Chapter 33 Kieran
Kieran
The engine hummed in a soothing rhythm. Joanie’s head bobbed onto my shoulder, and I pulled her into my arms, letting her curl on my chest to sleep.
We’d teased each other in the airport about joining the mile-high club on this flight, but I wouldn’t wake her.
We could tick that off the list another time. Plane sex was overrated.
I stroked her soft hair lightly and felt the warm weight of her across my body.
Nothing beat this. I’d never thought I’d see a day where a woman falling asleep in my arms was preferable to a quickie, but it really was.
Seeing Joanie relaxed and peaceful on a plane—relaxed and peaceful with me—made my heart swell.
Once I’d smoothed things over with Mortimer, I’d get to introduce her to Mum and Jack.
They were going to love her gentleness and her quirky sense of humor.
A stream of cold air from the air-conditioning unit gave me a slight shiver.
Joanie stirred in my arms, and I gestured to a flight attendant to bring me a blanket for her.
I didn’t deserve her, but I’d fight to keep her.
Things would be different when we got home.
We’d have the media to deal with. A relationship between teammates would be news fodder.
I didn’t care who knew, but Joanie could do without the extra attention when she was already feeling the pressure of a return to the pitch.
We could keep it on the down-low until things settled for her.
I’d do whatever it took to protect her, whatever it took to hold on to her.
I lay my head back and let myself drift for a snooze with the woman I loved in my arms. A sense of peace and warmth washed over me. Definitely better than a quickie.
I kept my cap pulled low and avoided eye contact on my way through customs. Usually, I liked to dress sharp, but I’d kept things casual to avoid attention.
I collected our cases and Joanie dragged her small one on wheels behind her.
The bright airport lights caught her honey hair, painting it in golden tones.
She was dressed casually in dark leggings and a jade sweater that complemented her athletic frame.
God. She was so beautiful. We’d agreed to call each other when we were home and unpacked, but how was I going to cope not spending every second with her?
“Kieran! Over here!”
Jack stood with the crowd gathered at arrivals. He held up a cardboard sign that said Dickhead. I rolled my eyes. I’d told him I’d be fine in a taxi. Joanie was looking at the opposite side of the lounge. I locked eyes with Mortimer Fox and a cold feeling spread through my veins.
Joanie whispered under her breath, “You’ll call me tonight?”
“I promise.”
Tears bordered her eyes. I’d been dreading this part.
I wanted to pull her into my arms and hold her, but there could be paparazzi.
We couldn’t do it yet, but soon we’d have to go public.
I could feel Mortimer Fox’s eyes burning into me.
I didn’t want to hug Joanie in front of him anyway, not until we’d cleared things up.
“Well,” she said, adjusting her glasses and giving me an awkward grin, “I’ll see you.”
“You will. Very soon.”
My fingers itched to touch her, but I kept my arms pinned to my side.
“Goodbye, Joanie.”
“Adios, amigo.” Her smile trembled on her lips.
Mortimer was heading in our direction. His words rang in my head. My daughter deserves someone who will cherish her. She’s not for you. He was right. I didn’t deserve Joanie, but God, I ached to be that guy. With one last lingering look, I dragged myself away.