Sidelined: A Sports Romance (24 page)

B
olt pulled
out of the apartment complex, shoving his shades on the bridge of his nose. What in the hell was going on? He had spent two nights in a row at Skye Stephens’s place without having sex. A world record had officially been set.

He turned right to wind back to the interstate. She was gorgeous, smart, and could hold her own around his friends, a feat most would fail at immediately. It was hard to ignore that the guys seemed to like her too. Before he had even known what he was getting into he had entered the dating zone. At least that’s what it sounded like. She wasn’t going to give it up unless they had been seeing each other for a month. It didn’t seem like the right time to tell her that he’d be leaving the country in five weeks.

He had been looking forward to the WESTPAC deployment since he joined the squadron. It was one of the best tours the Rebels had. It beat his Afghanistan tour hands down. If he was lucky he would go again to Japan in two years when the Rebels hit the next deployment cycle.

He exited onto the interstate and merged with the onslaught of cars that buzzed around him. When was the last time he had actually dated a girl? He rolled down the window and rested his elbow on the door. He hadn’t been on a single date since he moved to San Diego. Picking girls up in bars and clubs didn’t count as dates. Those were hookups and he knew it.

A date entailed getting dressed up and having a plan. What kind of place should he take a girl like Skye? That’s assuming she accepted his invitation. He didn’t try for breakfast this morning. She wasn’t as standoffish as yesterday, but something about the morning sun made her reserved side return.

He left with a promise to call. Something about her and the way the last two nights had gone made him think he would call her later. He had her number in his phone.

As soon as he got home he changed into his running shorts and shoes. Sundays were work out days. His favorite place to run was Mission Bay. He could see the bay, the city, and in certain spots, the ocean. He cued his regular playlist and took off running.

The low morning mist that settled on the city didn’t usually burn off until lunch time, but today it was already bright and sweltering before he was five minutes into the run.

Bolt wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. He loved living in San Diego, but it always felt like a temporary home. Since joining the Marine Corps he had lived in four different cities and completed two tours. It was hard to get attached to a place when he knew it was only a stop on the way to the next town. But that’s one of the things he loved about being in the military. He traveled all over the world, met interesting people, and it kept his life fresh. There was never a dull day doing what he did.

He crossed over the first bridge. There weren’t many places more beautiful than this. He stopped at the top of the second bridge that overlooked the bay. He inhaled, filling his lungs with the California air until they felt like they could explode. He looked at his phone tucked in his armband. Thirty minutes wasn’t bad for a warm-up run. He repositioned the earbuds and started the second half of his run. Today felt like it was going to be a good day.

* * *

M
onday morning came fast
. Bolt grabbed his cup of coffee from the ready room and headed to the briefing room. According to the schedule, he and Eagle had an out and in, or a two-part flight today. They would take off in two hours, meet an aggressor squadron from Yuma for tactical dog fighting sets, land for lunch, and then takeoff to do it again. He loved it when they met up with other squadrons. He and Eagle could out maneuver any other jet and every time these events were scheduled was just one more chance to prove it.

“Hey, Bolt. Did you see that we’re with the Renegades again today? I thought after last time they’d want to go up against anybody but us.” Eagle laughed from across the conference table in the briefing room.

“I’m calling them now.” Bolt punched in the number for the Renegades’ briefing room he had been given by the schedule writer. He and the lead pilot would discuss the meeting time and place, along with the logistics of the mission.

“Hey, this is Captain Hardcastle calling in for a briefing with Renegade-one-one.”

The voice on the other end of the phone responded, “Hold please, sir. That’s Major Shipley. I’ll get him for you.”

Bolt put his hand over the receiver and whispered, “We’re flying against Shipley. Shit.”

Eagle shook his head. “Yeah, that’s not good.”

Bolt’s shoulders straightened when he heard the booming voice answer. “Major Shipley here. Ready for briefing, Captain Hardcastle.”

“Good morning, sir.”

Bolt had heard of Major Shipley’s reputation as the premiere dog fighter for the Renegades’ squadron, but he and Eagle had never faced him. The guy was good. He had flown three tours in Iraq, and was fresh off a Blue Angel tour. To top off his resume’ he was a former Top Gun instructor. Bolt shook his head. He was going to get his ass beaten today.

“Looking forward to flying against you and Captain Haywood today. We’re planning on taking off at 0900. If you do the same that should put us at the rendezvous point right on target.”

“Yes, sir.” Bolt listened as the senior officer gave out the instructions. Shipley had obviously planned out the fight for this morning.

“Anything else we need to add before filing our flight plan?” Shipley asked.

“No sir, I think you’ve covered everything. We’ll see you up there, sir.”

There was a click and Bolt turned to Eagle. “This is not good. We are fucked.”

