Chapter Three

Casey sat at the island in the kitchen, hanging his head over his coffee. He had only gotten a couple of hours of sleep before the stress crept in. He felt like a prize piece of shit. April was gonna kill him and he deserved it. He knew better. He knew better than to do that without telling her. He knew, but he let his selfishness take over. Casey wanted her just as bad, but he knew he couldn't have both. Now they were openly in love and he didn't want to tell her. Disappearing into the night without a word sounded like the best plan of action, and that is exactly what the old Casey Jones would do. But he wouldn't do that, he couldn't do that to her.

He picked up his cell phone and listened to his voicemail again.

"Casey, this is Mark Peterson. I was hoping to get you on the phone, but I'll go ahead and tell you. We would love to sign you to our team. I think we need a hard hitting player like you to bring us back to life. So, give me a call back when you get this and we'll talk paperwork. Look forward to hearing from you."

His finger hit the END button and he sighed deeply. How was he going to tell her? His thoughts were interrupted by the bedroom door squeaking open. April came out naked with bed head and a sheepish grin on her face.

"Mornin', Toots."

She walked over to Casey and took a sip of his coffee, "Ugh, that's cold." She wrapped her arms around his neck, "How long have you been up?"

"It's been a while."He answered running his hands over his face.

"After that performance last night?" She grinned, but Casey stayed somber, "What's wrong, babe? I freaked you out last night and now you're re-think-"

"Shh Shh, no, don't be ridiculous." He assured her pulling her around in front of him and holding her close.

"You feeling okay this morning?" He asked trying to change the subject.

April nodded, "Yeah, I'm extremely sore and my body feels like jelly, but I'm fantastic."

"You look like I put you through it." He chuckled kissing the teeth mark bruise on her left breast.

"You obviously haven't seen the claw marks on your back." She retorted proudly.

"Leavin' your mark, huh?" Casey said slapping April's ass and squeezing it.

April kissed him sweetly, "I have to go get ready for work."

"Call in." He offered as he kissed her neck.

She giggled and shook her head, "Oh, no you don't, Casey Jones. I have to go to work. Vern will be here soon."

He rolled his eyes, "Seriously, Vern?"

"You didn't have any problem with Vern picking me up until we got together."

"Oh, yes, I did. I just didn't have the right to say anything." Casey pointed out.

"Stop it. You guys used to get along." April countered as she walked towards the bathroom and started the shower.

He followed her in there and watched her through the clear curtain, "Yeah, as long he knows I'll beat his ass if-"

April gave him a 'don't finish that sentence' look,"You guys are so hard on Vern. He's harmless. It's just a little crush and trust me he's reeled it in since he realized you and I were together, so maybe you can go back to being friends with him."

Casey snorted, "It's hard being friends with a guy when he's got a hard on for your girl, April."

April shook her head, "I will never understand penis' think."

April and Casey stepped out the front of the building together just as Vern was pulling up.

"Morning, Vern." April greeted nicely.

"O'Neil and Jones, you're doing sleep over's already, huh?" Vern joked awkwardly.

Casey eyed him, "There wasn't much sleeping." He mumbled under his breath.

"Cut it out." April warned through her smile and then gave him a peck on the lips, "You and the turtles stay out of trouble, okay."

"It's daylight. Nothing to worry about, toots. You stay outta trouble." He joked.

"Don't worry, Jones. I'll keep my eyes on her-uh I'll keep a firm hand on her- I mean on the situation. I'll keep her outta trouble." Vern finished awkwardly.

Casey nodded once, "Thanks."

"Bye, babe." April started walking to the van and Casey grabbed her arm and kissed her deeply. A little too much for a sidewalk goodbye kiss. He cracked his eye open to make sure Vern was paying attention. Casey dipped her for a little extra effect and pulled away.

"I'll see you after work." Casey said and an unsteady April walked to the van.