Chapter 34
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Ivy
It’s been just under a week since Wyatt left for Phoenix, and saying goodbye was harder than I ever expected. We’ve talked every day, usually more than once, but I still miss him like crazy.
It’s late Friday morning, and I’m just wrapping up an open house for a new client. Wyatt thinks the showing is tomorrow, which is why I told him I couldn’t make it up this weekend. But the truth is, I’m surprising him. As soon as I’m done here, I’m hitting the road.
The team’s holding nine open practices ahead of their first pre-season game, and thanks to Ash slipping me Ronnie’s number, I scored a seat in one of the best sections in the stadium for this afternoon.
He probably won’t spot me in the crowd, but I can’t wait to watch him train.
I’ve still got his spare key, and if everything goes to plan, I’ll be back at his place before he is.
I can already picture the look on his face.
Once the last of the prospective buyers leave, I quickly change clothes, lock up, and toss everything into the trunk of my car.
I packed an overnight bag this morning, so I’m all set.
The training session starts at two, which gives me about two and a half hours to get there, assuming traffic’s on my side.
A flutter of nervous excitement swirls in my stomach as I pull into the stadium parking lot with fifteen minutes to spare.
After circling twice, I finally find a spot and kill the engine.
Crowds of people stream past my car, heading toward the entrance.
I steal a glance in the mirror, then climb out and smooth my hands down the jersey Wyatt gave me.
It’s a little big, but I’ve tied it at the back and paired it with jean shorts to make it work.
Glancing around, I notice I’m not the only one wearing his number, not that I expected to be.
Blending into the crowd, I follow the flow toward the entrance, pulling up my ticket on my phone as I go.
Once I’m inside, I follow the signs toward my section. The energy in the stadium is electric, and this is just a practice. I can’t even imagine what a real game must feel like.
When I reach my seat, I silently thank Ronnie. The view is incredible, front and center with a perfect line of sight to the field. The seats around me quickly fill, and just minutes later, the players begin running out onto the turf.
I sit up straighter, scanning for Wyatt. My heart skips when I spot him, helmet tucked under one arm, his stride confident and easy. He looks ridiculously sexy in his gear, and my eyes linger on his perfect ass for a second longer than necessary.
The crowd erupts with cheers as more players join him on the field, waving and soaking in the atmosphere.
For the next hour and a half, my eyes barely leave Wyatt.
I don’t totally understand all the drills.
He never did show me any of his old game footage, but watching him out there now, I realize just how insanely fit he is.
The whole team is in constant motion, barely pausing except for the occasional water break.
Meanwhile, I get winded vacuuming the stairs.
When practice ends, I keep my focus on Wyatt as the team heads off the field. A tiny part of me hopes he’ll spot me in the crowd, but with thousands of people here and no reason to expect me, it’s a long shot. Besides, I really want to surprise him back at his apartment.
Only now does it hit me that he might be going out with the team after practice. I hope not. I’ve been looking forward to this all week.
It takes longer than I expected to make it out of the stadium and through the packed parking lot, but eventually, I’m on my way to Wyatt’s place, my heart racing with anticipation.
I park a little down the street so Wyatt won’t spot my car, then grab my purse and overnight bag before making my way to the front entrance.
Fred’s on duty behind the concierge desk, and I flash him a warm smile when I walk in.
“Hey, Fred,” I say, giving him a quick wave. “If Wyatt comes through here, you haven’t seen me. I’m trying to surprise him.”
He winks. “Discretion is my specialty.”
I grin. “You’re the best. Thanks!”
Heart fluttering, I head straight for the elevator and press the button. I briefly consider the stairs, but I’ve already had enough cardio today dodging fans and stadium traffic. When the elevator doors open, I hesitate for a beat before stepping in.
I press the button for his floor and close my eyes, picturing Wyatt’s arms around me. The thought makes the ride bearable, my eyes opening as the soft chime sounds, announcing I’ve arrived on Wyatt’s floor.
As soon as the door opens, I rush out of the car and dig in my purse for the key. Unlocking the door, I breathe a sigh of relief when I’m met with silence. I’ve beaten Wyatt home.
Now to wait for him to get here.
Wyatt
“Hey, man, we’re heading out for food,” T.J., one of the running backs, calls out as I step out of the shower, a towel slung low on my hips. “You coming?”
I shake my head. “Appreciate it, but I’m gonna head home. Need to call my girl.”
That’s all it takes.
“Aww, Brookes is whipped!” Jayden shouts, grinning as he slaps T.J. on the chest.
“He said he needs to call his girl, like he’s been married ten years,” Marcus calls from across the locker room.
“Leave him alone,” T.J. says, laughing. “Let him go and whisper sweet nothings to her.”
I roll my eyes, chuckling as I dry off and grab my clothes. “You guys just wish you had someone worth missing dinner for.”
