Chapter Eighteen
Kinsley
Ipull into JJ’s driveway, dogs in tow. They seem to ride better in JJ’s truck, but that wasn’t an option this time around, so my backseat is full of fluffy blankets for their comfort. I don’t mind driving us back and forth, and besides, I want to see my boyfriend, so I’m here.
I’d stayed the night after last week’s game, but then JJ brought me home the next day.
It was his ‘day to relax’ as he put it, even though he had game tape to review and a meeting he had to attend.
His schedule is intense, I’m learning, and it’s understandable why he’d want me at his place.
I know he said he doesn’t mind driving down to see me every chance he gets, but I literally work from home.
I can come and go, where he’ll be exhausted making the drive back and forth.
Anyway, it’s been a week since I’ve seen him.
I’m not going to lie; the time felt more like a month away from each other.
Sure, we’ve talked on the phone and I spent the majority of my days working on my business or talking with his PR manager, Parker, but I still thought about him twenty-four-seven.
The man leaves one heck of a lasting impression, and I can’t wait to be wrapped in his arms again.
His mom even texted me, which I wasn’t expecting.
We got along so well at the game that it was difficult to feel uncomfortable around her.
She was warm and welcoming, and reminded me so much of JJ’s calm presence.
I understand why he wanted me to meet her, and now I’m excited to see her the next time.
She’s already asking me about Thanksgiving, and while I think it’s a bit soon, I appreciate how she’s already planning for me to be a part of their plans.
By that time, however, I’m going to have to get my boys up here so they can meet JJ.
I let myself in with the code he gave me, and Jingle and Bells take off running through the house looking for Dude.
A beat later, a few excited barks ring out, then Dude is rushing for me, tongue hanging.
I swear these three dogs look like they’re smiling, and it’s adorable as they play together and run around.
“Hey, buddy! Were you a good boy this week for your dog sitter?” JJ told me how he has someone watch him when he has to go out of town, the same way he has someone help manage his garden since it’s so large and he has to train a lot.
I love all over Dude, hugging and giving him gentle scratches in case he didn’t get many from his sitter.
He eventually runs off with the other two to lounge in the living area.
I wash my hands and then duck back into the enormous garage to collect my things. I can’t help but stare longingly at the Lambo, whispering how beautiful she is to myself. Someday I’m going to work up the nerve to drive it.
I place my overnight bag in JJ’s room and the dog’s tub of food in the fridge.
Yes, I’m one of those crazy people who makes her own dog food.
The processed kibble you can readily buy is not nearly as good as homemade, in my opinion.
My eyes go wide as I take in all the food filling the fridge.
JJ has his meals prepped in advance, so all the stuff filling the shelves is a shock compared to the last time I was here.
There’s Dr. Pepper, sweet tea, a fresh Margarita pizza ready to be baked, salad, and everything else I like.
I bet the pantry is the same way, too. He’s been paying close attention, I realize as I take in each item.
No one has ever done this for me before, and I get a little choked up at the realization.
“This man,” I whisper to myself in awe. He thinks of everything.
JJ: Almost there. I’ve missed you.
I can tell, and it makes me feel ridiculously special.
I quickly preheat the oven, because I know he’ll eat one slice and then salad.
He’ll be starving most likely. While he was gone, we talked about his traveling and what all went into it.
I was shocked to learn they aren’t allowed to even step foot into the hotel bar or any other bar around, and they aren’t allowed to order any room service.
They have a traveling chef whose job is to specifically work with whatever hotel they’re at and prepare a specific nutrient-dense diet.
I get it, their bodies need to be in top shape, but what if they get hungry in the middle of the night and want a parfait or something?
JJ thought it was funny I was suddenly worried about his teammates and told him they need to pack snacks with their luggage, but can you blame me? I’ve been a mom for a long time, and snacks were part of my job description. Plus, it’s just weird to tell a grown man he’s not allowed to eat.
I root around the kitchen a bit, checking various cabinets until I find a stainless-steel pizza sheet. I’m carefully placing the pizza on it when I hear the door leading to the garage chime, indicating he’s home.