Eagle whistled. “Tell me about it. Well, at least the winning team has to buy us lunch, so we get free tacos.”

Bolt threw his coffee cup in the trash. “You know I don’t care about tacos, right? I don’t want to eat some damn loser tacos today. I want to win. I care about winning.”

“I know you do, but sometimes you have to know when to fold ‘em.” Eagle followed him out of the room.

“We’re not giving up before we’ve even taken off.” Bolt walked into the locker room where their flight gear was stored. It usually took a few minutes to climb into, buckle, and hook into all the gear that they needed in the aircraft.

They walked to the jet, passing Hollywood and Ranger on the way. “Heard you two are going up against Shipley today.” Ranger chuckled.

“Jealous?” Bolt taunted.

“No way. He might be the only one who can de-throne your pompous ass.”

“You won’t be saying that when Eagle and I land with not one, but four victories.” Bolt held up two fingers.

Eagle shook his head. “Do not start making bets, man. We need to walk to the jet for pre-flight. Come on.” He tried to push Bolt out of the hangar.

“Oh wait, did you say a bet?” Hollywood spun on his heels. “I’ll make a little wager with you both right now.”

“Bolt, let’s focus on the flight.” Eagle walked backward until he hit the door with his back. “No bets. Come on.”

“You know you wanna,” Hollywood teased.

“Alright. What’s the bet?” Bolt didn’t want to back away from the challenge. He had his work cut out for him, might as well make it worth something.

“Dammit.” Eagle shook his head.

“I’ll even give you one.” Ranger stated. “You only have to beat him once.”

“Ok, and if I don’t?”

“Then you owe me a case of beer, my choice. Make that one for me and Hollywood.”

“What do I get if I do?”

Ranger twisted his lips. “Bragging rights?”

“Doesn’t seem like much of a bet, Bolt. Don’t take it. Just keep on walking. Come on, we’ve got pre-flight checks to do.” Eagle’s eyes were wider than usual.

“How about this? If I do get my one victory, then you can wash my truck and we both get cases of beer.” Bolt pointed at Eagle.

“You’re on.” Ranger stuck out his hand.

“Better get your buckets and sponges ready. And you might need a ladder to get to the roof of the truck.” Bolt laughed.

Eagle shook his head. “I can’t believe you just did that.”

“Good luck out there,” Hollywood called as Bolt and Eagle jogged to the jet.

If they ever needed four-leaf clovers, heads-up pennies, and horseshoes, it was now.

* * *

“
H
ow do
you boys like your tacos?” Major Shipley strolled to the cantina’s tin counter, ready to take orders.

Bolt hung his head. He couldn’t remember the last time he had been taken down like that.

“Extra cheese and salsa for me, sir.” Eagle piped up. “What?” He looked at Bolt. “I’m eating lunch. No point in losing
and
starving.”

“Captain Hardcastle?” The major waited at the register. “What kind of tacos?”

Bolt left his shades on the bridge of his nose. He didn’t wear defeat well. “I’ll take a chicken and a beef. Thank you, sir.” He followed Eagle to a booth in the corner.

After the two jets landed they used the squadron car to drive out to the most popular taco spot in Yuma. It was a tradition when the two squadrons met to dog fight.

It didn’t matter what maneuver Bolt tried, Shipley was ahead of him. Bolt shook his head knowing that he had flown behind the jet and looked like a rookie next to this guy. There was still round two to get through. After lunch they’d be back in the sky trying to out-strategize each other again.

“Here you go, boys.” Shipley slid two red trays across the table along with a basket of chips.

“Thank you, sir.” Eagle doled out a pile of napkins along with the baskets of tacos. His head rose with a stream of cheese running down the side of his mouth.

Bolt eyed him. How could he eat? The flight had gone wrong from the start and the next one was bound to be the same. Bolt had lost his appetite.

“How long have you two been flying with the Rebels? Surprised we’ve never matched up before.” Shipley slurped on his tea.

“I joined the squadron last year, and Eagle and I have been flying together since then.”

“Alright. How do you like it so far?”

Bolt thought about how to answer. He enjoyed San Diego and he made friends quickly with the guys in the squadron. Things were different for him though after his Afghanistan tour. Riggs wasn’t in his life anymore. At least not in the way he had always been.

“It’s a great squadron. I think as long as I’m flying, I’ll be happy anywhere, sir.” Bolt reached for his first bite of taco. He didn’t want to be rude.

“The Renegades are always looking for good pilots. Don’t think I’ve flown against somebody who’s given me such a hard time.”

Bolt needed his drink to help him swallow. He sipped on the straw. Was Shipley recruiting him? “Thank you, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I keep my eye out for talent. And you’ve got it.” Shipley stood, taking his tray to the trash bin. “I’ll meet you at the car. I’ve got a few calls to make.”

