Like fourth and long, the whole stadium screaming my name.
I’m terrified because one mistake could cost everything.
But I could lose a game and survive.
Losing you, however…”
“You have it?” He sat up, pulling my hand to his chest. “I thought I’d left it in a hotel room somewhere.”
“I didn’t mean to steal it. It was the day I bought all those things for your apartment. I accidentally found it, then when I ran, I stuffed it into my pocket.”
His eyes softened, and he slid his lips over mine. “Why did you run? Why were you always running from me?”
My stomach tingled, and I scooted closer, resting my cheek against his shoulder. “I knew I’d fall so hard for you. I was afraid. You were a total player.”
“I was never a player. I just liked to play.”
Leaning back, I met his eyes, nodding. “Legendary.”
“Gridiron Gold.” Our lips reunited and we were lost in another consuming kiss.
Now, entering Cooters & Shooters, all I see is family.
Mom meets me at the door holding a small paper tray of bright orange nuggets. “I saved you some hot chicken. You guys were up there a long time!”
“We had a lot to say.” I take the dish from her, turning it to the side. A plastic cup of white sauce is on the side. “What is this?”
“Ghost pepper nuggets with blue cheese-cream sauce. Allie said the cream cuts the burn, so if you want the full effect, try it without the sauce.”
“Hmm…” I pucker my lips. “Ghost pepper, you say?”
Kim skips up to me, putting her arm around my back. “Careful with that one. It burns going in and burns coming out.”
“Ew!” I laugh, hugging her arm closer to mine.
“I’m obsessed with your mother,” she continues, turning to Mom. “She’s a total vibe, and this dress isVersace!”
Mom looks down at the bright yellow dress with silvery-white flowers all over it. “It’s vintage. I actually found it at a second-hand store in Miami, and I nearly fainted.”
“See what I mean?” Kim shakes her dark, curly head, rolling her brown doe-eyes. “Obsessed!”
I’m obsessed with how pretty and fun my future sister-in-law is. “She’s always been able to find the needle in a haystack.”
“Speaking of needles, your uncle Spencer sends his love. He was really impressed by Cricket. He said she’s a sweet baby.”
“He did?” My jaw drops. “He never said a word to me.”
“You know how he is.”
Dad strolls up, putting his hand on Mom’s waist. “We’re going to head back to the hotel. Your mom and I have an early flight in the morning.”
“Oh, can’t you stay another day?” Kim puts her hand on his arm. “I want to hear all about your career in Hollywood!”
Dad chuckles, patting her hand. “It’s a short story, filled with a lot of shame and regret.”
“Dad!” I scold playfully. “That’s not true. You were in that Chris Nolan film!”
“My brief comeback,” he teases. “I was killed fifteen minutes into it.”