Home?
I haven’t been here long enough to think that way, but I already feel comfortable here.
JJ rounds the corner, looking exhausted but every bit as gorgeous as well.
The moment our eyes meet, a wide smile lights up his face.
“Baby,” the endearment leaves him on a breath, making me feel like I’m the most important person in the world to him. How does he always manage to do that?
“Hey, handsome. I missed you too,” I admit, then he’s moving for me. His arms wrap tightly around me, his lips meeting mine, then he’s lifting me off my feet to spin me. A laugh escapes as I tilt my head back to meet his gaze, and he sets me down, popping a gentle kiss on my forehead.
He’s the sweetest man ever.
“I’m starving,” he says, his stomach growling as he does. We both laugh, and I move for the fridge, pulling out the salad.
“This all looks amazing. You had groceries delivered?”
He nods. “I had time to kill on the plane, so I gave my housekeeper a list and then I asked my chef to make up some healthy options of food you like too.” The oven beeps, signaling it’s reached four-twenty-five, and JJ automatically puts the pizza in, then sets a timer for twelve minutes.
“Hm, that’s a lot of food in the fridge. Almost like you expect me to be here more than one night.”
He blushes, and it’s positively adorable on the big guy. “Yeah, uh, I was hoping you’d want to stay longer again.”
“I can stay another night.” I meet his hopeful gaze, wearing a smirk, and grab the homemade ranch out of the fridge.
I brought extra clothes just in case, since I ended up staying over longer the last time I was here.
“I don’t want to wear out my welcome, though, if you need space, tell me.
I don’t ever want you to feel like I’m stretching you too thin.
” That would seriously suck. The last thing I want is to create stress for him after how amazing he’s been to me.
In the next beat, I’m wrapped in his arms again. “Hey,” he says quietly, staring deep into my eyes. “I want you here. All the time. It was hell not having you at my game this week. I couldn’t concentrate when all I wanted to do was be able to look up and see you in the box, cheering me on.”
“I’m sorry. I know you offered to pay for the ticket and stuff for me to go cheer you on, but I really don’t like to fly anywhere. It freaks me out so badly, we’re talking panic attacks before I step on the plane. Besides, I don’t enjoy traveling alone. Plus, I have Jingle and Bells.”
“I know, Kinsley. I get it, I respect your feelings, but I also want you to have another option in case you decide one day you do want to be at another game, it can happen.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, confused. How could I get to one of his games when they’re all over the country? I’d have to start driving like two days in advance.
“I’ve discussed it with my dog sitter; she’s one of my teammates’ sisters. Anyway, she said she loves Dobermans and would be more than happy to stay with all of our dogs here anytime we want her to. She’d stay at the house with them the entire time so they’d never be alone.”
“Aw, so nice of her. It’s hard to find people like that to trust.”
He nods, continuing, “I spoke to the team’s doctor.
I told him what you said, how your doctors have never helped you with your fear of flying and heights.
I explained what you said about how they’ve told you to take Benadryl and never took you seriously.
He was appalled and wrote you a script for a fast-acting anxiety tablet you can take right before you fly. ”
“Oh my God, seriously?” I nearly tear up. I’ve been asking for years for help so I could finally fly again, and I have gotten nowhere. This is amazing news, and I need to thank his team’s doctor.
He nods. “As for traveling alone, a few players charter a plane so their spouses can travel to games. It helps so they don’t have to worry about their safety, and the wives don’t get badgered by overzealous fans.
My teammates said their women would love to have you with them.
They all want to meet you already, and talk about your books. ”
My teeth sink into my lip as I process everything he’s told me.
I was literally thinking about how thoughtful he is moments before, and now I hear all of this, too.
How did I ever get so lucky to meet this amazing human, and in a lumber store of all places?
My sexy, non-mountain-mountain man. “I love you, JJ.”
His lips tip into a grin, “I love you too, sweetheart.”
I shake my head. “No, you don’t understand.
