The Footballer and the Lady (closed for RockYourWorld)

[DeliciousMaiden]

Louisa Caroline Stephenson Clarke

Louisa stood and sipped at her glass her eyes scanning the room. It had been an interesting evening so far and so much more enjoyable than the seemingly endless formal dinners that seemed to dominate her life. The lighting was subdued, the suite cleared of its usual abundance of tables and settings in favour of a much more relaxed affair. And yet the service was top class and discrete she noted as a waitress appeared from nowhere to take away the now empty glass. Knowing this respite was only brief Louisa let her eyes draw away from the tables of refreshments, past the discrete bar areas at either corner and let their focus rest upon the younger men in the room; men who judging by their physique and the discomfiture of the restricting shirt and tie were players rather than sponsors or board members.

She allowed herself a smile as she watched them field attack after attack: Watched as they responded dutifully to the older men who offered them the wisdom of their experience and advice: Watched as the younger enthusiasts made their more uncertain way towards them before pouncing upon their “heros” and bombarding them with commentary and question until they would have been grateful to the aged advisors if they had been saved from such adoration.

As if on queue, Louisa raised her eyes to see one of those “blazers” making his way towards her. A smile automatically lit her face as she recognised the man in question and moved towards him to find herself enveloped in a warm hug and an affectionate kiss pressed to her cheek.

”Hiding out …?”

The teasing question drew a laugh from her.

”Just catching my breath … “

Louisa responded.

”It’s gone well … “ She approved. ”I think your words hit the mark. Sponsorship makes sense nowadays, brings in a lot of business.”

Her smile turned mischievous as she continued,

” I’m sure the offers will come flooding in after your presentation … “

Though her tone was teasing, her praise was genuine. The “business” part of the evening had clearly been delivered successfully and yet it was often in these “informal” times that “useful conversations” took place.

” … right back … must just … “

She nodded as he excused himself no doubt heading off in pursuit of a guest he “had” to speak to before he left. It was ever the way she mused wondering whether to get another drink or to plough into the melee once more.

”Louisa … I don’t think you’ve met … “

She hadn’t been expecting him to return and certainly not with a young man in tow.

”This is Connor, Connor Holt … one of our most promising young football players, Connor may I introduce … “

Louisa interrupted him hastily, extending her hand to the young man to introduce herself.

”Louisa … Louisa Clarke … pleased to meet you … Connor …. “

She paused, eyeing him curiously then remembered where she had heard of him.

” … of course … I’ve read about you …you must find the British press somewhat … intrusive … “

He was an American abroad, excuse enough for his name to have made it into print and yet she couldn’t remember every having seen a photograph of him.
Surely she would have remembered if she had!
Belatedly she withdrew her hand from his.

”How are you enjoying being here …. Very different from “home” I imagine….?”

She enquired; the pink hue of her cheeks the only indication that for some reason his proximity had ruffled her usual composure.

 

[RockYourWorld]

My name is Connor Holt. Despite my American upbringing, I achieved great success as a Football player….not American Football, but Soccer, as my countrymen call it. Often, I wondered why my life turned out the way it did. Why did I have to be so successful in a sport where I had to make a living in Europe? I know I shouldn’t question forces that have brought me great fame and greater wealth, but I sometimes feel like a man without a country. I have the admiration of my fans here in London, but I don’t always feel at home. When I do back to the States, I feel at home, but I feel like I’m neglecting my professional responsibilities. For my life to be right, something had to break for me…something to open my eyes to what life here had to offer.

Then it happened. I met Louisa.

It seemed like another horrible evening of meeting more and more of these English noble people, along with officials from the sponsors of my team, and the endless line of VIP’s that seemed to populate London. But there she was, so beautiful, so delicate, so classy, as we Yanks say. I had to meet her. Instantly, I had a deathly fear that she would think of me as unworthy, a dirty, smelly footballer, someone to be seen and not heard, and seen only from a distance. And, of course, the worst fear an athlete can have when he meets women….Maybe she doesn’t like sports! And has no idea who I am!!

But I had to take the chance, she was that appealing, that enrapturing. I was powerless as I gently shook her soft hand.

Her comment about the British press seemed to indicate an actual sense of empathy – very foreign in this room full of self centered people. “Yes ma’am, it sure does present its own challenges.” Her interest in me seemed sincere, although I wasn’t sure it was. These uppercrust Londoners seemed to easily fake the sincerety.

“I’m adjusting to it well, thank you. My teammates have been very supportive, bringing me into their homes and making me feel comfortable around their families. I suppose I’m enough of a novelty here that enough people take an interest in my welfare. I appreciate it, although people should know that I am fiercely independent."

She maintained her proper English stoicism, which I actually found attractive. There was a lot I found attractive about her. As I studied her beautiful face, her slight blush was enough of a signal for me that I should get to know this Lady better, and that maybe she wouldn’t object to that.

“I would imagine that a function like this is something you find yourself attending frequently?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“Yes ma’am, it sure does present its own challenges.”

She had known from the press that he was American and yet it wasn’t until he spoke, that his nationality really jumped out at her.
Louisa found the soft accented drawl charming, yet did not let her appreciation detract from what was actually being said to her.

“I’m adjusting to it well, thank you. My teammates have been very supportive, bringing me into their homes and making me feel comfortable around their families.”

She nodded realizing perhaps for the first time how lonely he must be, how he must feel adrift from his country. She fleetingly wondered if he had a girlfriend waiting for him back home. If he’d had any romantic interest in the UK, surely the press would have pounced on it …?

”I suppose I’m enough of a novelty here that enough people take an interest in my welfare.
I appreciate it, although people should know that I am fiercely independent."

Louisa frowned briefly.
In her opinion the press were perfectly willing to create a story where there is in fact none to be found … In the past she herself had learnt that as had the rest of the family, especially most recently when her father became QC. She couldn’t begin to imagine the level of press attention Connor had had to endure.

” Fame comes at a price, they say … but you can’t afford to give up your independence …
People mean well at least … sounds like you have good people around you … “

She glanced around then. The room was a mass of faces, all talking discretely. She knew at least half of them, by name … perhaps a third to speak to … but how many did she really know, she mused?

“I would imagine that a function like this is something you find yourself attending frequently?”

Louisa snapped her head back realizing he had been watching her and nodded.

”… functions yes … though not all like this … “

She smiled as his enquiring gaze didn’t waver.

”… they’re usually fun … apart from the dreadful law dinners Daddy drags me into … “

She flashed him a disarming smile as the confession slipped past her lips.

” … like you I’m independent … I guess we all have certain family obligations, but apart from that ...
I don’t believe in doing something out of duty. Life’s too short for that. “

She looked him over then.
He was well turned out and seemed reasonably at ease.

”How about you? Is this your sort of thing?
How are you enjoying the “high-life” that being “the New American iImport brings?”

She teased gently with a slight chuckle as she quoted past tabloid Headlines.

 

[RockYourWorld]

Connor at last found himself in a comfortable place, Louisa providing him a harbor in this confusing storm of people who were not quite sporting people, not quite business people, not quite fans and admirers, and not quite anything that he could easily classify. Aside from being attractive and charming, Louisa seemed to speak to him directly through all the noise and uncertainty that fogged the room. Her eyes and her smile seemed to be intended only for him, like a lighthouse beacon guiding him to this wonderful harbor.

”… they’re usually fun … apart from the dreadful law dinners Daddy drags me into … “

Oh? Is your father an attorney? Eh, excuse me, a “solicitor?”

At first, Connor believed using the locally correct term might somewhat endear him to her. But as the words exited his mouth, he felt silly for having said them, fearing he now appeared phony. He blushed, begging her with his eyes for her forgiveness.

