Chapter Seventeen
JJ
The game goes by in a blur, and before I know it, we’re lining up for the last play of the night. The time clock shows nineteen seconds, which gives me enough time to make one, maybe two plays if we call a timeout immediately.
“Here he is. Thinks he has the biggest dick on the field,” One of the defensive linemen on the opposing team taunts me, and after a grueling game, my patience has worn thin for any nonsense.
I typically don’t respond to the shit talking my teammates partake in, but I find myself replying, “How about you open your mouth and we’ll find out?” I say it loud enough, half the line is laughing, including a few of his teammates.
“You-” he begins to respond, but I give him no time, taking advantage of his distraction to give the signal to my team.
“Forty-Two-Drop!” I yell suddenly, and the ball is instantly hiked, as the o-line clashes with the other team to keep them out of my pocket.
My body shifts, one step, two, three, four, five, as I scan the field and watch as the play is in motion.
I find each of my receivers drowning in coverage, and with every breath I take, I know I’m losing precious time to make something happen.
I release a sigh of relief the moment I notice our tight end, Colby Johnson, open.
He’s a beast of a player, and I don’t hesitate to lock in on him and send the ball spiraling in his direction.
Once it’s out of my hands, all I can do is step out of the way and watch how it all plays out.
My fists clench as I move to the right to get a better look.
The teams are fighting against one another tonight with a brutality that everyone off the field is sure to notice.
My throw’s a little high, but it’s on purpose, so it doesn’t get picked off en route.
Colby jumps, catches the ball one-handed, and takes off, tearing down the field.
I jerk my arm in triumph for no pass interference and an open slot for him to pivot through.
It’s exactly what we need at this point in the game.
Dawson breaks free from his coverage and takes off toward Colby.
His speed puts him beside our teammate in seconds, and then he’s acting as guard.
He stiff-arms the closest guy coming for them, then goes to the ground as he takes a tackle in Colby’s place.
It’s all in the name of getting more yards on the field and one step closer to the endzone.
I’m holding my breath, watching each step Colby takes, knowing the fans are right there with me, doing the same.
The silence in the stadium is palpable as we all silently pray he makes it down the field.
He’s too far away for me to tell, but when the ref holds both hands straight up, signaling a touchdown, the stadium goes wild.
Thank God I don’t have to try and throw in this; it’s so loud right now I can barely think.
I laugh to myself, and then I’m surrounded as we jump around, hugging and celebrating.
We won by three points. The fact that it’s in front of Kinsley makes it all the sweeter.
Next week, we may not be so lucky, as we're going up against the Nashville Fire. They have the leading defense in the league right now, and I’ll most likely take some serious hits.
I’m not looking forward to that part of the game, but it’s my job, and all I can do is try to prepare between now and then.
“Hey, bro. Great job tonight,” I tell Rob Smith, the opposing quarterback, as soon as he’s close enough on the field to hear me.
“Thanks, man, you too, seriously,” he replies, and we shake hands, then I’m hurrying to our tunnel. I usually take a bit longer out on the field, but not today, not when I have my gorgeous woman here who will be waiting on me.
The locker room is loud with my teammates celebrating, and since it’s a win, Coach lets us enjoy the moment without a lecture.
I hurry to the showers, knowing I have to speak to the press, and I don’t want my woman thinking I’m gross.
I manage to catch a few of them on my way out, congratulating and thanking them on a job well done.
Colby gets one of the game balls tonight, and I’m glad; it’s well deserved. I tell him as much on my way out of the locker room door, only to find Kinsley propped against the hall, head tilted down as she scans her phone.
“Hey, baby,” I greet, and when her head lifts, a bright smile tilts her lips.
She’s stunning. I’m surprised she got all dolled up for my game, but I’m also honored she felt it was important enough for her to do so.
“So gorgeous, damn, woman,” I mutter, bending and pressing my lips to hers the moment I’m close enough.
Once we part, I’m lifting her in my arms, making her giggle and squeal for me to put her down.
I’m too excited, though, and do a little spin before finally giving in.
“Great job, today! I’m so proud of you!” She’s staring at me like I hung the moon, and I want to do whatever it takes to keep the look there.
Parker comes strolling into the hall, interrupting, “JJ, the press is waiting on you. Coach is already in there.”
I nod, “This is Kinsley.” I introduce and watch as her eyes light up for an entirely different reason.
“Kinsley, it’s nice to finally meet the woman behind all the stories. I’d really like to get you on our side over here, making statements through us. It’d help JJ and the team out.”
I roll my eyes, mentioning, “This is Parker, she’s the team’s PR manager.”
Kinsley offers her a kind smile, “Nice to meet you, Parker. I’m good with whatever you need, I’d love to help JJ, however I can.”
“You would?” Parker and I ask at the same time. I’m stunned she’d be willing to go public when I’d just hidden her from the media days before.
She nods, squeezing my hand. It’s sort of become our thing, our way of silently communicating and showing each other support. “Of course, what do you want me to do?”
Parker interrupts, “JJ is about to go in with the press. If he could introduce you and make a public statement that you two are together, it would place a great light on him. The fact that you’re wearing our team gear also helps. If anyone asks where you got it, maybe mention our pro shop?”
Kinsley laughs, nodding, “No problem, and I’d be cool with him introducing me as his…”
“Girlfriend,” I supply, ecstatic over her being okay with us putting a label on things to the public.
I want the entire world to know she’s all mine.
“And make sure she gets her own promo code so she gets the royalties that go along with plugging the pro shop. My woman is a famous author, Parker, so she’ll have her fans supporting her as well as the team’s. ”
Parker's brows shoot up, “An author? So cool. I’ll text the shop tech lady and get her promo link added to the website ASAP. You two, this way,” she bosses, leading the way to our press room.