“Yes, sir.” Eagle and Bolt answered.

“Dude, you just joined the Rebels.” Eagle had a mouthful of chips and guacamole.

“I’m not going anywhere. He’s probably just trying to get me rattled for the next flight.” Bolt knew that wasn’t the case, but he couldn’t let Eagle get worked up for no reason. He wasn’t moving and leaving. San Diego was home for now.

“You ready?” He slid out of the booth.

“Right behind you, man.” Eagle hopped out.

“Let’s get this over with.” They walked into the blaring Arizona sun.

S
kye poured
her second cup of coffee for the morning in the break room and leaned against the counter. Greg was laughing across the hall. Gloating was more like it, she thought. If her scowl could cause mortal harm, he would be slashed to pieces by now.

Kari poked her head around the corner. “Hey, good morning.”

“Hey, how are you feeling?” Skye had gotten a few texts from her friend over the weekend assuring her she hadn’t perished on the bathroom floor.

“Ugh! I will never eat sushi again. I had the worst weekend. But thanks for checking on me. I felt so bad about not going out Friday night. Did you leave?”

Skye tugged on her bottom lip. “Not exactly.”

“Really? What does that mean?”

“Quick meeting in my office.” Skye darted out of the break room and hustled her around the corner. As soon as Kari was inside, she closed the door.

“What is going on?” Kari asked.

Skye lowered voice as if someone walking by would still be able to hear her through the door. “Ok, well when you didn’t show up, this guy sort of swooped in and bought me a drink.”

Kari squealed. “Oh my God. This is the best news. I mean I hate I had to get food poisoning for it to happen, but this is seriously good news. Tell me. Tell me. I love a good swooping story.”

Skye sat behind her desk. Talking about everything that happened between her and Ben in her office felt out of place. Who she was over the weekend was nothing like the woman she was at work.

“He is hot. As in, drop dead gorgeous hot.”

“Oh, go on. I already like him.”

“And we kind of tried to have a one-night stand.” She grimaced, this part of the story sounded awkward.

“What do you mean
tried
? Wait? Could he not—”

“What? Oh no, no. He was good.” Skye waved her hands. That’s not what she meant at all. She continued to whisper even though her door was closed, “We didn’t have any condoms.”

“Ohh. That’s a bummer.”

“Tell me about it.” Skye flashed to the moment when Ben asked her for one. Utter embarrassment.

“I’m proud of you, Skye.” Kari smiled. “You went out in the world, and you hooked up with a hot guy. See? Without work there are actually fun things out there.”

Skye rolled her eyes. “That’s what you keep saying.”

“So are you going to see him again? Maybe with condoms next time?” She giggled.

“We already went out again Saturday night.”

“Oh, now it gets steamy. How was he?”

“Kari!”

“Seriously? You wouldn’t be telling me all of this if you didn’t want me to know the details, but you better hurry because we have five minutes before the meeting.”

Skye looked at the clock over the door. The last thing she wanted to do was sit in a meeting with Greg and the bosses who yanked the account away from her, but she wasn’t about to quit. If she had to walk through these halls every day and stare them down until she landed the next big account she would. Greg couldn’t force her out. She’d worked too long and hard to turn around and run.

“Skye? Come on, tell me what happened.”

“How about at lunch? I don’t want to be the last one to walk in the meeting.”

“Ugh. I guess I can wait, but this is a serious cliffhanger.”

“Let’s just get this meeting over with.” Skye led the way down the hall and around the corner where a few of her co-workers were mingling.

She and Kari took seats across from each other.

“Good morning, everyone.” Stan Preston, CEO of Regency Advertising, greeted the assembly.

A low murmur circled the table.

He continued, “As you have probably already heard by now we landed the San Diego tourism account. This is a real coup for our company. I couldn’t be prouder of our research team. Skye, we owe you one.” Stan applauded in Skye’s direction, starting a chain reaction around the room.

Skye blushed and nodded. This wasn’t the accolade she wanted. It was almost humiliating. Everyone in the room knew she had pitched the campaign to the city. The fact that they wanted the contract, but her bosses at Regency didn’t see the same qualities in her was frustrating.

Kari shot her a sympathetic smile from the other side of the table. At least she had one friend in this shark tank.

They had started working at the company within three months of each other. Skye admitted she wasn’t the easiest person to be friends with. She might have been the only human who didn’t move to San Diego for the California beaches and the sunny winters. Instead she moved strictly for her career. If she had money, stability, and a way to pay for her own things, she wouldn’t have to worry and scrape by like her mother. She wouldn’t waste tears on endless amounts of credit card debt and loans she couldn’t repay. Her six-figure salary was the start to that security. She would stand on her own, no matter what.