Listening to her talk, and observing her overall manner, Connor felt a strange combination of attraction and fear. The attraction was real, and that itself caused a dichotomy of feelings. On one hand, he wanted her to at least be aware of his attraction to her, if not acknowledge it. But despite the fact that he was a world class athlete, and had made his living meeting and overcoming challenges, Louisa presented a challenge he was unprepared to address. What was her world like? What daily pressures did she face? What was her family like?

Connor knew nothing of her life or her surroundings. Attraction? Not on your life, buddy, he thought to himself. The thought occurred to him that while the people around him had been polite and pleasant, that would change if he broke his leash and began to germinate any ideas of courtship of the local women. Most of all, perhaps, one Louisa Clark. And, with regards to competition, Connor knew that the list of suitors for Miss Clark’s hand was a long one indeed.

He smiled politely at her remark regarding the “high-life.”

“Believe me, if my life were half as interesting as the tabloids make it out, I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my responsibilities on the football pitch. I much more prefer quite times with friends whenever possible.”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“Believe me, if my life were half as interesting as the tabloids make it out, I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my responsibilities on the football pitch.”

Louisa nodded as he spoke. No one with any intelligence believed what was actually printed in the papers … and yet … they continued to read them!

”I much more prefer quite times with friends whenever possible.”

She eyed him with renewed interest.

”I know what you mean. London… the social scene can be so artificial.
Getting away somewhere quiet with people who really care about you …
That’s what counts …”

The conversation was interrupted briefly as Louisa turned to take pick up a glass from the proffered tray as the waiting staff moved deftly around the room. She took a sip at the cool dry wine and turned her attention on Connor once more.

”So …” responsibility “ wise … when are you next due at training …
You are expecting to be in the starting line up for the next game…? “

She questioned with another sip.

”Your man Johnson’s still injured isn’t he? That tendon was supposed to have healed by now surely…?”

She scanned the room unable to see the player in question.

”I can’t imagine what that’s like … You’re not carrying any injuries this season are you Connor..?”

She couldn't quite stop her eyes roving the length of his toned body as she made the enquiry ...

 

[RockYourWorld]

Connor had to smile. He knew there were millions of women throughout Europe that had an active interest in sports, especially in football. The problem was that he never seemed to meet any of them. Connor didn’t make interest in sports a prerequisite for women to whom he showed interest, but on the rare occasion when he was able to meet and converse with one, he appreciated it as a rate treat. Louisa had already made quite an impression upon him, one that he knew would linger for some time, even if she didn’t know a football from a pomegranate.

But she actually knew about football!! She knew about Johnson, and his painful enduring tendon injury. She knew about Connor’s expected increased work load.

“Actually, poor Johnson’s tendon is not responding to therapy. He may need to have surgery," he said as he returned her smile with one of his own. “As you seem to have surmised, I’ll be carrying a little extra workload. And no injuries, I’m in tip-top shape!”

It was as if everyone else in the room had disappeared. Connor and Louisa existed on a personal island, sharing smiles and glances, her eyes continuing to sparkle for him. Although the gown she was wearing was formal, it did not deflect Connor’s eyes, which danced over her very pleasing shape whenever they were able to move from her dazzling smile, and those wonderful sparkling eyes.

“Perhaps this is a bit forward of me, Miss Clark, but I would love for you to see me and my team in a match. I’m sure it’s no problem for you to obtain tickets to the matches, but I have several choice seats to use at my discretion. They are actually part of my compensation. I would love for you to come see me play, and be my guest.”

Connor felt suddenly childish, as if he were back in the States, asking the pretty girl in the class to the prom. He felt vulnerable, not sure if he was stepping into areas where he was if not unwelcome, then at least where his presence was frowned upon. But he was growing bold as his attraction to Louisa grew stronger. It may turn out later that he was wrong about this, but he was sensing that her attitude toward him was positive, and that it was due to more than politeness. As he asked her to his match, he again felt like the youngster back home, saying inwardly “Please say yes! Please say yes!”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Louisa Caroline Stephenson Clarke

“Actually, poor Johnson’s tendon is not responding to therapy. He may need to have surgery,"

Louisa winced at the thought. Tendons were tricky, breaks were relatively straightforward by comparison.

“As you seem to have surmised, I’ll be carrying a little extra workload. And no injuries, I’m in tip-top shape!”

She held back a giggle then, her eyes roving appreciatively over his body. “tip top” was one description. She knew of his sporting reputation, came across many of his kind. Perhaps it was the lack of vanity with which he described his “fitness”, perhaps it was his Americanisms that she was finding …charming.

”That’s good to hear …”

She responded smoothly. His smile never seemed to waver.
It was that Louisa concluded that she found the most disarming, the open friendliness with which he talked with her.
Footballers she had come across in this way had either been hauled over to be introduced to her and thus resented her role or they hit on her - none too subtly - and assumed she considered herself “above” them when she declined their none-too-attractive offers.

“Perhaps this is a bit forward of me, Miss Clark, but I would love for you to see me and my team in a match.”

His comment took her by surprise.

” … I’m sure it’s no problem for you to obtain tickets to the matches, but I have several choice seats to use at my discretion. They are actually part of my compensation.

Although he had rightly guessed that getting tickets to a game would be no trouble for her, she was touched by the almost embarrassed manner in which he continued to make his offer.

”I would love for you to come see me play, and be my guest.”

The tentative almost formal way in which he invited her was unlike any other invitation she’d had to watch a game.
She hesitated realising that she’d love the opportunity to see him, his team in action … but to go as his guest?
She could easily agree to check out a game some time soon, but that wasn’t what he was asking.

” … it’s been a while since I got to a game … too long … “

She responded.

Louisa knew that at any time all she’d have to do was make a call and any club would fall over itself to accommodate her, yet somehow, Connor’s offer appealed more.

” … I’d love to accept your generous offer Mr Holt …”

She dimpled a smile as she teasingly matched his formality.

” … I’ve never been to a match as the guest of a player before … “

Louisa had never risked any comments either from within a football club or from the press by being “associated socially” with a player, but that was really because she’d never met anyone she’d wanted to spend the time with .. until now … she realised with a blush …

 

[RockYourWorld]

Connor, within, held on for dear life, unsure of what she would say, how she would react. As an athlete, Connor had always been taught to know the landscape in which he was operating…knowing his opponent, knowing the field, having an idea of what could transpire and how to react.

He was doing none of that at this moment. Although he didn’t think of Louisa as an “opponent”, she was something of a challenge to him. Thoughts raced through his mind, reverberating from before…was this woman outside of reach, socially, for him? Was he breaking some sort of unspoken social rule by approaching this woman with such a proposition? Was he breaking such a rule by even talking to her with out some sort of escort or chaperone?

Connor began to feel more and more out of control, and he blamed himself. “You idiot,” he thought to himself. “How can you live here, make your living here, and be so out of touch about how things are done?” He decided to hold off on the self-scolding and concentrate on the situation he had initiated with the beautiful Miss Louisa. His disposition lightened immediately when she responded.

” … I’d love to accept your generous offer Mr Holt …”

His heart seemed to stop beating for a minute. Connor had been blessed in his life with immense talent and, subsequently, with riches and adulation. He had often tried to explain to people that none of it really mattered, and that the things that made him happy where non-material things, things that normal, everyday people found pleasurable, too. Connor was experiencing one of those moments here. This beautiful charming, engaging, sparking lady standing before him, agreeing to spend time with him, acknowledging him, making him feel as special as she appeared to be.

” … I’ve never been to a match as the guest of a player before … “

Upon hearing her say that, Connor felt touched and humbled. Perhaps this lady of refinement had her standards…maybe they were determined for her by her family. Maybe she endured a life where her personal life was planned for her, choices made for her, the people that could approach her screened and selected, or maybe she imposed those strict limits on her own. If all of that were true, she had deemed Connor worthy. To some men, this was reason to become boastful and immediately self-confident, or more so. Connor felt the opposite. For a lady like this to grant him the pleasure of her company was an honor to him, and he wanted more than anything to show his appreciation to her.

