Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 85743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
When my best friend Autumn asked me to tag along to an event with her, I never could have imagined that it would be the day that my life changed forever.
He's arrogant and demanding and doesn't take a hint. Landon Barker, the quarterback for the Los Angeles Cougars, is a player on and off the field. He's got his sights set on me as his next play, but I see right through him.
Autumn says I'm overreacting, that I should give him a chance. What she doesn't realize is that men like Landon don't fall for the girl next door. That's not reality. She got her fairytale, although it was a long road. Not everyone is that lucky.
Landon
She's a friend of our new kicking coach's wife. When I ask Jeremy for her number, he tells me I have to find a way to get it myself.
Nothing, when it comes to Tessa, has been easy. She's the first woman ever to turn me down, and that won't do.
However, as time passes, it's about more than that. It's about her smile, her laugh, and just spending time with her. She thinks I'm a player, and she's right. What she doesn't know is that I play to win, and her heart is the ultimate trophy.
**Lucky Baller was previously published under the title Lucky Bastard as a part of the Cocky Hero Club World
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Chapter One
Tessa
“I feel like I’m cheating.” Looking over at my best friend, Autumn, I catch her smile and roll her eyes.
“Really, Tess?” She chuckles, bouncing her son, JJ, on her hip.
“What? I can’t help it. I’m a Miami Mavericks fan for life.”
“I know, so does everyone else here. I can’t believe you wore a Mavericks T-shirt to the Cougars training camp.”
“I’m here for moral support.” I reach out and tickle JJ’s side, making him laugh. “What kind of best friend would I be if I let you come to this on your own? Besides, you know nothing about the game. Someone has to explain it to you.”
“All I need to know is that my husband is the new kicking coach, and with that comes my loyalty, and this little guy’s.” She smiles at her son.
“I admit, it’s a good move on the Cougars’ part in hiring the legendary Jeremy Baldwin as their new kicking coach. Their kicking game needed some work.”
“Right?” She laughs. “We can’t live off him selling ass photographs forever. We all know my salary at the shelter isn’t going to pay for our new house.”
“I don’t know,” I tease, tapping my finger against my chin. “His ass is legendary.”
“Stop.” She pushes her shoulder into mine. “Don’t let him hear you talking like that. His ego is big enough as it is.”
I nod. She’s right about that. Jeremy is confident, and yes, a little cocky. However, when it comes to his wife and son, he keeps it in check. They’re his entire world, and he doesn’t care who knows it. In fact, I think he enjoys showing them off to the world. Hence the reason we’re here for training camp. It’s family day and not open to the public.
“He has earned his nickname,” I agree, returning my attention to the field. “You know, I might be a die-hard Mavericks fan, but I can still appreciate a man in football pants.” My eyes take in the players on the field, and I come to the conclusion that football pants are a girl’s best friend. Just saying.
“I’m not sure I ever realized the appeal until now, but, my friend, I think you’re on to something,” Autumn agrees.
“Hey, princess,” Jeremy says, greeting his wife. We’re standing on the sidelines. Since it’s family day, it’s pretty much open. “Come here, little man.” Jeremy reaches for JJ, who happily holds his arms open for his daddy. “You ladies need anything?” he asks.
I’m tempted to tell him one of his players, but I bite my tongue. I talk a good game, but random hookups aren’t my thing. Don’t get me wrong, I commend those who can have sex with a stranger and walk away the next morning, satisfied, and never look back. I’m just not wired that way.
“We’re all set,” Autumn replies.
“I’m going to take him out on the field with me. Introduce him to some of the guys. Practice is almost over, then I’ll introduce you.” He leans in and presses his lips to her before walking away with JJ.
“You know,” I muse, “if you weren’t my best friend, I might be a little jealous of you.”
“What?” She turns to look at me. “Why would you be jealous of me? I have unidentified bodily fluids on me from my son at all times, a husband who’s cocky as hell and thinks he knows it all, and a mortgage for a house on Matthew Street that cuts into JJ’s college fund.”