That earns a few cheers and some fake offended gasps.
“She better be making it worth your while,” Jayden shouts as I grab my bag and head for the door.
“Oh, she is,” I say as I walk out, not looking back.
And she really is.
I’ve missed her so much this week. I knew it would be hard, but she’s been on my mind constantly.
I hate that she can’t make it this weekend, and with back-to-back training on Saturday and Sunday, there’s no way I can get to Hope Creek.
I get that she has work, but knowing that doesn’t make missing her any easier.
As I pull out of the underground garage and head home, I think about calling her, just to hear her voice, but decide to wait. I want to see her face, not just hear her.
The drive is quick, and fifteen minutes later, I’m in the elevator, riding up to my floor.
When I reach my apartment, I unlock the door and walk in, dropping my bag on the floor in the entryway. Kicking the door closed behind me, I look up and freeze.
She’s here.
I blink, not trusting my eyes, but she’s here, standing in the living room wearing my jersey and the biggest smile on her face.
For a second, I can’t speak, and I swear my heart’s going to beat right out of my chest.
“Ivy.” Her name leaves my lips on a whisper.
She takes a step toward me. “Surprise.”
“Jesus,” I mutter, crossing the space between us in three strides. I grab her, lifting her clean off the floor as I crush her against me. Her laughter is muffled against my neck as I breathe her in. “I missed you,” I mumble. “So damn much.”
“I missed you too,” she whispers, winding her arms around my neck.
I slowly lower her to the ground but don’t loosen my grip. “I can’t believe you’re here.” I press a soft kiss to her lips. “I thought you had to work?”
She smiles. “My open house was this morning. I wanted to surprise you.”
I grin. “Best surprise ever.”
I kiss her again, slower this time, and when she melts into it, I brush my tongue against hers, drawing a quiet moan from her. The kiss deepens, and I hold her tighter, loving having her in my arms again. When we finally break apart, I rest my forehead against hers as we catch our breath.
“Thank you for coming,” I say. “I wasn’t sure I’d make it through the weekend without seeing you.”
“Me either,” she says, her voice just as quiet.
I pull back enough to meet her eyes. “How long have you been here?”
“About ten minutes,” she says, then grins. “You looked really hot in your kit, by the way.”
I blink, confused for a second. “My kit…” The pieces fall into place. “Wait… were you at the training session?”
She nods, her eyes sparkling. “You were amazing, Wyatt. I can’t wait to see you in an actual game.”
“Where were you sitting? Were you close to the field? I can’t believe I didn’t see you.”
Laughing, she pulls her phone from her back pocket, taps the screen, and holds it out to me.
I read the seat details and let out a low whistle. “Wow. I must’ve walked right past you.”
“You did. Ronnie sorted me out with a great seat.”
I shake my head, smiling. “So, this was all part of the plan?”
“Yep. It nearly killed me not to tell you.”
I take her hand and lead her to the sofa. Once I sit, I pull her into my lap, holding her close.
“You can come and watch me in the family section tomorrow if you want.”
She grins. “Of course I want to.”
“Good. How long do I get to keep you for?” I ask, nuzzling her neck.
“Until Monday,” she breathes, her hands clutching at my shirt.
I grin. “Three nights. Maybe I’ll actually sleep now that you’re here.”
She shifts to look at me, her brow furrowed. “You haven’t been sleeping?”
I hold her gaze. “I miss you. I sleep better when I’m next to you.”
She sighs. “Yeah. Me too.”
I sit with her curled in my lap, the silence between us saying more than words ever could. It’s quiet, but comfortable, like something inside me has finally settled just by having her here.
“What do you want to do tonight, baby? We could go out for dinner,” I ask, lacing my fingers through hers.
She hesitates, biting her lower lip. “Can we stay in? Just the two of us?” A blush colors her cheeks. “I don’t want to share you yet. Maybe dinner out tomorrow?”
I smile, her words landing somewhere deep in my chest. I don’t want to share her either.
“Staying in sounds perfect. There’s a great Italian place that delivers.”
“I love Italian.”
I press a slow kiss to her lips. “Good. Me too.”
She glances down at herself. “Mind if I get changed?”
My gaze lingers for a beat. “Only if you’re swapping into another one of my jerseys. You look insanely hot.”
She laughs, the sound tugging a grin from me. “I might’ve packed one to sleep in.”
I lean in, brushing my mouth against hers again. “Then you’ better wear it now, baby, because you’re not sleeping in anything later.”
She grins up at me. “Is that a promise?”
I lean closer. “Absolutely.”
We rise from the sofa, our fingers still intertwined.
Neither of us makes a move to let go. I can feel it in her grip; she doesn’t want to be apart any more than I do.
So, we stay close, walking side by side toward the bedroom like letting go might make all this disappear.
Even though I know for sure I’m never letting her go.