“Yeah, and a golf tournament,” he grumbles, making me smile.
I banish my smile away. This feels so normal, talking with him. Looking at him. Wishing he would just pull me into his arms and never let me go.
Nope. Not yet. I can’t think like that.
“I missed you,” he says. “So damn bad. I’m sorry, Eleanor. That I lied to you. That I didn’t tell you who I really am, or what I really do. I love what I do. I’m a lucky motherfucker, and I know it. But playing pro ball also comes with a lot of restrictions. It’s hard for me trust anyone. Every woman I meet, I never think she’ll actually like me for me. Some women only seem to care about how much money we make, or how much airtime we get during a game broadcast. I’ve seen it happen time and again to other guys I play with, and it sucks.”
I could care less about any of those things he just mentioned. I had no idea he even played football for the NFL, so none of that matters.
All I care about is him.
“You liked me for me. None of that mattered. You thought I was funny. You wanted to spend time with me, and you didn’t even know who I really was, or what I did. And that felt good. It felt great.” His hungry gaze rakes over me. “Damn, woman, you’re gorgeous in that dress.”
“Thank you,” I say with a smile, soaking up his compliments.
“I want another chance with you.” He takes a step closer, reaching for my hands and clasping them in his own. They’re big and warm and cradle me gently, and I know without a doubt that’s how he’ll always hold me. Carefully. Securely. He’s got me. “If I have to get down on my knees and beg for your forgiveness, I’ll do it. Just please, Eleanor. Give me another chance.”
“Go ahead,” I tell him. “Get on your knees then.”
He doesn’t even hesitate. Just crouches down and gets on his knees on the damp grass in his expensive-looking trousers, still holding onto my hands. He’s so tall, he’s almost at eye level, but not quite. Actually, he’s at tit level. And he’s staring at them for a too long moment, as if he’s in a trance.
Then he shakes his head and tilts it back, his warm gaze meeting mine, and it takes everything within me not to burst out laughing.
“Do you forgive me?” he asks.
I squeeze his hands. “I don’t like that you kept such important information from me, but I understand your reasoning behind it. I don’t know what that’s like, having to deal with being a celebrity.”
He rolls his eyes. “Baby, I’m not a big-time celebrity. I’m no Kardashian.”
“Oh I know. But you still deal with fame. Women throwing themselves at you because of what you do, not who you are.” I smile. “I like you for you. I don’t care what you do. Well, I do, because how freaking cool is it that you play for the Raiders? But that doesn’t make a difference in how I feel about you.”
“How do you feel about me?” he asks.
“Like I’m falling for you,” I tell him with the utmost sincerity. “I forgive you.”
“Thank God,” he mutters. “Can I stand now?”
Laughing, I pull him back up, though I really had nothing to do with that. He’s solid as a rock. “Can you kiss me?”
There’s no hesitation as he pulls me into his arms and presses his mouth to mine. A shiver moves through me when he parts my lips with his tongue, and we’re full-blown making out in front of the tent, while the party still carries on inside.
Minutes later I’m finally extracting myself from his embrace, my entire body flushed and shaky. “We need to calm down.”
“I can’t help it.” He grins. “I’m so glad to see you. And that dress. Goddamn. Turn around.” I do a little circle and he whistles low. “You’re trying to kill me.”
“I didn’t even know you’d be here,” I tell him as I hook my arm through his and lead him toward the tent entrance.
“I had to come get you, Eleanor. I don’t give up on what I consider mine.” He stops me, dropping another kiss on my lips. “And you’re mine. Just like I’m yours.”
Oh shit. I am beyond giddy at his words, at that wondrous glow shining in his eyes.
We enter the tent and I start introducing him to everyone I know. The men stare at him slack-jawed for a moment, because they all pretty much know exactly who he is, which is such a thrill. Mitch handles it all with ease, smiling and shaking hands with everyone, putting on the charm on every single one of my friends. He tells Caroline and Alex he’s sorry for crashing their reception and they both forgive him easily.
Maybe I forgave him too easily as well, but I’d be a fool to let this man go.
And I know it.
“All right, single ladies, gather around! The bride is going to toss the bouquet!” the DJ announces a few minutes later.
My friends and I all go to the designated spot a few feet away from where Caroline stands. Candice sits this one out since she has a fat diamond on her finger, but the rest of us are there. Even Amelia, who’s still currently split from her jerk of a boyfriend. I’m so proud of her for keeping away from him. He’s toxic and I think she finally realizes it.
“Your Mitch is cute,” Stella says, nodding toward where he’s standing. I glance over to find him watching me as Carter speaks to him. “He seems totally into you.”
“He is totally into me,” I say with a giant grin. “I can’t believe he showed up here tonight.”
“I can,” Stella says with confidence.
I stare at her. “Did you know?” How could she?
“Nope, but I had a feeling he’d come for you eventually. And look, he did.” She gives me a brief hug. “I think he might be good for you.”
“I’d like to think I’m good for him too,” I say.
“Oh, I’m sure you are. And by the way he’s staring at you, I’d guess he can’t wait to you get alone. I’m sure you two will cause a ruckus in your hotel room tonight. Again.” She nudges me in the side.
We all have rooms at the hotel this evening. Alex made sure we wouldn’t have to drive home. In fact, I sort of forgot all about that tasty little fact.
“Better hope your room isn’t next to mine. We’ll keep you awake all night,” I tell her, just before we start giggling.
“Okay, ladies, here we go! Our bride is ready to toss the bouquet. Who’s ready to catch it?” the DJ asks over the microphone.
We all start shouting and jumping up and down. Caroline’s laughing at us, aiming the bouquet at Sarah, then me. Then Stella. Kelsey. Amelia. We all give each other a look, and I know it’s going to be a fight.
But I don’t want it. I’m just pretending I do. Come on, do you really think I’d battle it out for that bouquet and then show it to Mitch? He’d probably quietly lose his mind. I know we’re moving fast, but not that fast.
So I put on a bit of a show, acting like I’m going to leap over all of them to get that bouquet. Caroline sizes us up over her shoulder before she turns away and tosses it.
Right at…
Stella.
The flowers fall into her hands as if it’s meant to be. We all start pointing and looking over at Carter, who appears a little surprised. He and Stella are madly in love, but I don’t believe he’s thought about marriage.