“Dwayne,” I nod to the same security guy who works the door after every home game.
“Great game, QB, and who’s this?” he gestures to the woman tucked under my arm.
“Thanks, man. My woman, Kinsley Bradford. Kinsley, this big guy is Dwayne, he’ll be here every time I do press, just in case you need something.”
She smiles, offering him a small wave, and says hello.
He opens the door for the three of us, and Parker follows me and Kinsley inside.
I keep my arm firmly wrapped around my woman until she’s in the spot off to the side where Parker wants her to wait.
We have everyone’s attention, or I should say, Kinsley has their attention, so Coach wraps his spiel up immediately. He nods my way as I take the podium.
I can read the anxiety in Kinsley’s eyes as she waits for me to bring her up right away, and I hate that she feels nervous about any of this.
I’m used to it, so it’s merely another day at work for me.
“How about that win?” I ask the room and am met with various congratulations from the reporters.
Hands shoot up, and I pick the closest one, “Brad.”
He momentarily glances in Kinsley’s direction before saying, “Brad Willmington with the New York Bulletin newspaper, JJ, any special reason why you feel you played so well tonight? You only had two incompletes for the entire game. Do you feel you’re now in your prime?”
Before, it was all about whether I was retiring and if I was saving women in my off time.
It’s crazy how quickly the tune changes when we win a football game.
“I’d say I had a little extra motivation tonight to want to do well.
Am I in my prime? It certainly feels like it right now, as for the completion rate, I owe the credit to my receivers for breaking away and finding a way to follow through on our plays. ”
I glance around the room, picking up on the female near the back in another power suit. I swear the woman has a better tailor than I do. “Joanna?” “
“Yes, Joanna McKnight for Sports Media BS. We noticed you had a special person in the box tonight, cheering you on. Care to elaborate?”
“My mom is a special lady, Joanna. You’re correct,” I reply with a grin. Everyone in the room speaks at once, eager to dig and get me to admit who else was in that box, sitting beside my mother. I find a new face in the mix and call on her, “Ma’am?”
“Thanks, QB. I’m Melissa Frantz with FBX. How’s it feel to win your season opener on primetime? Should we be expecting this level of competitiveness from you for the rest of the season? Also, our camera crew picked up a comment on the field with you telling a player to open his mouth and-”
I hold up my hand, cutting her off. The public doesn’t need to know I basically told a member of the opposing team to suck my dick; it’d seriously piss Parker off, and she’d be able to rope me into countless media tasks because of it. “FBX, huh? Congratulations on taking Mike’s place.”
She must be one hell of a reporter to get his spot for our broadcasting service.
FBX is big time, and she’s in the box, Mike nowhere to be seen, so he must’ve messed up big time.
I continue, “I’m pleased with the win. Yes, you can expect us to play with a similar level of intensity this season like never before. We’re motivated to win.”
I turn my attention to Kinsley, knowing this is as good a time as any to introduce her.
Then we’ll be able to cut out of here and go home.
I’m exhausted and want to cuddle my woman.
“Now, I’d like to introduce you all to someone very important in my life.
We decided tonight would be a good surprise rather than a separate media announcement. ” I wave Kinsley forward, “Kinsley?”
Wearing a nervous smile, she walks next to Parker to the edge of the podium, and then I’m holding my hand out to her. She places her fingers in mine and allows me to help her up. “Everyone, meet my girlfriend, Kinsley Bradford. I’m honored she was here today to watch and help cheer the team on.”
Kinsley steps forward as someone calls out, asking what she thought of the game.
She leans toward the mic, but she doesn’t need to be as close, so I tug her back a step.
I don’t want her voice to come out too loud and scare her.
“Hi everyone, thanks for the welcome. I loved the game, getting to watch JJ do what he does best, well, it was beyond words.” She flashes me a tender look, making my heart beat double time for her.
Joanna speaks up again, “Should we call her your good luck charm, since you played like your arm was on fire and won the season opener? Is she the same woman you rescued from the store?”
Kinsley speaks before I have a chance, “Yes, he helped me at the lumber store. He is truly a great guy on and off the field. As for good luck, that was all his talent and the team’s hard work. I’m honored you’d lump me in with them, but it’s these men working hard to hone their craft.”
Parker’s mouth is hanging open, and I can’t blame her. I think we’re both stunned that my woman appears to need no media training and is answering these questions like a pro. If my teammates watch this, they’re going to love her even more, same with Coach.
“Are you two planning on getting married?” is thrown out next, and it’s my turn to speak up.
“I would love to marry Kinsley someday if she’ll do me the honor.
However, right now we’re focusing on taking things day by day, without any pressure beyond me making sure she’s happy every day she’s with me.
I will say this, though: she’s the love of my life and my forever.
This QB is officially off the market, and I couldn’t be happier to have such a brilliant, beautiful woman by my side.
Thanks everyone, that’s all for now, have a good night. ”
We’re walking away before Kinsley jumps back in front of the microphone, saying, “Oh! By the way, I love him too, and don’t forget to check out the team’s pro shop, where you can get your team merch.
JJ got me the shirt and hat from there, and I love them.
Expect to see me in several of their pieces in the future. ”
Parker is positively beaming, flashing us with two thumbs up. I can’t help but chuckle as I pass her, hurrying my woman out of the room so we can go home. “I think you just became Parker’s favorite person.”
She beams, “As long as I’m your favorite person, too.”
“Abso-fucking-lutely,” I press a kiss on her lips and toss her over my shoulder, running for my truck.
She laughs and yells, slapping my butt. My teammates cheer as we pass them, and so help me, I’m happy to the point it feels like I’m floating.
I love this woman with every beat of my heart.