Kari didn’t seem to mind Skye’s goals and ambition. They worked in different divisions and spent all their breaks rehashing meetings, office gossip, and of course whatever current guy situation one of them was dealing with.

Eventually the meeting proceedings shifted toward the client satisfaction survey results and Skye felt her shoulders relax. The eyes were finally off of her and for the most part she knew everyone had forgotten her embarrassing ten minutes in the spotlight. But she wouldn’t forget.

As Greg reached for another donut hole on the oblong platter, she vowed this would be the last meeting she’d spend watching him stuff his smug face.

“Thanks for the reports you sent over.” She tried not to laugh at the powdered sugar on his lips. “The one on the zoo was especially helpful.” He picked up another pastry.

Her stomach twisted in a knot. The zoo file had been her favorite. In the three years living in the city it had taken work to get her to visit the zoo. The minute she walked through the gates it had become her favorite spot. It wasn’t necessarily the animals, and it definitely wasn’t the herds of tourists, but the flowers and tropical plants that grew everywhere made her feel like she had accidentally slipped into a rain forest. It was gorgeous and exotic; everything her life wasn’t. Research at the zoo became an unexpected sanctuary in her life. For once, creating an advertising campaign for such an oasis was the easiest project she’d ever had.

“Glad I could contribute to the project.” She folded her planner across her chest. Greg wasn’t going to see how upset she was.

He smirked. “You always contribute, Skye.”

She brushed past him before she let a four-letter word drop and sought the quiet of her office. She closed the door behind her.

There would be other pitches. She would have other opportunities. She hated that once she actually fell in love with one she had to hand it over to Greg.

* * *

K
ari shook
her head at almost everything on the menu. Skye felt bad that food still wasn’t appetizing to her.

“I think I’ll just have a club soda with lemon and the bread basket.” She placed the menu on the table.

“You’re eating all carbs for lunch?” Skye was stunned. Kari was a stickler for her diet and had the figure to show for it.

“I’ll run an extra thirty at the gym tomorrow. I can’t handle more than bread.” She took a sip of water.

They sat outside at a downtown deli close to the water. It was a sunny, breezy day, and perfect for dining al fresco.

“Enough about my stupid stomach problems. You left off in the middle of a very juicy story. You have to tell me more about this guy. A name for starters.”

Skye adjusted her sunglasses.

“His name is Bolt.”

“What kind of name is Bolt?”

“It’s his call sign. His real name is Ben Hardcastle. I like calling him Ben, I think.” She still wasn’t sure which felt more comfortable.

“Oh, good lord. Do not tell me you hooked up with a Miramar pilot.”

“Why, what’s wrong with that?” Skye felt a little wounded and concerned. What did Kari know about the Miramar pilots that she didn’t? Probably a lot. Skye’s social life consisted of office events and client parties.

Kari shook her head. “Nothing. Nothing at all. I think it’s great you met someone. I shouldn’t have said that. Tell me what you did on night two.”

“No, wait. What’s the big deal if he’s a pilot?” She didn’t know why but suddenly there were nervous butterflies skydiving in her stomach.

“It’s just I had a friend who dated a pilot once, and he was gone all the time and well…he ended up cheating on her with some girl in Japan. It was a mess. Total disaster, but I’m sure this guy is nothing like that womanizing man whore.”

Skye ran her fingers through her hair. “Right. I’m sure he’s nothing like that.” She thought about how easily he had seduced her back to her place two nights in a row. If he wasn’t a player, she didn’t know what one looked like.

“What’s wrong? I said the wrong thing didn’t I? Shit. I shouldn’t have mentioned my friend. I’m sorry.” Kari pinched off a roll, but hesitated to eat it.

“No. It’s ok. You’re probably right. I already had a feeling since he was in the military it was a bad idea, but then I got caught up in how charming he was. And we just had this immediate banter that I liked. He wasn’t afraid to come back at me with something smart-assy, you know?” Kari nodded. “Ahh, it doesn’t matter. I didn’t sleep with him and besides that he hasn’t asked me out again, so he’s probably already moved on.”

She didn’t like how that sounded and she didn’t like the idea of Ben buying another woman a drink, or driving someone else crazy with his baby blue eyes. But she barely knew him. She didn’t think she could name five things they had in common. Everything about the two of them was physical. It was best to move on now before she got attached and he cheated on her with someone in Japan.

“I think if he does call you should definitely go out with him again.” Kari smiled.

“We’ll see.” Skye knew she had already convinced herself dating Ben Hardcastle was nothing but a recipe for heartache and disaster, even if she’d had the best orgasms of her life.