“First of all, please.. call me Connor. And if you were to agree to have dinner with me after the game, I believe I could find it in me to sacrifice a night of beer and cursing with my teammates.”

Her smile throughout stayed constant. This may have been the result of her upbringing and training, he realized, but it seemed to be more than that. No matter where someone came from, or how refined they were, faking sincerity was something no one could do, at least not for long periods of time. Connor had such a good feeling about meeting this lady, and was excited about the possibilities of what lay ahead. These feelings came from one source…from her smile, her reassuring, comforting, encouraging smile.

For too long, living here in London, Connor had wondered if maybe he had made a mistake. Maybe a “Yank” living in England, trying to find his way around, looking to fit in, and hoping to connect with people – maybe that wasn’t possible. But the beautiful young Miss Clarke had suddenly changed his mind. As he glanced again at her smile, and celebrated with another admiring glance of her body, he looked forward to the good things that now suddenly were not only possible, but seemed very likely.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“First of all, please.. call me Connor. And if you were to agree to have dinner with me after the game, I believe I could find it in me to sacrifice a night of beer and cursing with my teammates.”

Louisa was amused by the teasing tone with which he offered to “sacrifice” the evening of beer swilling that was much reputed to happen by the media, though she suspected it occurred less than the general public liked to imagine. Yet amongst all that he had invited her to dine with him afterwards. She realised he had no idea “who” she was a fact that made a modest and somewhat shy young man “dare” to ask her out, for that was what he had in fact done …

Dating a football player would give her father apoplexy she mused, her mouth twitching at the thought. The tabloids potentially would have a field day not to mention others within the world of football …
But this was only one dinner, with an American player who wanted nothing more of her than a bit of company.
Perhaps like her, he had found it diverting to find someone he found he could actually have a conversation with.

”I couldn’t possibly do that … Connor … “

Louisa replied the wide smile encouraging him despite her words.

” … unless you call me Louisa … “

She giggled then seeing his face relax and turn upwards into a smile of relief.

”I’m sorry to tease … “

She told him a hand extending to touch his arm briefly in apology.

”It’s just I make it a rule never to have dinner with a man who calls me “Miss Clarke” … “

She rolled her eyes then and added confidentially.

” … unless there is a minimum of at least 20 other people present.”

“Dinner” for Louisa was either a solitary affair or a meal shared with a mass of faces, most of who felt they “knew” her and yet were in truth a mass of names, roles and titles. It would be refreshing to be asked out just because someone liked “her”.

”When are your next matches … ?”

She prompted wondering just when Connor wanted to see her and mentally sifting through her diary determined to reorganise any previous bookings should that be possible.

 

[RockYourWorld]

” … unless you call me Louisa … “

Connor’s breath nearly blew out of him like a hurricane, he was so relieved. “Then, Louisa it is,” he said, smiling, feeling so at ease with her. As her hand reached to touch his arm, he felt her touch, and made a point to file this moment away. It was, if he remembered correctly, the first time they had touched. His mind was racing in so many directions, he couldn’t remember if they had shaken hands when they met. Connor found himself hoping that this moment would be one of significance in his personal history. He would look back on this moment one day and say, yes, this was where it all started. Me and Louisa….

”It’s just I make it a rule never to have dinner with a man who calls me “Miss Clarke”… ” … unless there is a minimum of at least 20 other people present.”

He laughed at the way she poked fun of a situation she no doubt found very bothersome. Connor was forced to attend functions such as she described on an infrequent basis, and found them to be horribly boring. If he had to do this 3 or 4 times a year, that was about it. Louisa, he thought, perhaps had to endure these “dinners” several times a week. This must be where she developed her delightful sense of humor.

”When are your next matches … ?”

“Well, we have a match in two days…..” Connor stopped talking as suddenly as he started. If he was going to run in these circles, he was going to have to learn to think before he spoke. Two days? As if this woman of stature wasn’t booked for at least several weeks ahead, if not months! Without intending to do so, Connor had most likely insulted her, and quickly attempted to remedy the situation. He turned on his apologetic smile.

“Of course, I understand if that’s short notice for you. Maybe if someone from your staff were to contact my team? They could match up the days you are available with the days the team is playing. I’m completely flexible as to how we arrange this.”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“Well, we have a match in two days…..
Of course, I understand if that’s short notice for you. Maybe if someone from your staff were to contact my team?
They could match up the days you are available with the days the team is playing. I’m completely flexible as to how we arrange this.”

Louisa couldn’t help it. She burst out laughing.
Hastily she looked round knowing the sound of her mirth had carried farther than it usually would.
Wordlessly she took Connor’s arm and drew the puzzled young man aside moving into a more secluded alcove of the room.

”Connor … I don’t have “staff” to organise my social life.”

Her mouth still twitched and her eyes danced teasing gently.

”Now if you were asking daddy out you may well have to make an appointment … I don’t really go in for the “my people talking to your people” … even if invitations are more business than pleasure … ?”

She eyed him interestedly. She was sure she hadn’t misread his invitation. She had kind of asked her out after all ….?

”As for prior engagements … two days … that’s Saturday … “

She considered.

”I do have something penciled in … but nothing that can’t be rescheduled … assuming the offer is still open now you’ve discovered that I don't have an entourage constantly dancing attendance on me … “

She dimpled a smile and awaited his response.

 

[RockYourWorld]

”Connor … I don’t have “staff” to organise my social life.”

Any tension that remained in his body was released as Louisa’s charming and equally teasing smile worked to relax him. He couldn’t help but to look down in his hard-to- hide embarrassment, and knew that it was time to speak more directly to Louisa.

“I must sound like some sort of babbling idiot. I hope you’ll forgive me. I guess all of this is somewhat intimidating to me. When it comes right down to it, I still feel like a foreigner. Everyone is so nice and accommodating, but still, I am a foreigner.”

Connor looked up and made eye contact with Louisa as he dropped the last of his pretense. “These last minutes with you have been the most personable, most pleasant, most natural time I’ve spent with anyone since I’ve been in this country. And that includes my teammates. If you could come to my match, it really would mean a lot to me. It would mean a lot for me to share that with you.”

As these words left his mouth, he wondered if maybe he was now coming on too strong, overcompensating for his earlier approach. Connor was at first afraid that he was outside of his element, and was attempting to speak in an official, statesman-like manner that he mistakenly thought was appropriate when speaking to Louisa. She, in her charming and friendly way, had put him more at ease, but now he was afraid that maybe he was acting too familiar, inviting himself in too close to her.

But quickly, he realized that all he could do was be himself. The signals he was receiving from her told him that she was pleased with that. He further realized that, ultimately, how well he came to know this wonderful woman would be the result of how well she came to know him. And for that to happen, he had to let her see who he was. So finally, he dropped all of his masks and let her see the real Connor.

”I do have something penciled in … but nothing that can’t be rescheduled … assuming the offer is still open now you’ve discovered that I don't have an entourage constantly dancing attendance on me … “

“The offer is DEFINITELY still open. I hope you don’t mind me tapping a bit of my athletic self-confidence and saying that I plan on making it a night you won’t forget.”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“The offer is DEFINITELY still open. I hope you don’t mind me tapping a bit of my athletic self-confidence and saying that I plan on making it a night you won’t forget.”

Louisa raised her eyes expressively.

” … the night … Connor!?!”

She teased, but blushed at the sudden thoughts slipping unbidden into her head.

” … as to being a foreigner, I’m looking forward to getting to know you a bit more … in the interests of cultural relations of course… “

The faint pink hue still lingered on her cheek as her eyes roamed unbidden along the length of his body, but she dropped her banter eager to put him at his ease.

”I’m looking forward to the match … and dinner … “

She added smoothly.

”… and far from being a babbling idiot, I’ve enjoyed finding someone to talk with … “

She dipped into her evening bag and held out a card to him.

