Chapter 11
Archer
The final whistle blows, and the roar of the crowd hits me like a tidal wave.
My chest is pounding, sweat stings my eyes, but I’m grinning ear to ear.
All around me my teammates are celebrating.
They’re smacking each other’s helmets and patting each other on the back.
I lock eyes with Coach, and he gives me a nod that says, ‘You earned this.’ I feel like this is the best I’ve played in a long time.
All the additional work I’ve been putting in has shown.
The mental game is just as important as the physical and I’m thrilled all my work with Dr. Mondary has paid off.
Basking in the triumphant feeling I look around at the stands.
We are at max capacity in The Den and the atmosphere was incredible.
Ellie was, no, is here. Her photo before the game was the last thing I saw before I ran through the tunnel.
Seeing her in my jersey stirred some primal possessive part of me awake and it was the final push I needed in that winning drive.
Coach snaps me out of my thoughts and motions for me to head to the post-game press conference. Following him I make my way to the media room. I step up to the podium. Reporters’ voices blend into a low hum, and I focus on the first mic pointed at me.
“Archer, incredible performance tonight. What was going through your mind?”
I take a breath, replaying the moments in my head. “Honestly, it was all about staying calm and trusting my guys. We knew the Phantoms wouldn’t make it easy, so we stuck to the game plan, adjusted when we had to, and made plays when it counted.”
A reporter from the local paper jumps in, “That touchdown run was something else. Was that part of the plan or did you just improvise?”
I chuckle. “A little bit of both. I saw an opening and
took it.”
Another voice calls out, a voice I recognize immediately, Kirk Williams, “How does this win change the team’s outlook for the season?”
I’m honestly surprised that he asked a football related question.
I direct my attention to him, channeling the very animal on my jersey.
“It’s a huge confidence boost. We showed resilience, teamwork, and heart.
But there’s still a lot of football left to play, and we’re hungry for more.
” My smile is anything but friendly in his direction.
Questions keep coming and I continue to answer them, making sure I give every member of the team the credit they deserve. This win is big, and it’s exactly what the team needed to get our heads back in it after last week’s loss.
After the final question is answered I’m able to head to the locker room and shower. Once I’m showered and freed from sweat and grime, I check my phone.
I scroll through a barrage of notifications, various tags from Instagram, threads and X as well as texts from friends and family congratulating me on winning. I scan the messages until I find the one I want.
I pull up the message thread between Ellie and me.
The last picture I saw before I ran into the field was her in my jersey.
Damn she looks good in it. It’s followed by a picture I haven’t seen yet which is a picture of Ellie and Sadie celebrating.
They must have asked someone sitting next to them to take their picture.
Their arms around each other and their smiles light up their faces.
Ellie: Holy Shit! That touch down Archer! That was AWESOME! I’m so happy for you! You did amazing!
Elle’s text is followed by a gif of Kris Jenner with her iconic. “You’re doing great sweetie” line.
Archer: Thanks! And hey, thanks for coming today.
It was great knowing you were in the stands. I’m just bummed I didn’t get to see you.
I see the three little bubbles appear and then disappear. I gather the rest of my things from my locker and head to my truck. I feel my phone buzz, and I immediately pull it up.
Ellie: Well, you probably don’t know this but it’s absolutely a pain in the ass to get out of The Den after a game.
Sadie and I are just chilling in the parking lot with some of Sadie’s friends from college we ran into.
We’re waiting for the lot to clear before we leave.
Sadie and I drove separately, so I don’t have to wait around for her if it’s going to be a bit longer for you.
I text Ellie back telling her where to meet me.
As much as I love interacting with fans because honestly without their support I wouldn’t be where I’m at, I am exhausted and I just want to see Ellie.
I wait for her at the designated spot when I see her pull up in her SUV.
She rolls down her window and yells. “I heard this is where I can meet Tyson McCreary.” Her teasing smile lights up her whole face.
“He’s on the phone with his mama; it’s his post-game ritual. He’ll be preoccupied for the next hour. But I did hear the quarterback is available.” I walk over and lean on her car. Ellie pretends to think about it.
“I suppose I could spare a moment or two for the quarterback.” I hear her doors unlock and slide in next to her.
As soon as I’m seated, I capture her lips in a kiss.
For a split second I’m afraid I’ve ruined whatever we have until she kisses me, back melting into it.
My hands move to cup her face, and I angle to bring the kiss deeper.
It’s electric. My hands are itching to feel more of her to bring her closer, but I keep my hands on her face stroking her cheek with my thumb.
All too soon she’s pulling away a little breathless.
“That was, wow…” Her cheeks are flushed. “Is there anything you’re not good at?”
“Singing. I am a terrible singer.” I grin.
My thumb is still stroking her cheek. “Oh, and telling the difference between a cheap and expensive bottle of wine.” That elicits a giggle from my girl.
The realization hits me in the gut. Ellie in a few short weeks has wiggled her way into my life and my heart.