Collin. The boy, now man, who had fueled all my adolescent fantasies. It hadn’t mattered that I was nine when I met him, or that he was a senior in high school and I hadn’t even hit double digits. He still owned my heart. I smiled at the memory of eavesdropping on him and his friend—something his sister and I wove into our sleepover itinerary. I’d heard things, so many things, and even to this day, I still didn’t know what half of those things meant. Sally and I would laugh at their antics, yet at the same time my crush on him grew. Worse yet, my stupid adolescent heart declared that it belonged to Collin.

Stupid, I know.

Guys like Collin—football superstar and homecoming king, voted best looking in the class (which made Sally gag and me swoon)—dated girls who were cheerleaders and who were popular, two characteristics that had never, and would never, describe me. It wasn’t that I thought I was wretched looking, but I didn’t fit into the mold of most of the women who caught his eye. Where they were perfectly shaped with measurements often referred to when describing a brick house—as the song went—I was more of a stone cottage. Not too tall, and I definitely didn’t have the curves that tune (which happened to be one of my mom’s favorites) boasted.

I would never forget the time he came home on one of his college breaks after a friend, who happened to be on the high school’s cheerleading squad, asked him to prom. All the couples met at Sally’s to take pictures, and I happened to be there that night. As though he were a movie star, Collin wore a black tux and light-blue tie that brought out his eyes, and despite the formality of the event, his hair looked as though his hand had run through it multiple times.

Sally had rolled her eyes when his date appeared wearing a dress that reminded me of a nightgown. She was tall and pretty, with boobs that looked like melons—and definitely fit the Commodores’ criteria. Meanwhile, I was only a tween and still hadn’t gotten my period, let alone anything to warrant me wearing a bra. I remembered going home and reading the book Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume, and I’d prayed that puberty would come… and soon. Little did I know what a mistake that would be. Why girls wished for cramps and bloating was beyond me.

Sighing at that memory of the last time I’d seen him, I hoisted the strap of my bag onto my shoulder, grabbed my suitcase, and rolled it out into my living room. I snagged my keys and my phone just as it began to ring. A goofy picture of me and Sally appeared, bringing a smile to my face.

Hey, girlfriend, I said.

Hi! Are you at the airport? Her harsh whisper made me laugh. Sally had been sworn to secrecy about Reese’s offer. She knew not to say a word to anyone not related to her.

I’m heading out now. I assume you’re at work?

Yes, but my tyrant of a boss is in a meeting. Regardless, I had to call, because this is beyond cool. I still can’t process it all.

Tell me about it. Still a bit on edge about everything, I had to ask, Are you sure it’s okay that I stay with your brother? What did he say? Should I call him?

Barely finished with my question, she blurted, It’s fine. His house is massive. Trust me. When I visit, I hardly see him. He’s cool with it.

Okay, so you did tell him, then? Did I pack deodorant? I needed to check, because my pits were already dampening.

Will you please stop worrying? This is Collin, my big brother. You know he’d do anything for me, which, in turn, means he’d do anything for you. It’s all good. I sent you his address, and his four-digit gate code passkey is my birthday month and day. She sighed. Wait, you still don’t have a crush on him, do you?

Crossing my fingers behind my back, I quickly lied, Of course not.

You can uncross your fingers. I know you better than you think. He really isn’t that great, you know. Although I’m sure he’ll be shocked when he sees how gorgeous you are. You have no idea how much I wish I could be there to see his reaction.

I wanted to ask her to please go with me, but I knew that she’d feel horrible because she couldn’t. Making my best friend feel guilty wasn’t in my vernacular.

It’s been a long time she continued. When’s the last time you saw each other?

Sally claiming I was gorgeous was something a best friend said. I’d been told I was pretty, but it wasn’t as though guys were falling over themselves to get to me. Thanks to me having mono and missing your graduation, it has been a long time. The last time we communicated was at your thirteenth birthday party. And the only shock he is going to get is the fact that I am joining his team. It’s not like we’ve engaged in conversation. I’d say hi, he’d smile. My brain would malfunction and forget how to formulate words, and that would be the end of that.

She sighed. Trust me, conversation with Collin revolved around his sport and girls.

I crinkled my nose at the latter. Much as with other stupidly good-looking jocks, their reputation preceded them.

And I don’t care what you say, you’re stunning. She paused long enough for me to sigh. Let’s not forget your plan. You are still going to go through with it?

Yes, my virginity. Another reason men weren’t rushing to date me. When it came to sex, I wanted it to be special. Except I thought special would have happened already. I’m starting to lean toward the fun aspect of it.

Correcting her, I quipped, "That’s your plan, remember?"

"Our plan, she insisted. You’re going to be in a sea of testosterone. Losing your V-card before the season starts will bring you relief, you’ll see."

After setting down my bag, I rummaged through it until I saw the powder-blue stick with a pink flower on it. I grabbed it, pulled the cap off, and maneuvered it beneath my clothes until it coated my underarms.