”Call me once you arrange the tickets … I can pick them up from the reception before the game if you like … I imagine you’ll need to focus … you’ve got tough opponents, even though it’s a home game … “

She watched him take the card and read her mobile number and home number. The card was simply headed:

Louisa Clarke

 

[RockYourWorld]

As he looked at her calling card, Connor remembered what his father told him when he was trying to decide which European football club to join. His father said to him “Real quality is best left understated.” Many of the teams had sent garish looking printed materials, loud and annoying audio-visual presentations, and all of this was delivered by some of the most questionable characters, some bearing such curious gifts as liquor and prostitutes.

The club Connor eventually selected had sent only a letter, printed on conservative-looking stationery, and the letter was followed up with a single call from the club manager, with an offer to begin contract negotiations. Nothing more. The club was a quality organization, but in a very understated way.

A simple heading with only her name confirmed for Connor what he had come to know – Miss Louisa Clarke was a woman of quality. The 15 or so minutes of conversation had been life-changing. It wasn’t a stretch for Connor to imagine that every woman he met from this moment on would be compared to Louisa. Her charm, her beauty, her sense of humor…they all set a high standard, one that Connor would hold up to all women.

“I’ll be focused, but I think the thought that you’re watching may give me some incentive to do well,” he said, tucking her card into his shirt pocket for safe-keeping. “Who knows? If I have an especially good game, I may have to ask you to attend my games regularly.”

This was really going to happen!! The reality of that over took Connor with a wave of euphoria. She’d be watching the match….having dinner with him after….he’d be sure to plan it out and ensure their privacy. What kind of food did she like? he thought? Was she more of an urban restaurant type of lady, or more of a dinner in the countryside type? He’d have to find out. And flowers….better take care of that. His mind was racing, but he couldn’t think of a better reason for it to be than to prepare the way for Miss Louisa Clarke.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“I’ll be focused, but I think the thought that you’re watching may give me some incentive to do well.
Who knows? If I have an especially good game, I may have to ask you to attend my games regularly.”

Louisa chuckled as he responded in kind to her teasing.

”From what I hear you don’t lack incentive … but it’ll be interesting to see you “in action” … “

Her lips twitched as she realised that she was actually flirting with him!
She wasn’t sure just why she felt she could let her guard down with him.
Perhaps it was the fact that she found Connor’s manner refreshing … appealing …
She looked anew at him once more.
Yes … he was definitely the most interesting man she had spoken to for a long time.

”As to whether I become your team mascot … we’ll have to see … “

She murmured demurely knowing that if anything more “regular” came of this then word would soon get out and although she certainly didn’t let her family rule her life, she doubted that they would approve of anything beyond a casual friendship with anyone they didn’t consider “suitable”.

”Louisa! ”

The shout came from across the room followed by a gesture beckoning her over.

”This could be a long conversation … fancy helping me escape …?”

With a conspiratorial grin, Louisa wrapped her arm through Connor’s and pointed towards the bar outside the main function room.
In response she received a suggestive wink from and felt glances thrown in their direction as she and Connor made their way towards the door and slipped out into the quieter room beyond.

”Thanks … mind keeping me company for a drink before I head homewards or do you need to go back and do the rounds…?”

She invited.

 

[RockYourWorld]

It seemed the room was becoming more and more crowded, and noisier by the moment. Nevertheless, Connor’s attention remained focused on the fair Miss Clarke.

”From what I hear you don’t lack incentive … but it’ll be interesting to see you “in action” … “

Could it be? A double entendre? From the very same Miss Clarke? Connor knew he dare not respond as if it were such, but the mere possibility made his heart race.

“I just hope you feel the same way after you’ve actually experienced it” said Connor.

Louisa continued to move about the room with an expert touch that Connor could sense. She seemed to have a radar that allowed her to focus on him, yet at the same time remain aware of all of the people moving and talking around her. It came as no surprise to him when a call to her came from across the room. He didn’t see the wave, but could tell from Louisa’s reaction that it was there.

”This could be a long conversation … fancy helping me escape …?”

“Certainly” was all he could say in response. He felt swept away as Louisa seemed to throw her movements into some sort of automatic gear. Their arms interlocked and Louisa moved the couple in a whirlwind of an escape. She didn’t even need to ask, he would go with her anywhere. The fact that he was actually aiding her only added icing to this delicious situation. Connor instantly realized that this entire choreography was something Louisa lived with on a daily basis. As they stood in relative privacy in this quieter room, away from the pursuers, Connor felt touched. As the crowd began to close in on Louisa, she could have very easily excused herself from him and sought a more solitary refuge. But no, she had chosen to bring him along, bring him into her retreat.

”Thanks … mind keeping me company for a drink before I head homewards or do you need to go back and do the rounds…?”

“From the looks of things, I think making rounds in there is not so much a good idea.” Connor turned back to Louisa and smiled. “If it’s all the same to you, I plan on making the most of the time I have with you.”

As they were served drinks, Connor did indeed enjoy his time with Louisa. But something insidious seemed to be invading the couple’s peace. Connor realized what it was…the horrible combination of stares and gossipy murmurs. He could see it now. As he had been concerned about before, Connor was afraid that he was out of his boundaries. The people at this fancy function were beginning to notice something they found to be “unsuitable” – the American getting a bit too close to Miss Clarke.

Is this how it was to be? Over the past half hour or so, Connor had allowed his mind to believe that Louisa Clarke could be someone to add a unique flavor and vibrancy to his life. She seemed to at least allow for the possibility with her charming and accepting manner. But as Connor looked around at the disapproving people, he came to realize that if he were to share in the pleasantries Miss Clarke were to offer, he may have to fight for them.

“I have to tell you, I am greatly looking forward to a whole evening with just you, and not half of London society as our audience. I realize no matter where we go, we’ll have some sort of audience. Hopefully the next one will be a bit more accepting of our union, such as it is.”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Louisa

“From the looks of things, I think making rounds in there is not so much a good idea.
If it’s all the same to you, I plan on making the most of the time I have with you.”

Louisa nodded and lowered her eyes demurely, the compliment causing her cheeks to pink in response to Connor’s open admiration. Perhaps it was an American trait to be so … outspoken. It made such a change to the polite distance or game playing that most men his age seemed to be into.

The champagne cocktail came as a welcome distraction, though in truth Connor’s manner did not make Louisa feel awkward. She found they were chatting easily. She listened to his anecdotes fascinated by the behind-the-scenes camaraderie which Connor related. It was obvious he enjoyed his “job” and that he got on well with his team mates. Around them she noted a few covert glances. She knew she should “mingle”, but she had done her bit for that evening and unlike most functions the business part had been dealt with and people were now breaking into groups … it was just that Louisa rarely found herself in the situation of sharing an intimate tête-à-tête.

“I have to tell you, I am greatly looking forward to a whole evening with just you, and not half of London society as our audience.”

Connor’s words showed that he had followed her gaze.

” I realize no matter where we go, we’ll have some sort of audience.
Hopefully the next one will be a bit more accepting of our union, such as it is.”

She looked at him then seeing that he had sensed disapproval in the glances.

”It’s not the place of anyone here to accept or approve … “

Her voice was cool but firm.

”Like the media, everyone’s a spectator, everyone has an opinion.”

She half sighed and turned back to Connor placing her hand over his.

”I make my own choices, Connor … people gossip and comment no matter who you’re seen with.
I’m sure you get the same … ? ”

She fleetingly wondered if he’d dated many girls since he’d been in England. She couldn’t remember reading anything about it, but then again she barely picked up the tabloids and Connor didn’t seem like a man who would deliberately expose someone he was dating to the glare of the press.

”But you’re right … it will be nice to get some … privacy … “

She let her gaze linger on his. A match and dinner … she wouldn’t have predicted that to be the outcome of this evening’s event.
Reluctantly she withdrew the hand that still rested on his.

