Chapter 30 #2
I can’t lose my temper again. That is exactly what they’re after. Once these guys smell blood, they’re hungry for more—wild beasts, greedy to claw into your jugular and feast on your misery.
I won’t jeopardize my legacy by becoming someone known to have a temper.
“Coach, can you give us some insight as to your relationship with Ian Weston? Surely there’s friction between you two. He’s with your daughter, and that changes the dynamic,” an arrogant journalist asks from the crowd.
“Ian is an incredible football player and a man I’m comfortable being friends with my daughter, who is an adult and can do as she pleases,” Coach says straightforwardly.
“You lost your temper for just a friend, Ian?” another one asks me.
If these assholes want to go that route, fine by me. “So, let me get this right. You would allow a drunk guy to insult and grope someone who matters to you when she told him no repeatedly?”
That shuts him up, and another one says, “What are you hoping for this season? Your gameplay has been up and down.”
That’s what they remember, my two lost games where my head wasn’t in it, while completely ignoring all the other wins. Fucking pricks.
“On the field, I always strive to give my best. But I’m also human, a fact everyone seems to like to forget. I struggle sometimes, just like everyone else. I love the game, the fans.”
“Do you think you can win another Super Bowl?”
“That’s the plan.”
They direct their next questions at the coaches. I am about to stand up when someone asks. “Will we see more of you and Miss Parker?”
“We’re friends,” I mumble. “So, yes, you will.”
I know they’re going to fucking hunt for every moment of us together. Just like that, my mood threatens to plummet.
Leaving the conference room, I pace around the break room as my coach enters. “You did well in there.”
“They’re fucking intrusive assholes.”
He clasps my shoulder. “Son, I know how you feel. It was one reason why I didn’t want Lilly with you. But it’s her choice. She’s a tough one, and she loves you.”
“She shouldn’t have to be their focus,” I blow out a breath of frustration. “I’m a football player. I know they always want a picture they can sell.”
His phone rings, and he departs.
Stewing in my troubles is not a solution, so I do some breathing exercises to calm down, then head to my car.
There are paparazzi posted in front of our apartment complex. They’re not even trying to hide. I ignore them because there’s nothing else I can do while I call Levi. I refuse to lose my shit in front of them.
“Hi, man,” I say while stabbing them with a hard stare. “I made it through the meeting with the owner relatively unscathed.”
“That’s good. But shouldn’t you be happier?”
“These paparazzi assholes are after Lilly…”
“There’s nothing you can do. Just ignore them.”
Easier said than done.
I want him to be the first one to know, so I blurt out, bursting with joy. “I’m with Lilly.”
“Like together?”
I hear the squeal of my sister. Apparently, I am not the only one with news.
“Wait, what the fuck?”
He chuckles. “Amelie heard you.”
I hear a shuffle of the phone, and my sister says, “I’m so happy for you. Can the four of us go together somewhere? That would be amazing.”
“I’ll talk to Lilly.”
She gives Levi the phone back, and he says, “I’m happy for you, man.”
A huge smile splits my face. “I’m happy for you too.”
We hang up, and I can’t wait to tell Lilly the good news. I don’t find her at our place, but at hers. She’s on the phone, surrounded by partially packed boxes.
Crouching behind her, I kiss her neck.
She giggles and says, “It will have to be after the season ends.” Whatever my sister says, she adds, “A ranch in the mountains. That sounds great.”
For a moment, emotions overwhelm me as I witness my woman talking to my sister, being friends, and making plans.
Life is good, and I will do everything in my power to keep it that way.
I gesture at the boxes, and she nods, fully engrossed in the conversation.
By the time I bring them all to my place, she finishes the call.
She jumps into my arms, holding on to me like a little monkey—my little monkey. “Hi, baby. I missed you.”
I am sure I will never tire of hearing that from her.
She slides off and says, “It’s not all… I mean…”
“All your stuff. Your sweet, round ass will move in completely,” I say, leaving no room for argument.
She frowns. “And the apartment?”
“Management can rent it to someone else.”
“Okay.” Tilting her head, she studies my face. “How did it go?”
“The usual, trying to get you to say shit they can misinterpret.” I huff. “They’re going to be on your tail. I’m sorry.”
She shrugs, unperturbed by the nuisance. “I’m a big girl. I can handle them.”
We bring the rest of her belongings to my place, and she unpacks a box, placing stuff next to mine in the closet. I like that; it feels more like us.
“I talked to your dad,” I inform her.
“And?” Her eyes widen into two curious orbs.
I scratch my neck. “I think in his own way, he is giving me a chance.”
“Good, because I won’t give you up ever again. I could give up everything, but not you.”
I kneel in front of her and take her hands in mine. “It’s the same for me.”
She nods, beaming, and we spend the rest of the afternoon unpacking her stuff.
When we go back to her apartment, she looks at the empty space. “I didn’t even live here for long. It never quite felt like mine.”
I tuck her to my side, kissing the top of her head. “Maybe because the one across from it was supposed to be yours.”
She leans into me, and when she locks the door, something else shifts into place. She’ll be staying with me. For good.
It is one of the essential steps toward where I want us to go.
I want it all with her, as corny as it might sound—her walking down the aisle to me, our house somewhere quaint and our kids playing.
“What are you thinking about?” she asks, looking up at me.
I sweep her up off her feet, twirling her around. “About the future.”
About the glorious future we’re going to have. I intend to give her a life that she falls in love with daily, just like with me.
“And what does it look like?” she asks breathlessly.
Placing her down, I bring my forehead to hers. “I’d rather show you, starting with today.”
She palms my chest. My heartbeat quickens at her touch, recognizing who owns it. “I knew it even then that you were it. But I ignored that small voice, thinking I was hearing things. My heart recognized you and it said that. I wish I had listened to my gut.”
Our eyes lock, just like our hearts.
My eyes will never perceive another woman.
My heart won’t ever allow another one in.
But her.
I am hers. Entirely hers.
“We were meant to be. Finding each other again proves that. Whatever it was, I’m thankful that I stepped out of the car and my feet carried me to you.”
Lifting on her toes, she crosses her arms over my neck. “It must have been destiny.”
“You’re my destiny,” I say, slamming my mouth onto hers in a long, passionate kiss.