No one has ever taken care of me the way you do.
I-I don’t know how to act, what to think, or respond.
I just hope you never think I’m taking advantage in any way or that I’m ungrateful.
You’re unlike any man I’ve ever met before, and I’m scared to wake up and it not be real life.
People like you don’t exist in real life. ”
He kisses me, lightly resting his forehead to mine.
“It’s all real, Kinsley, trust me. You make me want to do all these things for you, to make sure I’m better than all the rest, and you’re happy.
I don’t think you understand how much I truly care about you.
I’m so in love with you, I can’t think straight.
Now that we’re discussing our affections for each other and you feel this way…
What would you think if we brought your RV here? ”
My brows furrow as I back away a bit. “Here? Like to Dallas?”
“No, baby. Bring your RV here, beside the house. Maybe when we have some off time, we can take it on trips? Like, down to the coast? I’ll have a structure built, we can park the RV under to help protect it from the elements.”
“Wait a second. Are you saying you want me to stay on your property?”
“I want you to make this house into our home. I didn’t like the past week being away from you.
Then, being in another state entirely, it drove me crazy.
I feel like I’ve waited my entire life for you, and now you’re finally here.
I don’t want to waste time with you, Kinsley.
Ever. I understand marriage may not be your thing, at least not right now, but I don’t want to be apart from you like we were this last week, ever again. ”
“Damn, you really went there, hm? But I have kids, I’m older than you, and there’s other stuff. I don’t want to have children, and you’re young, surely you must want to have them?”
His expression turns serious. “First of all, age has nothing to do with this; I don’t even think about that.
I like the fact that you already have kids; it shows me you know what you’re doing because I have absolutely no idea.
As for getting pregnant, I would never pressure you to do that.
I respect how you have a successful career, and it would take a lot out of you.
The pressure it puts on a woman is insane… but, would you ever consider adoption?”
My head tilts as I take him in. Really study him and realize he’s completely serious about this. About all of it. After a few moments, I nod, “Yes, I’d consider adoption with you. I’d love that for us, maybe, when the time is right. I’d be okay without it, too, though. Would you?”
He nods. “I want to spend my life with you. The other details are things we can work out when we’re ready for them. Right now, making sure we’re together more and you’re truly happy are the main things I’m worried about.”
I reach up, smoothing his brow. “I don’t want you worrying about anything. I’ll see if one of my boys wants to stay at my place, and if not, then we’ll bring my RV here.”
His face brightens, and then he has me up in the air again, pressing a million kisses all over my face, making me giggle. We’re interrupted by the oven timer beeping, and then he’s carefully placing me back on my feet. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”
I wink, “I do what I can,” I tease, making him laugh. He smacks my butt, and I can’t help but wonder what life is this? I thought mine was essentially over. I was sad, angry, bitter, and settling where men were concerned, and now I feel like I’m living my very own happily ever after.
We take turns fixing our plates, mine with two pieces of pizza, and JJ’s with a heaping pile of salad and one slice. I was right, and I smile to myself, knowing I’m already learning these little things about him.
“You’re kind of a big deal, so I’m going to need you to work off that pizza a little later after our food’s settled.”
I’m met with his booming laugh as he takes a bite. He chews, nodding excitedly. “You can count on it. I plan to make sure you know how much I’ve missed you, a few times.”
“Promises, promises,” I tease, and he smirks my way while hitting the button so the TV turns on. He toggles it to Pandora and turns some music on. “Oh, I like this,” I comment as he sets his food down.
“Come on, beautiful?”
“Wait, what? Where are we going?”
“Nowhere, I just want to dance with my woman and hold her close.”
“Christ, hotpants, you’re really making this hard on me to act all cool and calm around you. Bad enough you’ve already proven you have a big dick and know how to use it.”
He chuckles, pulling me back into his arms. He holds me close enough that our bodies can only move together, swaying to the romantic lyrics singing about being in love. I have a feeling this is what life with JJ will be like.
Always moving together, as one, loving, laughing, and living a life of happiness.