” … though … I should head off now … I have a few calls to make tomorrow morning … “

She flashed him a conspiratorial grin.

” … and a Saturday shopping trip to rearrange … “

Her ready chuckle rang out as she picked up her evening bag.
She glanced around the room. Ideally she would prefer not to make her farewells here, but if she asked him to accompany her to fetch her wrap and wait the few minutes it would take for her car to be sent for she might give the wrong impression.

” … it was lovely meeting you … “

She began self-consciously …
She did not have a vast experience of “dating” and nothing she had learned had prepared her for how to respond to Connor.

 

[RockYourWorld]

“It was lovely meeting you, too,” Connor said, in what to him sounded like the most extreme understatement ever uttered in the King’s English. “I will be certain to make this Saturday evening a memorable one, one definitely worth the sacrifice of a shopping trip.”

He found it almost impossible to leave her side, and he was aware that the machinations were in place for her car to be brought to her. He followed along as she quickly said good-bye to other guests, keeping his distance so that she did not feel obligated to introduce him. Soon, they were at the door, the man leaving her car door open for her.

“I appreciate the fact that you’ve agreed to see me Saturday. Believe me when I say that it means a lot to me. But that being said, I really hate for this evening to end. Meeting you and talking with you as been so refreshingly pleasant. I hate for it to end.” His confidence was growing, and that manifested itself when he knew within himself that she felt the same. Her charming and sincere smile and kind words of good-bye stuck with him as she drove away. He hoped that her heart was racing just as his was.

Soon after going back inside, Connor excused himself from the function. A few well-wishers took their last opportunity to shake his hand and wish him well the coming Saturday. It made him laugh, inwardly, for he knew he would need to be on his best game this Saturday, and none of it had anything to do with football. Connor had a deep feeling that the rest of his life could very well hinge on the following Saturday.

He rushed home and began his plan for Saturday. Everything had to be perfect, and he wasn’t going to leave anything to chance. He would get tickets for Louisa, and she would….tickets….tickets….those seats he received for each game were right behind the team bench. Good view, but appropriate for a lady like Miss Clarke? Come on, Connor, think of these things!! Maybe the director’s box? Surely some space was available there. He would contact the team and let them know of his needs. But wait, maybe she wanted to sit near him, behind the bench! Hold on, old boy. You do have a game to play. No distractions. But what if she thinks he’s pushing her aside, sticking her in that far-away box?

He decided not to decide..and let her make the decision. He would call her and tell her the choice was hers – the seats behind the bench, or the box. She could decide. Hopefully, she came to a decision with less aggravation than he had just experienced.

Saturday seemed like it would never come, but when it did, Connor approached it with a calmness that he hadn’t felt since meeting Louisa days earlier. He had explained to her that it would be best if they didn’t meet before the game. Connor had several pre-game rituals that were important to him, ones he was convinced ensured success in the game and were not to be neglected or ignored. Most resulted in Connor’s normally mild manner becoming more what was needed for a fierce game. Not necessarily hostile, but more super-confident, some would say even rude. Either way, Connor thought it best that Louisa not see that side of him just yet.

Game time, and onto the field he went. The gathering crowd cheered their boy’s arrival. Warm ups were uneventful, and Connor went about his stretching, his passing drills, his header drills, and his manager’s last bit of advice. All the while, Connor knew Louisa might be sitting right behind the bench. She might not be, of course, and he thought that he best not give that too much more thought. Unless, he suddenly thought, she wasn’t there! What if she couldn’t make it, and hadn’t been able to reach him?

Stop, he said to himself. Deal with this later. If he somehow blew this game because his mind was someplace else, his teammates would know.

The game began with both teams feeling each other out. With Johnson out, Connor found himself at midfield again. He followed the action, staying ahead of the action and anticipating things well, and was able to keep Louisa off his mind, for the most part. He even fed what he thought was a golden pass for Beasley to beat the keeper, but it was blocked. As often happens, the opponent immediately drove back the other way, and a centering pass was headed past Connor’s team’s keeper, and they found themselves down 1-nil.

The second half was full of end-to-end action. Connor’s team had its chances, but nothing came of them. The pressure of being down a goal began to get to the boys, and their shots started flying high and wide. As the 85th minute approached, the opponents made a substitution. Connor knew him from the scouting tapes. Blake was his name. An effective player, but he had a bad habit. He had a curious disinterest in defending corner kicks against anyone coming from the top…anyone like a midfielder. Connor found himself wishing for a corner kick more than usual.

When the chance came, Connor told his teammate Pilson to jump back to bring along Blake. Pilson thought it a strange request, but decided to see what was up. The kick flew toward the goal, Pilson withdrew, and Blake, true to form, backed out of the play, flatfooted. Connor took his chance, leaped for the ball, and headed it past the keeper for the equalizer. Connor accepted his teammates congratulations, the most boisterous coming from Pilson.

The rest of the half and stoppage time escaped, ending the match in a draw. A draw. For the first time standing on the field, Connor looked to the stands, looking for Louisa. He had been able to keep her out of his mind, but she was flooding back in now. He wanted the entire night to be memorable. But it wasn’t off to a good start. A draw!

Where did she sit? he wondered. Did she even make it to the game? He made his way back to the locker room, hoping his questions would be answered soon, again feeling as though he stood on the edge of the rest of his life.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Louisa

“I will be certain to make this Saturday evening a memorable one, one definitely worth the sacrifice of a shopping trip…
I appreciate the fact that you’ve agreed to see me Saturday.
Believe me when I say that it means a lot to me…”

Connor’s words ran over and over in Louisa’s mind as she sat back in the car as it drove through the still lively London Streets.
She settled back distracted by her thoughts as Benson silently steered the car through the traffic taking their usual route via Ladbroke Grove and out of the central bustle.

”Busy evening Miss?”

The kindly voice drew her out of her reverie.

”Ohh .. yes … somewhat … sorry Benson … I was miles away … “

Louisa took the man’s hand as he helped her out of the car and turned a smile in his direction as she thanked him.

”I’ll need the car tomorrow … but not until 10 O’clock. I’d best not descend unannounced on mother too early or at lunch time.”

She shared a grin with the man who had known her since her teenage days. They both knew that her mother would be equally scandalized should Louisa not arrive to visit in the chauffeur driven car her parents insisted she had use of during her stays in London.

”I shouldn’t be there long … I need to break a shopping date with her … “

They both exchanged a grimace.
Louisa avoided these outings as much as possible and they both knew that her mother would be most … put out at Louisa canceling on her.

” … so … be ready for a quick get away … “

Louisa quipped as she made her goodnights leaving Benson to put away the car and retire to his maisonette situated above the garage.


That had been the plan.

But true to form her mother had proved most insistent.
Louisa found herself not only staying for lunch, but attending a small gathering for afternoon tea.
Much as she regretted not being to escape into her thoughts, Louisa actually enjoyed watching her mother in action.
Not for the first time she sat and admired the ease with which she made conversation and drew all her guests into the conversation.
Louisa had to admit that no matter how informal the gathering, her mother reigned supreme as hostess.

It was a companionable mother and daughter who strolled out to the car shortly before 6 pm. Louisa knew she had all but made amends for her postponement of their excursion as the impromptu visit which had turned out to more than compensate for Louisa’s forthcoming absence; so much so that her mother not only forgot to quiz her as to what could be more important than their shopping but also did not insist on a new date being arranged before Louisa made her farewells.

It wasn’t until later that evening that Louisa finally got around to thinking of Connor and the forthcoming match once more.

As she lay back in the sizeable bathtub, she considered just what it was she should wear.
Nothing too casual for sure. And they were going out for dinner afterwards … though just where she had no idea. She had no wish to look over dressed and yet … neither did she want to look as if she were turned out for a cocktail party …

It was then that she decided.
She much preferred wearing dresses, yet she would go for a more bohemian rather than tailored style.
The dress she had in mind had a rather strappy top which was buttoned down the front … but then the fabric flowed outwards from the waist into a full skirt.
All she had to do was add the matching jacket or … perhaps there was something less fitted that she could pick up to complete the look…

It was for that reason that she was out when Connor called.

