I grab my helmet and look over my shoulder. The entire stadium is silent.
“Sorry, I just needed to hold my daughter.” Why is everyone sniffling? Even Coach is wiping under his eyes.
I walk to my spot on the field, the crowd staring as if I were an alien.
“What?” I mutter under my breath, getting into position for the next play. “Haven’t you ever seen a dad kiss his baby?”
Igor slaps me on the back. “Man, that was really cute.”
I frown. “Can we play? The clock is ticking.”
Both teams get into formation. My chest has never felt lighter. My life has never been better. Tonight, this moment, is perfect. Well, except for the psycho killer after me, but besides that…perfect. I don’t even care if we win the game. I’m just in love with being here. Playing the game I love with a team I love. My daughter in the stadium, being held by the woman I love.
Life doesn’t get any better, and I’m going to savor all five hundred miles around the track.
“Good game, Norland!” My teammates take the time to clap me on the back as we enter the locker room. Not only did we win tonight, but I brought in three touchdowns. Our rival team, the Turkeys, is going home in total defeat.
I pull off my helmet and shove it into my locker.
“Norland,” Coach comes up behind me, “now that was some game. Good job.”
“Thanks.” I smile proudly. It feels incredible to help the team start out the season with a win. It’ll set the pace for us. “I appreciate you giving me my shot.”
“Glad I did. I’m even going to forgive that stunt you pulled.”
“Stunt?” I ask.
“The baby kissing. You planning to run for office or something?”
I laugh. “Sorry. I just needed a second to reset.”
“Well, it worked. But next time, get your smoochies in before the game starts.”
“Yes, Coach.”
He walks away, and I strip off my uniform. I wrap my towel around my waist and am about to hit the showers when my cell rings. I’m eager to get washed up and go find Lara and Fia, but I check it anyway. It’s Hector.
“Hey, Hector. What’s up?”
“Saw the game! Just calling to congratulate you, Dean. You really looked like you were in the zone tonight. That was some win.”
“I focused on enjoying the ride. Just like you said.”
“I’m proud of you. Also, the Ranch’s sale is complete, and I’m leaving early tomorrow, so this is also goodbye. By the way, I made sure you’ve got a position here after you graduate—if you want it.”
“That’s, uh, really nice of you, Hector.”
“Just be sure to give the new owner a chance. Jed’s young, but he’s smart and ambitious like you. He’s also a little rough around the edges, but what can you expect from a Texas cowboy?”
I met Jed for a brief second this week when I stopped by to collect my paycheck. He seemed okay. “Thanks, Hector. For everything. I hope you find what you’re looking for on that yacht.”
He laughs. “Bye, Dean. And congratulations again.”
We end the call, and I know in the back of my mind why Hector said what he did about the job. His goal in life has never been about obtaining wealth or power. It’s about love, like he said. I think he saw me playing tonight, and he knows I have some tough choices ahead.
If I play the rest of the season like I played tonight, I’ll be drafted. But where does that leave Fia? I can’t take a baby on the road. And what about Lara? I can’t expect her to become a full-time single mom while I’m away for weeks. Then there’s Flip. Who’ll look after him? And what about college? I can’t play football forever, and finishing my education is the rational choice.
Yet I can’t stop thinking about how much I want this. My passion is football, and if I’m lucky enough to play in the NFL, I can’t pass it up.
There has to be a solution.
And I think I just figured it out. It’s the perfect solution for everyone.
Filled with happiness, I puff out my chest. Damn, I’m good. I walk through the middle of the locker room toward the showers and yank off my towel.
Time to fuck with my teammates.
“See it and weep, guys.” I smile, letting my big dick swing in the air.
“Fuck you, Norland,” one of my teammates calls out, followed by me being pegged in the back with wads of towels and sweaty jerseys.
“Just showing off my dad bod.” I chuckle and hit the showers. I’m back, bitches.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
I’m walking out of the locker room, anxious to find Lara and Fia, who should be somewhere near her car on the other side of the press mob, when a familiar face blocks my path.
“Hey, Dean,” says Dannie, smiling like the she-demon she is. She’s wearing a low-cut black T-shirt and skintight jeans.