“I’m having an out of body experience right now.”
He chuckles and kisses the top of my head.
I step back and look everywhere but at Alex. He tips my chin, forcing me to look at him. I expect him to say something, but instead he leans forward and presses his lips to mine. Over the noise level, I hear Basha cheer us on. I pull away and hide my face in his jersey.
Alex turns his back so the people in the stadium can’t see us. “I love you, Kels. Tell me what I have to do for a second chance?”
“There isn’t anything you need to do except we need to talk. I don’t like that you kept the hook-up from me, But I’m yours, Alex. I’m here.”
He scoops me up and twirls me around. “Thank fuck. I’ve been miserable without you, and I promise to never ever let my stupidity come between us again.”
“Me too,” I tell him honestly. “I’ve hated being away from you and only being able to see you on television. But this situation with Maggie—”
Alex smiles brightly and refuses to let me down. “There’s no situation,” he interrupts me. “The baby isn’t mine. And you’ll never know how sorry I am for not coming clean about her earlier visit. I’m sorry I hurt you in that way.”
I don’t know how to measure relief, but I’m flooded with it. I probably shouldn’t be happy, but I am. So fucking happy.
Alex finally puts me down, even though I’d be content staying in his arms. “I don’t know what to say,” I tell him. “Are you sad?”
“She’s not the one I want to start a family with.”
“No?”
He shakes his head. “You are, when we’re ready.”
“Me?” I ask, dumbfounded.
“Of course,” he says. He steps forward and cups my cheek and then leans down. “This is a conversation for another day, Kels. But I, for one, can’t wait to start practicing again.”
My body shivers, and he kisses my cheek. “Go sit with the band, honey. They’re expecting you. I’ll see you after the game.”
“I love you, Alex. Kick some ass today!”
“Anything for you.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
ALEX
From an outsider’s point of view, Kelsey and I kissed and made up. The truth is relationships are hard work. This is something I’ve learned from dating Kelsey to the situation with Maggie, to getting back together with Kels. I used to take everything with an easy come, easy go attitude. But that attitude is what got me into trouble with Kelsey. My lifestyle isn’t easy to take, and I thrust her into it, thinking she was like Maggie. I forgot Maggie was new to the attention and used to get nervous on dates, just the same as Kelsey is now. It was wrong of me to think I had the ebb and flow mastered.
I’m not sure I ever will, but I sure as hell am trying.
Doing what I did at the game in San Diego was probably the easiest and hardest thing I had ever done. I knew where I wanted Kelsey to sit, so I could flirt with her throughout the game, but knowing 4225 West sat there had me second guessing my plan. Thankfully, Noah pulled some strings and helped me. He didn’t have to ask his dad or Peyton’s to help, but he did and did so without reservation. Noah’s a good friend and I’m damn lucky to have him in my life. I don’t even know how I’ll ever thank him, Liam, or Harrison for making Kelsey feel welcome and included, but I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to find a way. The words aren’t enough, and I’m not sure anything ever will be.
By the end of the game, Liam and Harrison had Kelsey laughing, taking selfies, and smiling so damn big. Of course, I knew some of that smile of hers was meant for me, and it felt good seeing her happy. That’s how I want to see her, every day, for the rest of her life.
I stand in front of the mirror in my walk-in closet and adjust my bowtie. Behind, Kelsey fusses with her heels and mutters a string of unpleasantries. I stare at her through the mirror and take her in before turning around.
“Honey, sit down.” I move the pile of clothes off the bench and guide her to it, and then crouch down and help her slip her shoe on. Once her foot is incased, I kiss her ankle. But that’s not enough for me and I continue to move my way up her leg, bunching her dress as I go.
“Alex.” There’s a hint of warning in her tone. Only a hint though. She hasn’t told me to stop. When I reach her red lace thong, I nuzzle her. Her gasp is faint.
“So, fucking sweet.” I run my nose over the lace covering her. “Can I taste you?”
“No,” she says softly, teasing me as her fingers push into my head.
I smile and pull her panties aside, while my other arm wraps around her waist to pull her forward a bit. I need better access. Miraculously this gorgeous dress I bought her is now over her hips and her legs widen. She may have told me no, but did she really mean it?
My knuckle brushes against her slit, causing her to gasp. “Alex, we don’t have time.” She moans and my tongue says differently after I taste her.
“Fucking delicious.” Another lick from her center to her clit. My teeth graze her sensitive bud before putting my mouth there. “God, I fucking love this pussy.”
“She loves you too.”
“She fucking better because she’s mine.”
As much as I want to stay buried between her legs, we have an obligation. After another lick with a little tease around her hole, I put her panties back and kiss my way down her leg until I’m at her bare foot, where I help slip her heel on.
I stand and my hard-on ends up at her eye level. Kelsey licks her lips and I growl. “Later.” As much as it pains me to say that word, if I let her tug my zipper down and free my cock, we’ll miss the fundraiser and Coach will have my hide. With my contract coming up soon, the last thing I need is to give him an excuse to not renew me. Of course, if Noah leaves, I may follow, depending on Kelsey. It’s not really something we talk about because she loves her job. For all I know, I could end up staying in Portland til retirement, although I’m way too young for that.
Stepping away from her penetrating eyes, I go back to the mirror and make sure my bowtie is straight, and then I head into the bathroom. Kelsey follows and fixes her makeup even though she looks flawless. I kiss her and then rinse my mouth out even though I’d love nothing more than to keep the taste of her on my tongue, I wouldn’t want to embarrass her if someone noticed and said something. I work with a bunch of jocks, they’re crude and have no filters.
A horn honks outside and we gather our things. I drape Kelsey’s bare shoulders with a shawl and hold the door for her. The event is downtown and is a fundraiser with the Marines for Toys for Tots. We’ll likely see Maggie for the first time since Kelsey and I have gotten back together. My plan is to ignore her but if she comes up to us, I’ll be cordial. People will be watching, and I don’t need to give anyone any ammunition.
Renting a limo for the night means I can focus on my love. She sits next to me, with her knees touching mine. I hand her a flute of champagne and touch my glass to hers.
“To us,” I say.
“To us.”
By the time we get downtown, we’ve had two glasses, and she has to grip my arm for support. “Don’t let go of me,” she begs.