"You’re ridiculous, do you know that? You make it sound as though it were an antacid. This is not one of your What would Sally do? moments." Her snort-laugh over the phone had me smiling. She had a way of looking at the world through rose-colored glasses, and even if things didn’t go as planned, she would chalk it up as something that was meant to be. I, on the other hand, stressed over the tiniest details.

Except when it came to her thoughts on virginity. At this stage in the game, I did think her plan held merit. Letting out a long breath, I stared out the front window as a black sedan pulled in front of my building. All right, well, I should go. My car just got here. I’ll call you soon.

Thanks to the flight’s arrival time, and the two-hour time difference, it’d be nighttime by the time I landed in Virginia. Worried about being delayed, and not wanting to roll into Collin’s too late, I’d booked a room at a hotel not far from the practice facility. Tomorrow I’d go to the field, and then to Collin’s house afterward. I’ll text you when I land and call you after I get to your brother’s tomorrow.

Eek! I’m so excited! Good luck. You’ve so got this. Can you imagine? You’re going to be the first female in the league. Do you even know how huge that is?

No pressure, Sal. I opened my door and began trudging down the two flights of stairs.

Sorry. I’m just excited. You’ll definitely land the starter position. Did you end up subleasing your apartment?

The wheels of my luggage thumped down the stairs as I pulled it behind me. No, after speaking to Reese, the team paid my lease for the rest of the term. If I don’t completely blow it, then I’ll worry about it. If not, it’s paid for. I’d rather keep it right now. The landlord is cool and will be checking in on it. God forbid a pipe should burst or something.

Will you please not worry? she insisted.

You’re funny, but I’ll try. Thank you, Sal, for everything. Love you.

I love you, too, and it’s my pleasure. Kiss my brother for me.

Her giggle was cut off when she disconnected our call. A visual of me kissing the infamous Collin St. James flashed in my head. What Sally didn’t know was that, at her party, I’d written him a note of encouragement on a pink piece of stationery that my grandmother had bought me so I’d write her letters—which I did back then and still do at times to make me feel closer to her. I face-palmed. How embarrassed would I have been if he’d ever found out his little sister’s nerdy friend was the one who’d penned that letter? Now that I knew I’d be seeing him, I’d never been so thankful for not signing my name.

I walked out the door and toward the black sedan, where the driver greeted me.

Miss Nicholson?

Yes, that’s me.

Is this everything?

Yes.

He loaded my bags into the trunk before opening my door. Your flight is on time, miss.

I hadn’t even checked. Great, thank you.

I slid into the back seat and gave my apartment building one last look as the car pulled away from the curb. My nerves decided to make an appearance, and all I could do was pray this wasn’t all a big mistake.

Chapter 2

Collin

Explain to me again why you’re cranky? my friend Sophie asked. The smell of overly buttered popcorn lingered behind us as we made our way outside the theater into the semi-warm Virginia evening.

Why do you think I’m cranky?

Because that movie was hilarious, and you were the only one in the theater who wasn’t laughing.

That’s not true. The kid behind me wasn’t laughing.

The kid behind you was asleep.

Lucky, I grumbled.

She smacked my shoulder and stopped just short of the edge of the sidewalk. With her arms crossed she glared at me. I’m not kidding, Collin. What is it? Is it because our besties are engaged and are getting married?

All I could do was blink at her absurd question. Yes, it was true. Her best friend, Harley, and my best friend and teammate, Lucas, were newly engaged, but that had nothing to do with my sour mood.

No, I’m very happy for them. Why would you think that?

I thought maybe it was because they’re joined at the hip, and you’re stuck with me.

I chuckled and shook my head.

What is it then? Is it a pro athlete thing? Jock itch? Is it because of the playoffs? I know I’m just an event planner, but that game was months ago. I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but aren’t you supposed to be focusing on this season?

A few passersby gave me an extended look. It was something I’d become accustomed to since going pro. Being the starting wide receiver for the local pro football team did little to provide any privacy. Normally I’d relish the fans’ adoration, but today I just wanted to hang low. If it weren’t for Sophie, I’d be at my house and not in a plaza full of people.

Rather than stand around, I tossed my arm around Sophie’s shoulder and steered her toward my car. I clicked the key fob to unlock my Maserati. Sophie slid into the passenger seat, and when I was behind the wheel, I turned to her. It’s Smythe. He left for Texas today.

Smythe was our kicker who’d unfortunately missed the winning kick to extend our season. He’d had an off year thanks to an injury. The poor guy felt horrible, as we all did. He’d decided to retire and return to his home state to be close to his sister and her son.

That’s great. He was so excited at his going-away party.

Sophie had helped plan the party, so she was there and had witnessed the camaraderie between us.

Yeah, I know. I’m happy for him. Just going to miss the guy. He was my first friend on the team and my mentor.