She smiled as she listened to his accented voice sounding awkward as he spoke into her answer phone informing her of the arrangements he’d made.
A ticket for his seat was available for her, but he had also made arrangements for her to be seated in the box, should she prefer.
She had not expected to meet up with him before the game, but found herself curious as to what preparations he made before such an important match.
As she heard his final almost shy wish that she enjoy herself and that he would be with her as soon as possible after the game she smiled knowing that she had been right to agree to see him again and found herself anticipating the next days events with an excited nervousness.
This time it was her who would be entering his world …


Despite her initial protests, Louisa let Benson drive her to the football ground.
Even though it was early, Louisa knew that the streets would be crowded and become increasingly more so as the time for the match to begin drew closer.
Waving Benson off knowing he would not return to her again until the Monday morning she turned and made her way to the entrance, the low soft heeled sandals comfortably cocooning her feet even as the brightly embroidered bolero style jacket played down the more formal bodice of the dress she wore and matched the riot of full skirt that flared out from her waist.

At the reception Louisa gave her name and accepted the envelope with her name on. Looking in she saw two tickets, one marked DIRECTORS BOX and the other TEAM GUEST. Along side there was a pass to the Board Room for pre-match refreshments. She wondered if this pass was supposed to accompany one or both of the tickets she had been issued, but knew that she could not snub the invitation and made her way towards the plush room located behind the stands.

This was a world she was familiar with: drinks, buffet and small talk.
Looking around she saw with relief that there seemed a cross section of people present: Not only the board of both teams, but the officials and others connected with the running of each Football Club.
Looking round she recognised faces, but none she recalled from the event earlier in the week.
Often “dignitaries” seemed more occupied with the hospitality offered, but refreshingly those assembled were eager to get to their seats, to absorb the atmosphere of the quickly filling stadium.
With a last sip of her drink and a compliment to those now clearing away the last of the buffet Louisa made her way out of the room and turning away from the corridor that led to the nearby Director’s Box hesitated unsure of where to go.

”You lost sweetheart…?”

Louisa turned in surprise at the brash looking man who now approached her perhaps more eager to help now he realised that she was not with the “management”.

”Yes … I’m not sure where I should be going … “

She proffered the ticket, making sure she showed him the correct one and stood demurely the twitch of her mouth the only evidence of her hidden mirth as she saw the man scrutinize her more closely, doubtless trying to figure out which player she was the girlfriend of.

”I’ll show you … its almost all the way back the way you came in and … “

Thanking him Louisa followed him aware of his eyes assessing her closely as he waved her in front of him as they finally got to the stand and she took her seat.

”Enjoy the match … “

She almost blushed as she met his eye.

”I will … “

She responded, her eyes already on the field scanning the players warming up trying to locate Connor.

Around her she saw some faces she had seen in the Board Room, but not many.
Unfazed she sat and finally identified Connor and watched wordlessly as he worked through a series of stretches and passes.

”You’re here for Connor..?”

The voice drew her attention. Beside her she noticed a girl around the same age as herself. So intent had Louisa been on her observations that she hadn’t even noticed her sitting down or her interested expression as she realised that Louisa's eyes had been locked on the American player.

”Yes … that’s right … and you …?”

The girl sighed.

”Danny … Danny Johnson … “

Louisa turned away from the field of play to commiserate with the girl beside her.
She was thankful that she and Connor had talked in such detail about the unfortunate footballer’s injury and found that she and her new found companion, Maggie were soon chatting away amicably and were still doing so when the teams came out to start their game.

Again Louisa’s attention was caught be watching Connor as he came onto the field once more.
The seats in front of her were soon filled with team officials and players who had not been selected as substitutes for that game.

”Louisa … this is Danny … “

She turned to find herself smiling into the face of the player that sat in front of them.

”Danny… this is Connor’s girl … Louisa … “

Louisa blushed and opened her mouth to protest, to explain that she and Connor had only really just met, but instead she merely had time to utter a greeting when the action on the field drew their attention.

The game was exciting for Louisa.

She found she did not know the names of many of the players, but Maggie was happy to fill in with a commentary and snippets of background which helped Louisa to feel as involved as the others around her.
As one they all jumped up expectantly, only to sit down with a groan of disappointment when Bleasley failed to put away Connor’s promising pass. This was nothing however, compared to the unified mourning as the opposition almost immediately scored against them just before the half time whistle blew.

Behind them Louisa watched as those in the Director’s Box headed inside quickly for their refreshments.
Beside her Maggie offered her a cold can she’d acquired from Danny who still sat in front of them.

”Thanks … “

Louisa giggled and following suit pulled the ring pull and sipped from the can joining in the animated conversation about lost chances and what the team talk would be like, so much so that the time was over quickly only to be followed by an equally frenetic game.

Louisa couldn’t remember when she had watched such a tense, hard fought match.
The pace of the passing, the skill of the tackles, the momentum never seemed to drop and yet neither team could finish their maneuvers and the ball evaded the net again and again.
For every set piece they held their breath, yet as the minutes ticked on it looked that there would only be one goal that day.

At the 85th minute the substitution was quickly made.
Louisa knew nothing about the new player, Blake. It seemed he was good.
Maggie seemed to think he was as adept as the player he had replaced.
Their speculation got no further, however before a corner was awarded.
All held their breath as the kick sailed goal-wards.
Out of nowhere it seemed Connor’s head made contact with the ball, the touch skillfully applied to send the ball off at an angle and sail into the net.
All around Louisa her companions went wild.
Louisa herself sprung up shouting and applauding.
She had loved the way Connor played as part of a team.
She had guessed from their brief meeting that he was no primadonna, but she loved seeing the celebration between the players on the field, felt so pleased and proud for him as they launched themselves upon each other as victorious as if that had been the winning goal.

Unfortunately for them the game ended a draw.
Even though both teams fought to the last minute it wasn’t to be for either of them.
Around her the whistle heralded sighs of relief that they had held their score and despite the obvious regret that a win hadn’t been possible, Louisa felt that a draw was a good result for teams who had been so closely matched on the day.

Louisa’s eyes danced with excitement.
It had been quite a game and sitting so close to the touch line and amongst the players and their guests she had never felt so involved.
In front of them Danny had limped off following his team mates telling Maggie he would see her shortly.
Louisa waved goodbye to him and turned to find herself enveloped in a hug.

”I’d best head off as soon as this crowd’s cleared."

Maggie told her.

"Will I see you on Wednesday, the evening game, or not until next Saturday … it’s an away match as you probably know … ?“

Louisa blushed at the assumptions that had been drawn about her and Connor.
She didn’t want to deceive the girl who had been so friendly and knew she had to clarify things.

”I’m not sure Maggie … I’ve only just met Connor …
He asked me to come and see him play today …
I think he just wanted some company … being away from home you know … just for a change … “

Maggie made no comment as she listened to Louisa’s self-conscious explanation.

”Well … I hope I see you again Louisa … I’m sure I will … “

She laughed and winked teasingly drawing Louisa into her warm laughter.

”I hope so too … “

Louisa confessed watching Maggie as she picked her way through the crowds before turning herself and heading towards the Board Room guessing that it was perhaps the best place to wait for Connor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the changing room, Danny Johnson had joined his team mates.
Though they had not won, Connor’s goal had saved them from defeat.

”You’re a dark horse Holt!”

Danny saluted Connor as he dropped down beside him flexing his aching foot and laughing at Connor’s face.

”Your girl … Louisa … very nice … “

He winked teasingly.

”Mind you … if you had any secrets Maggie will know them all now … you know what women are like when they get together … “

So saying he made his way out leaving Connor to consider his words...

