Gifted Connections 3

I was still outrageously full and glad we had a clean up crew that came through to clean the kitchen and dining room. I was all about trying to experience the whole Thanksgiving experience minus the cleaning. After being on my feet for hours, then gorging myself on my first real Thanksgiving meal, I was more than ready to relax.

“Come on,” Jaxson grabbed my hand and started to lead me up from the table.

“Can I come?” Kade asked hesitantly as he stood up with his tray.

“Of course,” Jaxson said immediately. “Do you play?”

Kade nodded, and for the first time since I met him, he seemed to be genuinely interested in something. “I’m a tight end. I’ve been playing since I was seven.”

“Sweet, then come on. I’ll pick you for my team.” Jaxson paused.

“You would want to play football when we’re all disgustingly full,” Remy grumbled before standing up.

“Let’s all go,” Jace said. “I’ll go get changed first.”

“Me, too,” Remy stated.

“Do we have to go?” Ella asked plaintively.

Yes was said in unison around the table.

“Can I go get Victoria?” Patrick asked Beth. His ears were slightly red around the ears, and I wondered if he was harboring a little crush on the girl. She was a cute girl under all that black clothing and black make up.

“Go ahead. I think us oldies are going to sit and enjoy our coffee, if its okay with you young folk.” Beth indicated Will, Megan, and herself. Cora still refused to leave the room.

“That’s fine with us,” I chimed in. “Come on, little ducks,” I joked.

“We’re not ducks,” Ella said in exasperation. “Can Nadia and I at least get our book and drawing pad?”

“Come on, girls,” Jace said. “Remy and I have to go back to the room, you can grab your stuff.”

“Can I bring my video game?” Alex asked hopefully.

“No,” Jaxson said before lifting the boy and putting him on his shoulders. “No electronics allowed. You can be our mascot.”

Alex tried to act disgruntled, but you could tell he was enjoying the ride. “I’m just suppose to sit there and watch you guys play football?” He sighed loudly with an eye roll.

“Come on, Al, you’ll like it,” Kade reassured his younger brother.

“If you say so,” Alex said not convinced yet.

We all made our way to the training area, and sure enough, there were several people already waiting there. They must have spread the word because even the bleachers were fully extended, and people were already waiting to watch. The training area was large and easily the size of two football fields, even with the bleachers extended.

“You guys are crazy.” I sighed as I rubbed my belly. “How can you play football on a full stomach?”

“Easy.” Jaxson smiled at me with a wink. “Football and Thanksgiving goes hand and hand, and I haven’t played in forever.”

“Well I did like watching you play before.” I smiled suggestively at him.

“Want us to play shirts and skins? I can be on the skins team.” Jaxson leaned into me. His mouth mere inches from mine.

“Don’t make me hurl,” Troy joked as he pulled me into his side.

“Don’t be jealous,” Jaxson quipped back.

“Don’t think I don’t notice you training shirtless lately,” I teased Troy. “Trying to impress the ladies here?”

Troy stopped me and pulled me around with force. He jerked me to his body, and I was surprised by his sudden onslaught of his lips. He didn’t ask for entrance into my mouth. He took it. His movements sure and demanding. I felt myself weaken against him and felt my desire rise. I wound my arms around the back of his head and moved my body closer.