I get that, but would you want to be close to your sister? Smythe told me all about Emmy and her growing family.

Yeah, of course I would. When she wasn’t being a pain in my ass. My sister, Sally, had just graduated from college, and despite our eight-year age gap, we were close. That most likely had to do with our parents moving around a lot. Sally would get nervous starting new schools, but thanks to her brother… me… I paved the way for her. It didn’t hurt that I was on the varsity football team each of my high school years. I had a reputation that lingered long after I graduated, and people (especially guys) knew not to screw with my little sister. Since then, she’d gained a confidence all her own—which made me both happy and terrified.

I remember when I was in high school, she and her little friend, Chrissy or something, would giggle and stare at me and my buddies. Anytime I tried to call Sally out on it, she’d tell me I was hallucinating or conceited. Still, as much of a pain as Sally was back then, Sophie was right. I would want to be close to her, if possible.

I’m sure you were the picture-perfect brother, she touted with a roll of her eyes. Plus, when I met her, I thought she was a doll. She probably idolizes you.

Whatever.

Look, stop moping before I make you go watch another movie.

Not a shot. If I hear another sappy theme song, I might get sick. I started my car and savored the purr of the engine. So sweet, I said, finally smiling. Now that’s a sound that doesn’t make me grumpy.

Sophie shook her head. You’re ridiculous. Anyway, tell me about the new kicker.

Not much to tell. I don’t know much about him except that he’s recently graduated from college.

I wonder if he’s cute, she said. How much older do I need to be in order to be considered a cougar?

Shaking my head, I pulled out of the parking lot. Can we not go there?

I’m just asking. Say, if a woman is called a cougar, what’s an older man dating a younger woman called?

Lucky? My snarky retort earned a punch to my arm. Listen, Rocky, I was kidding. Can you stop hitting me?

Stop being an ass.

I leaned over and kissed her temple. Sorry. If you want to test your cougar waters, that’s fine. Although you might be too young to fall under that term.

Truth was, I didn’t know much about our new teammate. All I knew was what I’d told Sophie. And rumor had it that the kid had a leg that was sure to break some team and league records. Even social media hadn’t given me any answers.

I’m just saying, Harley has Lucas, who is hot as hell, and you’re off-limits thanks to being one of my best friends, so… yuck—

Hold on. Lucas is hot as hell, and I’m yuck? And I thought I was depressed before.

Sophie giggled. You know what I mean. When I remained silent, she added, Fine, Mr. Please Boost My Ego. You’re gorgeous. You have that surfer vibe going with your disheveled, blondish hair, eyes that look like I could swim in them, and your body is just stupidly perfect. Not to mention, you’re tall. You’re every woman’s dream… but not mine. No offense.

None taken after that glowing critique.

Ha ha. Now that your head is too big for your neck, can you please be in a better mood?

Fine. I tossed a full-blown smile her way—one that had won me a spot in a couple of commercials.

Look, I know things didn’t turn out the way you wanted them to last season, but I have a good feeling about this one. Honestly.

You’re a psychic now?

There’s no end to my abilities.

We shared another laugh, as I turned down her street. Thanks, Soph.

It’s my pleasure. Maybe I’ll let you pick out the next movie.

No maybes about it. As I stopped in front of her building, I teased, Now get the hell out of my car.

Tossing my words back at me, she quipped, So sweet. Sophie opened her door and kissed me on the cheek. Everything is going to be great. You’ll see. Once she was standing on the sidewalk, she looked back in. I’ll talk to you later. Thanks for the movie.

You’re welcome. Thanks for being you.

A beautiful smile spread across her face. It’s the only person I know how to be.

She winked, closed the door, and scurried toward her apartment. Once she was inside, I pulled away. Sophie was right. I needed to focus on next season. What I hadn’t told her was the owner had called a meeting for tomorrow. To say that put me on edge was an understatement.

Anytime a season ended, especially one that didn’t end favorably, things changed. Usually that affected the coaching staff. I had a feeling we’d all find out about it in the morning.

###

Lucas and I sat side by side in the meeting room used to watch films and go over new plays. Murmurs filled the stale air, and when the door opened, our coaching staff walked in, followed by our owner and his granddaughter, who was also his namesake, Reese. Her business-style black skirt, light-blue top, and blonde hair pulled back into a neat knot made her look like a force to be reckoned with. Probably because she was. Next to her were her sister, Kenzie, and her brother-in-law, David, who also worked in the front office.

Seeing the entire family and coaching staff caused my nerves to prickle.

What do you think the announcement is? Lucas asked, leaning toward me.

Lucas Donovan was the starting cornerback and my best friend. The two of us had played college ball together, and although I had been drafted straight into the Thunder’s lineup, he had been traded from Portland, and this would be his third season here.

No clue, but Coach Thurston is missing. That can’t be good. I couldn’t help but notice our head coach wasn’t in attendance.

Nope, Lucas agreed just as Mack, our running back, sat on the