 

[RockYourWorld]

Connor had given Danny a smile, glad that he hadn’t chided him too unmercilessly about Louisa’s presence. Actually, Danny had provided some information for him during his teasing. Louisa had sat with Danny’s girl Maggie in the club seats. He thought about that for a minute, wondering if he could read anything into her choice. She had rejected the comfortable director's box for the seats among the common people - well, at least the somewhat common people. And, as it turned out, she was talking to Maggie and Danny. No doubt the gossip was underway already. Oh well, that wasn’t so bad, was it?

Connor undressed and tossed his dirty uniform into the laundry hamper, heading off to the shower. Usually after a match, the shower was quick, long enough for basic hygiene, but nothing luxurious. If he had plans to eat or have drinks with his teammates, that would be the height of the evening excitement, hardly worth a thorough shower. Post game activities were usually more for winding down and relaxing.

But tonight, things were much different. The game was actually secondary in his mind, with meeting Louisa the focus of his attention. He lingered in the shower, cleansing himself with extra vigor. This caused him some grief as his teammates noticed, the usual comments and barbs referring to their sudden questioning of his masculinity. He just laughed it off as he always did in such situations. He knew he would be kidding a teammate if he were to notice a similar behavior in one of them.

His locker was stocked with several colognes, and Connor carefully picked through them to select the right one. Again, this drew the attention of the teammates, and their curiosity was building. Beasley and Pilson approached.

“A bit fussy with the look tonight, mate?” said Pilson, taking Connor’s left side as Beasley flanked to his right. “Plans are different than usual, I take it.”

“I heard something about a new girl,” contributed Beasley with a teasing smile. “You know that Johnson can’t keep it zipped.”

Connor looked them both over, feeling in the catbird’s seat. He had the information Beasley and Pilson were looking for, and he enjoyed having the power over them. Good-naturedly, of course.

“And here I thought you Brits frowned upon a gentlemen gossiping about his ‘arrangements.’”

Pilson and Beasley looked at each other and broke out in a simultaneous laugh. “Were on EARTH did you ever get THAT idea?” said Pilson. “Come now, who is she? I saw you eyeing that waitress at the club a few months back. Meeting up with her?”

“Oh no!” said Beasley. “Danny saw her in the seats. Said this one was a real Lady…and I mean Lady. Elbowing in on the royals, are you Holt?”

Connor found this all amusing. Since coming to England, he had worked hard to build strong friendships with his teammates. As with all teams, he found some guys easier to get along with than others. Pilson and Beasley, along with Johnson, had all been helpful to Connor in easing his transition to his new home. He didn’t feel obligated to spill all the facts about Louisa with them, but he didn’t want to shut them out, either.

“Boys, let’s just say tonight, football, the team, all of that will be wayyyyyy in the back of my mind. Because tonight, I am meeting the classiest, most sophisticated, and, may I add, most beautiful lady in all of England. And before you regale me with your wit, just let me say I’ve told you all I’m going to say for now, and you’ll have to read the rest in the trashy tabloids.”

Pilson and Beasley, of course did get their final shots in before exiting. Connor applied the cologne he had selected, gave himself one final inspection in the mirror, and left the locker room. It was then he realized his stomach was turning in twists, and his legs were about to give under him, but like the professional athlete he was, he ignored his momentary physical failings, and went about his task.

Connor made his way through the stadium, passing fans and well-wishers all along the way. Funny how it was with a draw. Some fans thought of them as a success (“way to pull that one out, Yank”) while some where not happy with the result (you bums shoulda beat those losers by at least 3!!!). Connor had learned to ignore it all, the good and the bad. He didn’t like turning away from fans that most likely meant no harm and had good things to say, but just for survival’s sake, Connor and people in his position had to look at fans and the public as one big mass, a single entity. In appropriately controlled environments, it was ok to mingle and talk, but here, unescorted and unannounced, it was best to keep eyes straight, and mouth shut.

As he approached the board room, Connor made every attempt to put all things football-related out of his head. He was ready to do one thing – make a strong impression on Louisa Clarke. Talking football all night, or discussing the unpleasantness of fame was not likely to help him do that. Suddenly, again, his knee’s buckled as panic set in. Oh god, he thought. What do I talk about? What do she and I have in common? I must be INSANE to be in this position!! What have I got myself into? He stopped, calmed himself, and took a deep breath. As he prepared to enter the room, he allowed the calmness to overtake the panic, and stepped inside.

And there she was. He stopped in his tracks again, this time involuntarily. He knew he looked like a fool as he felt his own jaw dropping, but he was able to collect himself, mainly drawing power from the luminous smile that came from her beautiful face. It may have only been a second or two, but it seemed longer as the two of them stood a good distance apart, their eyes together in mutual happiness to once again be in each other’s company. She seemed to be twice as beautiful as just days before when they had met, and Connor would never have thought that was possible, as beautiful as she was that day. Yet, here she was, and he must have been the luckiest man in the world at that moment, because he was the only man she was looking at.

“H…H…Hello,” said Connor, immediately blushing as his voice had cracked like an adolescent boy’s.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Louisa

Louisa drank the tea that was offered her but only selected the tiniest of sandwiches from the post match buffet that was set out on the tables along the far wall. She allowed herself to be drawn into conversation yet made little comment to the hated debate as to whether the draw was a good result or a disappointment for either team. Resolutely she made herself refrain from turning her head to the door every time it opened and yet when Connor did finally walk into the room, she saw him immediately.

It was as if time stood still. Her smile was answered by one of his own. Genuine pleasure seemed to light up his features as he crossed the short distance between them. She had seen him formally dressed and of course she had seen him in his team colours, but this smart, yet more casual Connor was something else altogether she mused as her eyes roved down his body taking in the subtle, but well tailored clothing.

”H…Hello,”

His voice clearly displayed his sudden shyness.
Louisa’s smile softened finding herself drawn to him, so much so she had to resist the urge to reach out and run her fingers though the dark hair that still clung damply to the nape of his neck.
Instead she matched his reply.

”Hello … “

She in turn blushed as there seemed almost a crackle of ... something ... pass between them.

”It was a wonderful game Connor … “

She commented deliberately breaking the momentary silence.

” … I was … most impressed … “

Her mouth quirked in a smile knowing she could not communicate at this stage what a thrill it had been to watch him play, how her eyes had followed his every move, how she had been made to feel to part of it all by the effusive welcome she had received from Maggie and Danny and yet in these surroundings she felt so … formal … almost shy with him, so much less “natural” than she had felt earlier when she had been jumping up and down and cheering him on.

She couldn’t remember when she had last suffered from “first date nerves” which was definitely what she was experiencing now!

Surely things would be easier once they were finally alone … ?

 

[RockYourWorld]

Connor took comfort in the fact that the nervousness seemed to be mutual. As she began to speak, he made up his mind that since he was now in the presence of the most wonderful woman he had ever met, he was going to enjoy it thoroughly. Enough nervousness.

“Thanks, that’s kind of you to say,” he said in response to her remark about the game. “I figured if we were coming off a loss, the rest of the evening might drag a bit. So I put one in!” He laughed, mainly to show her his boasting was for humor purposes only.

Connor continued to be amazed at how this woman seemed to emit some magical glow. He found himself drawn to her. He realized the other night that his attraction to her was so strong that he found it hard to physically separate himself from her, even though he knew a woman of her position had matters to tend to.

“I understand you sat near Danny and Maggie. I’m glad you got to meet them. Both very nice…they have been like family to me since I arrived.”

Connor began to sense the crowd closing in around them, a few people offering their congratulations. These Connor politely acknowledged, but he sensed he could lose control of the environment rather quickly. He also thought of the night before…yes he was with Louisa, but in a place with 100 other people. And here they were again, dozens of sets of eyes peering. It was time that Connor Holt stopped sharing Louisa Clarke.

