November 21st
A lusty blur.
Ainsley
“Hey, Champ,” Damon says when I answer his request to video chat.
I let out a dreamy sigh the second I see his handsome face. Because how did I get so lucky to have such an adorable boy fall in love with me? He’s so sweet and confident. Family and friendships are incredibly important to him. And he’s so driven to perfect the game that he loves.
“You look sexy,” I tell him, doing a little whistle at his shirtless torso, mussed hair, and the little blond scruff on his face. And that smile? I swear it lights up my world.
The baby has been quiet, but the second it hears Damon’s voice, it perks up. Like the baby has some innate pull toward the amazing man who helped create it.
“It would be sexier if you were here with me.”
“That I know,” I say with a grin. “But me finding a job is pretty important. And I’m starting to get nervous I’m not going to find one.
I’ve submitted over a hundred résumés over the last month, and it’s like they all just went into some kind of vortex and disappeared from the face of the earth.
Seriously, only about ten percent have even acknowledged the fact that I applied.
I have excellent references and grades. What is even more incredible is that after I flunked a semester during my freshman year, I’ll be graduating with honors. ”
“Don’t stress,” he says. “You do have a fallback plan.”
“No, I don’t,” I say, looking confused.
“Yeah, you do. I can support you. Actually, I’d prefer that was the plan, not the backup.”
I laugh. “Because we know that Damon Diamond doesn’t do backup.”
“Damn straight,” he says with a grin. “But seriously, we have a free place to stay and could live very comfortably on my NIL money until I get drafted. Like Chase and Dani.”
“Dani has career dreams of her own. Big ones. Like I do. I also worked hard to get my degree, and I want to be able to support myself.” And my baby—well, our baby.
“And I appreciate that,” he says. “So, how did the fair go?”
“I had three prescheduled interviews and gave résumés to five other places, so hopefully, someone will want to talk with me further.”
“I’m sure they will,” he says. “Are any of the jobs anywhere near Lincoln?”
“A couple are work from home.”
“And if you got one of those, would you come here?”
“Hmm, you might have to talk me into it,” I tease.
“Oh, well, in that case, Miss Archibald, I should mention that a job in Lincoln would offer some very special perks.” He raises his eyebrows and grins.
“And what kind of perks are we talking about?” I know exactly what he’s thinking, but I want to hear him say it.
He stands up, revealing the rest of himself.
“Damon! Have you been sitting there naked this whole time?” I screech-laugh.
“Just got out of the shower. Making sure I’m thoroughly dry before putting on my suit for the walk to the stadium.”
“Now I really wish I were there,” I say. “You’re so beautiful.”
“Are you referring to me or him?” he says, pointing downward.
I put my hand up to cover my eyes. “I wasn’t prepared to see that. But I like it. And I’d say both.”
“Excellent,” he says. “Now for the most important question of the day. Are you going to be reading while you’re watching my game?”
To this, I laugh. “I can’t believe I even told you that,” I say, remembering our time in the Ozarks. “You told me it was unacceptable.”
“I definitely remember. And if I recall, I told you that you could read, but that I’d be trying my best to get you to look up.”
“Well, whatever you’re doing is working. You’ve been winning a lot of games.”
“Does that mean you’re going to be cheering my name?” he teases.
“Pretty sure I already have. In more ways than one.”
“You have a naughty mind,” he tells me.
“Because you’re naked!”
“So, enough about me,” he says.
“No, wait. Are you going to win? Like, do you think you will?”
“We’re playing a worthy opponent.”
“Sammy says that Vegas predicts it’s going to be a close game, but you are expected to lose.”
“Whatever. We’re going to blow them away. By at least two touchdowns.”
“That would move you up in the rankings significantly, wouldn’t it?”
“It would put us into the top eight, which is what we need to make the playoffs—that or a conference championship. It’s been six years since we won one, so I think we’re about due. Of course, that was before they had me and Chase.”
“Here comes the cocky boy I know and love.”
“You love me?” he whispers.
“I do,” I tell him.
“Then I will do my best to make you look up.”
“I’ve been doing that all season, Damon. Actually, that isn’t true. I haven’t even thought about reading. It’s possible that you might have turned me into a diehard fan.”
“Good,” he says. “Because although I like having lots of fans, you’re the only one I need.”
“Then win for me today,” I tell him.
“That I can do.”
When he calls me after the game, he says, “Looks like I’m going to have to promise to win every game for you from now on.”
“You definitely shocked the announcers, but they quickly got on the bandwagon. And you, Damon, played spectacularly. That reception where you went up over the defender and caught it with one hand—actually, not even your hand. It was like your fingertips. They showed the replay of it four times!”
“Remember in the Ozarks, when we were working out?” he asks.
“I think watching you work out is kind of a lusty blur.” He laughs, but then I say, “I actually do remember. You told me you were lifting those colorful little dumbbells with just your fingertips for finger strength. That Chase needed it for throwing, you for catching. At the time, I thought it looked silly, but I’m sure glad you’ve been working out. Congrats on a great game.”