“You’re three wins away from clinching the division title. How does that make you feel?”
I look around and form the politically correct answer in my head. “There’s a lot of games left to be played, Trinity. We have some strong opponents and we have to go out every week and play our best game.”
“A few weeks back, you sat out. At halftime, Coach Walter said your status was unknown. What kept you out of that pivotal game?”
Well, it wasn’t exactly pivotal if we’re three wins away from clinching the division title now is it, Trinity?
“I had a strained muscle and I felt like I couldn’t do my job to the fullest of my ability.”
“Does the loss weigh heavily on you?”
“Every loss does. We want to go out and win every game and make our way back to the Super Bowl. I gotta run.”
I move off into the crowd and avoid any other reporters who come my way. The only other one I’m willing to talk to is Aiden Marchetti, the sports anchor from MCAX where Autumn works, but I don’t see him and head toward the locker room. Because of the position I play, not too many people want to chat with me and I’m okay with it. They want the superstars like Noah, Cameron Simmons, and Brandon Garrison. I hiked the ball when Noah told me to, and I blocked some men to give him more time in the pocket—nothing extraordinary to report.
After I shower and dress, I find Kelsey in the hall with the other wives and girlfriends. I take her hand and lead her away from everyone without saying hi or giving her a kiss. We veer down another hall, and then another until we’re far enough away from the people lingering. I drop my bag and back her up against the wall, my lips instantly on hers and my hand cupping her ass.
Her fingers push into my wet hair as she opens her mouth for me. Our tongues touch and we moan at the same time. I pick her up and her legs wrap around my waist, leaving her perfectly lined up to where I want to be, all the time.
Kelsey flexes her hips, rubbing herself against me. “Honey,” I say in between kissing her beautiful mouth.
“I’ve missed you.”
“I’m right here.” And I am. I haven’t left her side except when she goes to work, or I go to the stadium. I time everything so I’m done when she’s finished at the office, but she often has to work from home at night, which I don’t mind. I either play on my phone or read a book. As long as I’m with her, I don’t care.
Kelsey pulls away and looks into my eyes. “I know but watching you out there, with all that bending over you do . . .” She fans her face.
I can’t help but laugh and bury my face in her neck. “Honey, you’re killing me right now.”
“Take me home, then. To your house.”
I quickly realized she’s a bit more vocal in the bedroom when we’re at my place, which I’m sure has to do with her neighbors. I don’t mind in the slightest because hearing her scream my name out in pleasure is one of the purest joys I’ve ever experienced.
“I will, but first, Noah asked if we want to go over to his and Peyton’s tonight.”
“For another party?”
“No, he just invited us over because I asked him about his future with the team. I sense there’s something he wants to tell me. And before you ask, I don’t know if his dad is there. He could be, but he might have gone back to Los Angeles or wherever he lives.”
“That’s okay. I’m over him.”
My eyebrow pops at her. “Is that so?”
She shrugs but looks away and starts laughing. “Okay, maybe not. I will be after I meet him, whenever that might be.”
“You’re incorrigible.” I pepper her face with kisses until she squeals.
“Okay, let’s go to Noah and Peyton’s. It’s not like what we have planned for later has a timer.”
“This is true,” I say after kissing her again. We go for another make-out session and then finally disengage when we hear people milling around. With her hand in mine, we zig-zag toward the exit and into the parking lot where I get the dubious honor of lifting her into my truck. Her ass fits perfectly in the palm of my hand, and I vow to never ever sell this thing as long as Kelsey and I are together.
NINETEEN
KELSEY
As much as I want to make friends with Alex’s friends and teammates, there are also times when I want to go home and be with him, alone. The more time we spend together, the more I want to be with him. It’s a weird feeling, knowing my heart craves someone as much as it does with Alex, but I’m relishing the feeling. I think—no, I believe—he feels the same way. On the rare night we’re not together and waking up in each other’s arms the next day, he lets me know I’m the first thing on his mind with either a text or a phone call.
Alex stands behind me as the elevator to Noah and Peyton’s climbs. The view of the city as dusk turns into night is spectacular. After living in New York City for so long, I thought I wouldn’t be able to love another city, but I do. I’m certain it’s because I’ve met Alex. If I hadn’t, I’d be home right now with my red pen, marking up a manuscript. He’s shown me so much of what the City of Roses has to offer, and I’m so grateful for him.
Our ride comes to a stop, and he kisses my neck. “We won’t stay long,” he whispers against my skin. To me, it’s already long enough. I want to go home and spend the rest of the night in his arms before my workday begins tomorrow and we’re thrown back into the same routine. Alex tells me that come February, life changes. He’ll have time off to do whatever, except I won’t. I don’t have the luxury of taking weeks, or even months, off. I don’t know if it’s foolish to think that far ahead, months from now, and expect us to be together, but I’m hoping.
The elevator door opens. Alex tugs on my hand, but I hesitate. It’s weird walking into someone’s home without them welcoming you. As if Noah senses my hesitation, he comes around the corner with a grin on his face.
“Perfect timing,” he says as a way to greet us. “My dad just put the meat on the grill. Dinner should be ready in a few minutes. Let’s grab a drink.”
His dad!
Nothing fazes Alex, and I wish I could be like him. He’s used to this, the glitz and glam of entertainment. I spent more time than I care to admit looking him up on the internet again and saw just how many events he goes to. One thing I learned is he looks damn fine in a tuxedo. I also figured out he’s camera shy and prefers to keep his head down. He doesn’t like the limelight or the attention. Can’t say I blame him.
My feet stumble and Alex looks at me. He shakes his head with a smirk and then we’re walking again. This time out to the balcony where Liam Page is. Not only is he out here, but so is Harrison James.
The dads!
Alex clears his throat, and the men look in his direction. Every fiber of my being ignites with nervousness. “Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Kelsey Sloane.” Alex smiles at me and then says, “Kels, this is Liam and Harrison, Noah and Peyton’s dads.”
Their dads. Not members of a famous band or two extremely hot musicians. Tonight, they’re fathers who are in town to visit their kids.