“I’ve set things up tonight sort of flexibly,” he said to her, his body language telling her he wanted them to leave the building. “I wasn’t sure if your driver was required to drive you wherever you went. If that’s the case, we can go to your car now. If not, my car is in the player’s lot, and we can make our way there.”

He had thought this out, being uneducated on the habits she lived with on a daily basis. He thought it would be better to be honest, express his unfamiliarity with these ways, and encourage her to comfortably instruct him. He planned the whole evening out that way…with contingencies.

“I also made reservations at several restaurants…one that specializes in seafood, another a steak house, and the third French Cuisine.” He hoped this didn’t appear compulsive, as he softly placed his hand on her elbow and lead her out of the board room, towards some much anticipated privacy.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“Thanks, that’s kind of you to say, I figured if we were coming off a loss, the rest of the evening might drag a bit. So I put one in!”

Louisa joined in his laughter liking his self-effacing manner and his sense of humour.

”Well … you did promise me a memorable evening Connor … “

She teased back knowing that although she had enjoyed the match, the result would not affect how their evening went.
Around them people glanced in their direction, but Louisa paid little attention to them. For once she was not expected to “do” anything and could just enjoy being in his company.

“I understand you sat near Danny and Maggie. I’m glad you got to meet them. Both very nice…they have been like family to me since I arrived.”

Louisa’s smile lit up.

”Oh yes … I sat near Maggie … she filled me in on all the gossip … “

She giggled knowing full well that Maggie had steered away from discussing Connor or his love life and it had never occurred to Louisa to ask.

”Danny was fun too … he’s still really suffering with that injury … they make a great couple … and good company …“

Louisa paused considering how the two were the closest that Connor had to family in the UK. She found that sad and yet she thought Connor was very lucky to have made such good friendships. A close friendship was something she was lacking in her life. Somehow she had grown apart from those she had known when she was younger. Priorities had changed and she, Louisa had always followed her own way in life, no matter what those around her thought...
She had never done anything scandalous of course … but she was not a girl to blindly conform to keep people happy.
Even as she became lost in thought, Louisa found herself watching as people began to seek Connor out, eager to congratulate him on his goal. She noted the modest way he accepted their praise happy to blend into the hubbub of the room and observe Connor in his “natural environment”.

When he finally turned back to her again, she had to lean closer to hear his words as the noise level of the room seemed to have risen.

“I’ve set things up tonight sort of flexibly,”

She nodded intrigued. She had wondered just where he would take her and what arrangements he would make for their dinner together.

“I wasn’t sure if your driver was required to drive you wherever you went. If that’s the case, we can go to your car now. If not, my car is in the player’s lot, and we can make our way there.”

Louisa nodded, touched by Connor’s thoughtfulness and by the way he had allowed her a way to be “chaperoned” without making an issue of her possible need to be so.

“I also made reservations at several restaurants…one that specializes in seafood, another a steak house, and the third French Cuisine.”

She laughed at that.
Obviously Connor did not know her food preferences and had covered all bases as he might say.
Moving closely against him as they picked their way through the crowd, Louisa allowed Connor to lead out of the Board Room and into the cooler corridor beyond.

”Phew … fresh air …. “

Louisa commented as she took a deep breath the silence suddenly heavy around them now that the noisy crowd had been left behind.

”My driver dropped me off earlier, but he’s only a call away if I need him … “

Louisa informed him with a shy smile.
Although Benson had returned to The Family Home, he knew of Louisa’s arrangements and would be on call should she need him.

”Benson’s the soul of discretion … “

Louisa added as they walked towards the players’ parking bays.

”It seems he’s been around all my life … he used to get me out of scrapes when I was a teenager …”

Her mouth twitched at the memory.

” … my parents insist on me having him around whenever I’m in town … “

She explained giving him a hint of the sometimes complex set ups that had become “normal” features of her life.

”Did you really make reservations for us in three restaurants Connor!?!”

She giggled anew and shook her head, the previous awkwardness falling away rapidly.

”I can’t believe you did that!”

He had gone to so much trouble to make sure she enjoyed their evening together.
She came to a halt beside his car. Turning she slipped her arm through his.

”The only problem is Mr Holt …. “

Again her voice dropped to a banter as she addressed him with deliberate formality.

” … that I’d enjoy eating out in any of those three restaurants you’ve chosen … so … “

She smiled demurely.

” … as you can’t go wrong … I’ll leave the choice up to you … “

 

[RockYourWorld]

The comfort level was increasing quickly as both Louisa and Connor found that the laughs and the smiles between them came naturally and easily. Connor felt this even more as Louisa described her pleasant exchanges with Danny and Maggie. The thought of Louisa building the early foundation of a relationship with them was something he found to be pleasant.

He blushed as she giggled at his boyish enthusiasm that lead him to make three reservations at three different restaurants. He wanted to explain to her that he did it out of a desperate need for the evening to go flawlessly. He wondered about that. He was, after all, a football player of note. He hadn’t had much of a chance to see if he had developed any cache among the local club owners and restaurateurs around town. It could have been that all Connor had to do was have Louisa tell him which place she wished to go, and arrive at the door announcing his need for a quiet table for two.

It was even more likely that Louisa’s presence would allow this to happen. Connor sensed that her place in the community was even more significant than he had originally thought. He was sure she had no problems in being granted immediate service at an establishment of her choice.

But all of that was conjecture and assumption, both of which lead to bad planning. If tonight were to go badly, somehow, it would not be because of a lack of planning. But it wasn’t going badly at all, and as an added bonus, Louisa’s smile seemed to be gaining in luminance as they approached Connor’s car. Just as they arrived there, her arm reached for his. He allowed himself to turn toward her, as their arms softly but firmly locked together, they stopped walking and found each other in a position, face to face. The proximity was very close, almost too much so, but neither adjusted or moved back from the other. Connor found the close proximity to be just right.

"The only problem is Mr Holt, is that I’d enjoy eating out in any of those three restaurants you’ve chosen … so … as you can’t go wrong … I’ll leave the choice up to you … "

He wanted so bad to kiss her right at that moment, the opportunity was there. But he decided the risk of offending her was too great. “Well, then, “ he said to her, their lips achingly close. “I’m could really go for a steak right now.” At the passenger’s side of the car, he reached down and opened the car door. As he waited for her to get in, he allowed himself to observe the sculpted perfection of her legs, and poetic motion of her body as she smoothly turned and settled into the seat. “All of that and brains, too,” he said to himself, repeating an old American joke. He quickly made his way into the car and fired up the engine, ready to take on London with the most beautiful and charming woman the city had to offer at his side.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Louisa

“Well, then, “I could really go for a steak right now.”

Louisa nodded in agreement. Out of all the restaurants the steakhouse was probably the type she visited least. But then any of his choices would have been ideal she thought as she slid into the car as Connor opened the door for her.

With a sigh of contentment Louisa relaxed into the seat as she watched Connor start the car and steer it out into the London traffic.
It was a novelty she found to be sitting in the passenger seat. When in town she either took public transport – much to her mother’s disgust, or gave in to the need for Benson to drive her. Only when she was out of town did Louisa drive herself.

She glanced over and wondered if Connor were a town or country person. She did not know if the town he grew up with was urban or out in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps, like her he could cope equally in both environments.

”So … where exactly are we headed Connor …? “

Her curiosity made her break the companionable silence.

”Do you get much press hassle when you’re out socially…?”

The thought had only just entered her head.
If they were heading somewhere high profile would Connor be pursued. For her part, there was little of media interest about her in her day-to-day life. She could not recall hearing of anything beyond comment on Connor’s professional life in the tabloids, but then again, she didn’t really waste time checking out the press and had no reason previously to pay particular attention if his name appeared in print.

”It all seemed very … relaxed … at the ground today … “

She commented realising that she hadn’t been aware of any photographers around even when they had left, but then again, she hadn’t really been looking …